San O History

13” x 9”

Mixed Media Assemblage (vintage railroad spike, archival print materials, wood, resin)

Celebrate the heritage of San Onofre surf break with this handcrafted, mixed media shadow box artwork by California surf artist Nathan Gibbs. Trestles #3 – San O is a nostalgic homage to one of Southern California’s most iconic surfing beaches. Centered around an authentic, vintage railroad spike—a symbolic relic from the old train line that brought travelers past San Onofre State Beach—this assemblage art piece fuses surf history with coastal craftsmanship.

Encased under a glossy resin finish, the box includes printed archival materials detailing San Onofre’s famous surf spots: The Point, Inside’s, and Outside’s. A 1965 photograph and a hand-drawn map layout give visual context to the break’s legendary status. The title “SAN ONOFRE” is built from Scrabble-style wood tiles, adding a nostalgic texture that complements the handcrafted wood frame and layered design.

This surf memorabilia artwork is a rare blend of railroad art, surf culture history, and beach house wall decor. Whether you’re a collector of longboard surf art, a fan of Trestles surf break, or someone who appreciates unique California coastal decor, this one-of-a-kind piece makes a powerful visual statement.

This piece draws from several small excerpts, a surf break diagram, and a 1960s photo found in Surfing California (1973), used here under the doctrine of fair use as part of a transformative visual artwork.

These elements are reimagined within a sculptural assemblage that reflects on San Onofre’s iconic surf history and cultural significance. By framing the site’s breaks — The Point, Inside, and Outside — through both physical and typographic material, the piece explores the relationship between landscape, identity, and time.

The use is limited, critical, and non-substitutive, and is presented with deep respect for the historical source material.

All rights to the original texts and images remain with their respective copyright holders.