Surfing The South by Steve Estes

Surfing the South

The Search for Waves and the People Who Ride Them

By Steve Estes

Discover the heart and soul of southern surf culture in this one-of-a-kind coastal adventure. Surfing the South blends history, humor, and heartfelt storytelling as author Steve Estes journeys more than 2,300 miles along the sun-drenched shores of the American South—from the coast of Texas to Ocean City, Maryland.

Along the way, he surfs legendary breaks, shares meals in seaside towns, and interviews a cast of unforgettable locals who shaped the southern wave-riding scene. The result is a vivid, insightful portrait of a region where the surf is underrated, the history is rich, and the people are the story.

What You’ll Love

• 🌊 A sweeping surf road trip across the entire southern coastline
• 🎙️ Dozens of authentic interviews with surfers, locals, and cultural pioneers
• 📖 A blend of personal reflection, regional history, and surf evolution
• ☀️ Written with southern charm, humor, and emotional depth
• 🏄 Perfect for both seasoned surfers and coastal culture enthusiasts

Featured Stories Include

• One of the first surfers on the Gulf Coast of Louisiana
• A Vietnam-era surf club operator from China Beach
• A 1966 World Surfing Championship competitor from Daytona
• …and many more wild, inspiring, and unexpected tales

Whether you’re chasing waves or simply love the people who do, this book brings the spirit of the South to life—sunrise paddle-outs, sunset shoreline conversations, and all the magic in between.