The Surf Atlas
The Surf Atlas
Expert Praise
A glorious 320-page hardcover book... an elegantly balanced formula of words and photos of some of the planet's greatest waves and surf breaks
— Surfer Today
Couldn't load pickup availability
Why It Made The List
We love this one. A globe-spanning celebration of surf culture, this incredible visual atlas charts the world’s most unique, remarkable waves and the communities that surround them. From iconic breaks in Hawaii and California to hidden coastlines in Africa, Asia, and beyond, it blends vivid, captivating photography with storytelling that captures the thrill of the ride and the lifestyle on shore. It highlights the diversity of surf spots—tropical, temperate, and polar—while also exploring the cultural and environmental contexts that shape them. Produced in Gestalten’s large-format, design-forward style, it’s as much an inspiration for future trips as it is a testament to surfing’s timeless allure.
More on GESTALTEN
At A Glance
- Full-colour hardcover, 320 pages
- Packed with spectacular surf photography
- Iconic and lesser-known breaks worldwide
- Spans six major surfing regions
- A brilliant gift for surfers and enthusiasts
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
Title: The Surf Atlas: Iconic Waves and Surfing Hinterlands
Editors: gestalten & Luke Gartside
Format: Hardcover, full‑color, stitch‑bound
Publication Date: November 2022
Pages: 320
Dimensions: 25.0 × 30.7 × 3.6 cm
Weight: 2.106 kg
Language: English
Publisher: gestalten
MORE DETAIL
MORE DETAIL
Running 320 pages in a generous 24 × 30cm hardcover, The Surf Atlas is a substantial feel-good coffee-table tome—heavy enough to appreciate physically, light enough to carry as inspiration on your next getaway.
Thoughtfully organised by region—Africa, Asia, Europe, Central & South America, North America, and Oceania & the Pacific—it spans a global circuit of surf culture and geography, delivering vivid scenes from under the northern lights in Norway to equatorial swells in Ghana, desert breaks in Oman, and Waikiki’s classic longboarding spirit.
The project is led by editor and photographer Luke Gartside, known for his work with Wavelength magazine and years spent documenting European surf culture. He’s joined by a strong cast of visual contributors, including the acclaimed surf photographer Alan van Gysen, whose work across the African coastline has shaped modern surf storytelling.
Every page is a visual statement. The full-colour photography is rich and immersive, printed on FSC-certified premium matte paper stock with sharp image reproduction and deep contrast that gives the imagery real presence. The binding is stitch-sewn and cloth-wrapped, designed to last.
Alongside the imagery are punchy insights into when to go, how to prepare, and what makes each surf spot culturally or ecologically distinct. The focus isn’t just on iconic breaks but also on underexplored coastlines and emerging surf communities.
Published by Gestalten, it’s a modern reference for wave chasers, slow travellers, and anyone seeking a broader perspective on global surf culture. Whether you’re planning your next trip or simply dreaming, this book delivers both fuel and form.
SHIPPING AND RETURNS
SHIPPING AND RETURNS
SHIPPING OPTIONS
Standard - Royal Mail Tracked 48 (2-3 business days): £2.95
DPD Next Business Day (Cut off: 2pm Mon-Fri): £5.95
DPD Next Business Day by 12 Midday (Cut off: 2pm Mon-Fri): £12.95
DPD Saturday Delivery (Cut-off: Fri 2pm): £9.95
DPD Saturday Delivery by 12 Midday (Cut off: Fri 2pm): £12.95
DPD Sunday Delivery (Cut-off: Fri 2pm): £9.95
18+ PRODUCTS
18+ Standard - Royal Mail Tracked 48 + Age Verified (2-3 business days): £4.95
18+ Express - Royal Mail Tracked 24 + Age Verified (Usually next business day but not guaranteed, cut-off 2pm Mon-Fri): £7.95
FREE SHIPPING
FREE Royal Mail Tracked 48 (2-3 Business Days): Orders £90+
FREE Premium DPD Next Business Day (Cut off: 2pm Mon-Fri): Orders £250+
*All time-specific deliveries are usually delivered within advertised timeframes, but carriers do not 100% guarantee
N.B. For 18+ orders that include bladed products or alcohol, a £2 surcharge is added to normal shipping costs, to cover the legally required Age Verification service (as detailed above). All such orders will be shipped via Royal Mail.
For some rural postcodes next day delivery is not possible. For more detail on these postcodes, please see our Shipping page. There is no system check for these postcodes, so please do not select these services if your delivery address falls within this list.
RETURNS
We offer 100-day returns, provided items are returned in a perfectly re-sellable condition (undamaged and in original condition with tags/packaging). For more detailed information on conditions of return and the process involved, please see our Returns policy page.

More From Gestalten
-
The Wild Game Cook Book
Vendor:Gestalten№142Regular price £35Regular priceUnit price / per£0.00Sale price £35 -
Original Man
Vendor:Gestalten№123Regular price £29.50Regular priceUnit price / per£0.00Sale price £29.50 -
Voyages: Sidetracked Beyond
Vendor:Gestalten№219Regular price £39.95Regular priceUnit price / per£0.00Sale price £39.95 -
Porsche 911: The Ultimate Sportscar
Vendor:Gestalten№329Regular price £34Regular priceUnit price / per£0.00Sale price £34 -
Beautiful Machines: The Era of the Elegant Sports Car
Vendor:Gestalten№221Regular price £54.95Regular priceUnit price / per£0.00Sale price £54.95 -
Cliffhanger
Vendor:Gestalten№115Regular price £34Regular priceUnit price / per£0.00Sale price £34
Shop Categories