CORY REYNOLDS | DATE 5/13/2024

Rizzoli Bookstore presents Tony Caramanico and Zack Raffin launching 'Montauk Surf Journals'

Monday, May 13 at 6 PM, Rizzoli Bookstore presents East Coast surf legend Tony Caramanico with surfer and journalist Zack Raffin. They will be in conversation for the launch of Caramanico's new, collage-like artist's book, Montauk Surf Journals followed by a signing.

PLEASE NOTE: RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Seating is limited and will be first come, first served. There will be lots of standing room. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Register or preorder a signed copy here.

Tony Caramanico has lived many lives bound by a singular passion. A competitive surfer, TV producer, surf shop owner, astute traveler, apprentice and artist, few have experienced more phases of surfing’s development than Caramanico. Unlike more established sports, surfing’s pop cultural adoption began largely in the ’50s and ’60s; many of those who have played a key role in its cultural ascension, such as Caramanico, are still around to impart their wisdom.

This one-of-a-kind book chronicles Caramanico’s life in surf, presenting a considered selection from his thousands of journal entries. These entries provide an intimate purview into the day-to-day life of a traveling surfer in the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, highlighting his work with the late photographer Peter Beard, from his experience living on Beard’s compound to the direct ties between their artistic practices. Punctuating Caramanico’s journal entries are photos of his highly lauded, 100-plus-piece surfboard collection, along with introductions and interviews conducted by LA-based editor Zack Raffin. Melding collage work, stream-of-consciousness writing and a plethora of surf/pop cultural references, Caramanico’s journals paint an intricate picture of freedom, joy and his undying passion for a surfing life.

Tony Caramanico (born 1950) caught his first wave in 1963 at his native Gilgo Beach, New York. Tony’s 60 years of surfing have spanned the breadth of the sport itself. Acutely aware of his exuberant existence, Tony began chronicling his daily life via his unique take on journaling in the early ’80s. After meeting renowned artist Peter Beard in Montauk, New York, Caramanico was invited to live and apprentice with Beard, using this time to guide his artistic process.

Zack Raffin is a lifelong surfer and surf journalist who has previously worked for Stab Magazine and Billabong. Having grown up in New York City, Zack found his passion for surfing on the shores of Montauk, New York, where he grew under the tutelage of East Coast Surfing Hall of Famer Tony Caramonico. After being transplanted to Venice Beach for university, Zack has since turned Malibu First Point into his local break where you can find him throughout the majority of the west coast’s summer South Swells.

Rizzoli Bookstore
'Montauk Surf Journals' launch with Tony Caramanico and Zack Raffin
Monday, May 13 at 6 PM
1133 Broadway
New York, NY 10010