Good Waves

resin, vintage Lowers railroad spike, wood letters and copied excerpts from Surfing California.  

This one-of-a-kind surf art sculpture titled “Good Waves” captures the spirit and geography of Lower Trestles, one of Southern California’s most iconic surf breaks. Crafted by artist Nathan Gibbs, this 9x12 inch wall-hanging artwork combines reclaimed materials and hand-carved wood lettering with a preserved vintage railroad spike—an homage to the trestle line that gave this legendary wave its name.

Embedded behind resin lies an original surf map and vintage surf report of Trestles, highlighting spots like Church, Cottons, and Upper and Lower Trestle. Words like GOOD WAVES rise boldly from the piece, framing the spike like a monument to SoCal surf culture. The spike itself stands vertically, subtly symbolizing both a wave’s energy and the railroad roots of the break’s history. Hand-etched wood and layered depth give this piece a tactile, almost shrine-like presence.

Whether you’re a longtime local, rail-riding grom, or simply drawn to coastal culture, this artwork evokes the gritty, sun-washed soul of California surf history. It’s a perfect collectible for surfers, Trestles fans, or anyone who appreciates authentic surf memorabilia and the handcrafted storytelling of the West Coast.

This piece incorporates limited excerpts, an archival photo, and a surf break map excerpted from Surfing California (1973), used under the doctrine of fair use as part of a transformative mixed-media work.

The sculpture explores the identity and mythology of Lower Trestles — a revered surf break — through juxtaposition of archival content, reclaimed material, and stylized language. “Good Waves” refers not only to the surf itself, but to the cultural waves of access, restriction, and communal memory.

The original materials are used in a critical, non-substitutive, and limited way, reframed to reflect on Southern California surf history.

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