Upper Trestles

“Trestles #4 – Uppers” (20x7) by Nathan Gibbs | Surf Art with Railroad Spike from Upper Trestles

Resin,rusted rail spike taken directly from the Trestles tracks during a repair, resin, letters, historical copies of ‘Surfing California’

This handmade mixed media piece captures the soul of Southern California surf culture and the raw, industrial roots of surf access. Titled “Trestles #4 – Uppers”, the artwork features an authentic rusted railroad spike, epoxied into a handcrafted wood frame with layered inlays, commemorating the iconic surf break known as Upper Trestles. Above the spike, the carved lettering “UPRZ” evokes both a surf abbreviation and a forgotten rail tag, reinforcing the convergence of wave and rail history.

Inlaid beneath the spike is a vintage black-and-white photograph of a classic winter swell at Uppers, along with a printed surf spot description and map pulled from early Southern California surf guides. These archival elements ground the piece in the surfing lore of Upper Trestles.

Framed in natural wood with subtle craftsmanship, this 2025 piece measures 20” x 7” and is signed by the artist on the reverse. Perfect for surf collectors, history buffs, and lovers of Trestles, it connects wave culture to tangible relics of the past.

This piece integrates a brief excerpt and historical image from Surfing California (1973), used under the doctrine of fair use for the purpose of artistic transformation and cultural reflection.

The materials are presented in a sculptural framework referencing Upper Trestles — a site iconic in surf history — reimagined here through reclaimed hardware, wood, and surf ephemera. The work invites viewers to reflect on the intersection of geography, ritual, and personal experience.

This use does not reproduce or substitute the original book and is non-commercial in intent, transformative in context, and respectful of the original source.

All rights to the original text and photo remain with their respective copyright holders.