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Surfers' Blood

As told by Margaret Cohen
Published by powerHouse Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

Surfers' Blood, an update with new texts of the popular hardcover, from award-winning surf photographer and filmmaker Patrick Trefz, is a survey of decades spent photographing the lifestyles and bloodlines of surf culture across the globe.Surfers' Bloodcaptures all the diverse elements that make surfing so gripping and that helped it maintain its vitality in the popular consciousness for generations. A beautiful collection of oceanscapes, portraits, and action shots, Trefz captures the most intense, glamorous, and frightening aspects of surfing along with moments of beauty, stillness, and serenity. The book juxtaposes world champions and unsung local heroes, monster waves and gentle rollers.

Surfing is all about mankind's intimate connection with the badass energy and beauty of nature. It is a deep bond, and for many surfing is a lifelong devotion and a spiritual outlet-a personal experience far removed from its much-hyped and commercialized public persona. Surfing is deeper than magazines and Hollywood depictions would lead us to believe-much deeper. For most surfers, surfing is in their blood and it connects them to an extended family that is linked through practice, tradition, craft, emulation, apprenticeship, and shared experience. Surfers' Blood reaches out to those hardcore, dyed-in-the-wool surfers through an honest and beautiful portrayal of their sport and its surrounding culture, while at the same time offering outsiders a peek into the intense undiluted world of surf.

About The Authors

Patrick Trefz is a chef, painter and filmmaker. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Surfer’s Journal, Juxtapoz, Vogue, and others. Trefz’s four length documentaries, Thread, Idiosyncrasies, Surfers’ Blood, and  Man in the Field have received widespread critical acclaim and recognition in international film festivals (HotDocs, SXSW, SSIFF). He has published three books of photography, Visions of Surf City, Thread, and Surfers’ Blood. His work focuses on a deep sense of place, and identity by way of environment. Through his films and photos, he thoroughly integrates himself in the worlds he captures.

Product Details

  • Publisher: powerHouse Books (June 25, 2019)
  • Length: 128 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781576879191

Raves and Reviews

"Patrick Trefz's book Surfer's Blood encapsulates the thrilland bliss surrounding surfing and surf culture."

– Complex

"It's precisely that chameleon-like personality and subtle, informed manner of approaching the world that makes Trefz such a valuable asset in our little surfing bubble [...] Need I even tell you how vital Surfers' Blood is to your aquatic book collection?"

– Nick McGregor, Eastern Surf Magazine

"A gorgeous collection of portraits, action shots and ocean-scapes, Surfer's Blood, is an intimate, gritty take on surf culture all around the world."

– Ralph Lauren's Rugby blog

"Trefz's images ultimately show that what draws people into surfing - and keeps them there - is a unique combination of sensations rarely found elsewhere."

– House

"In his methodical way he's amassed an impressive array of images, ranging from the Curren family at work and play, a skinnier, pre-jujitsu Joel Tudor, as well as his unusual cast of Santa Cruz cretins and lineups."

– The Surfer's Journal

"'Surfers' Blood' is a book that surfers and non-surfers alike could spend ample time with. The skill and breadth of photographic knowledge is evident in Trefz's adept use of film [...] Like a painter, his images are thoughtfully composed. And with an intuitive feel for what's meaningful to the greater surfing populous, his subject matter is relevant and interesting."

– ESPN.go

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More books from this author: Patrick Trefz