Stories from the First Coast

First Coast Lineup is an independent surf magazine built for Florida’s First Coast — this stretch of Northeast Florida coastline, and the community that shows up to surf it. It’s written and photographed from the water’s edge.

This stretch of coast produces skilled surfers, dedicated volunteers, devoted coaches, and a community that shows up at first light. Those stories rarely get told with the depth and care they deserve. First Coast Lineup exists to change that — to cover the people, the surf, and the coastline of the First Coast the way they should be covered.

What This Is

Every issue is built around long-form features paired with original photography. Profiles of the surfers chasing the next level and those who are passionate about it. The conservation work happening on our beaches before most people wake up. The coaches and the next generation coming up behind them. The moments that define a season and a swell on this coast.

It is a record of the people and moments that make this place what it is, and a platform for the local surfers, athletes, and causes worth knowing about.

Who Makes It

First Coast Lineup is written, photographed, and published by Michael Smith. The magazine grew out of four years photographing First Coast surfing — and the realization that the best stories on this coast wouldn’t fit in a caption. One person wrote, shot, and built Issue 01 — but the voices in it belong to the surfers, volunteers, and craftsmen who trusted me with their stories.

With Thanks

None of this would exist without the people who said yes — to an interview, a morning on the sand, a shop door held open. With gratitude:

To Lanea Mons, who made room between training sessions in Encinitas, California — ahead of the USA Boardriders and USA Surfing Junior Championships — to talk honestly about what it takes for a First Coast surfer to reach the next level.

To Emerson Clark, for the laughs and the honesty, and to Andrew and Shannon Clark for the support behind her.

To Mike Whisnant, who sat for an interview and then opened his shop so I could see the work up close — the magic he makes by hand.

To Jen Burns and Mary Mills of the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, who shared their knowledge and passion for protecting our nesting First Coast sea turtles.

To Michael Bensusen of Nature Industries, for his honesty, advice, support — and lunch.

To Carrie Sellers, who has always let me think out loud, and answered with patience, advice, and steady support.

And to everyone I’ve reached out to about features and collaborations still to come — thank you for being willing to share your stories and your skills. There’s more ahead.

Lastly, to my wife, Elizabeth, who puts up with the many hours I spend at the breaks, documenting the thing I love most — surfing. (I’m on my way…)

— Michael Smith