The Art Of Pure Surf Stoke

Not many capture the art of pure surf stoke quite like John Severson, a legendary artist and pioneer of surf culture. He was the founder of Surfer Magazine who created a wide range of work—from paintings, to photographs and film to depict the surfing lifestyle.

Artwork From Left: Cloudbreak, Right: Palms

In the 1990s, the canvas transformed to Kahala aloha shirts. Each piece in the Kahala x John Severson collection over the decades tells a story of waves, adventure, and the boundless thrill of a life centered around the ocean. From soft balmy moonlit scenes to the bold strokes of a barreling swell, our partnership with the Severson family celebrates surf culture and the beauty of Hawai'i.

Today, Severson's art legacy is carried on by his wife Louise and daughter Anna who worked with us to select our newest Severson design, Makaha Set. This print is inspired by the original big wave surf break, located on west side of O'ahu called Makaha. Charging surfers combined with bold colors grace our soft draped polynosic crosshatch fabrication for a dressed up aloha shirt look. 

Left to Right: Louise and Anna Severson in Lahaina, Maui.

Whether you're a seasoned surfer or admiring the islands from afar, Severson's timeless art is a reminder to embrace the spirit of adventure and to always carry the aloha spirit wherever we go.

SHOP JOHN SEVERSON PRINTS

Makaha Set	Tropic Moon