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From the moment I was legally able to drive, I would escape to the coast for endless hours, usually with a surfboard strapped to my vehicle. Over time, my passions expanded beyond surfing to other deep-rooted interests—some of which I’m fortunate to call my occupation through the world of watches and horology with Craft + Tailored. But driving has always been more than just a means of transportation; it has been a passion, an escape, and a form of self-expression.
To my surprise, I found that the Porsche world held a similar sense of community—one that felt just as familiar as the lineup on a crisp morning in Southern California waters. In the surf, it doesn’t matter where someone comes from or what their background is. There’s an unspoken connection, a shared commitment to the ocean and the lifestyle it demands. A knowing glance, a nod of approval after taking a heavy set on the head, or the hoots and hollers when you score the best wave of the day—these are the moments that define the surf community.
That same understanding exists within the Porsche world. There’s an unspoken bond among enthusiasts, whether it’s a subtle nod as you pass another 911 on the road or an instant conversation starter at a gas station over a classic air-cooled engine. The appreciation, the passion, and the connection—it’s all the same.
For me, surfing and Porsche culture are intertwined. They both represent a way of life, a pursuit of style and performance, and a community built around shared passion. Whether it’s in the water or behind the wheel, it’s about freedom, adventure, and the thrill of the ride.
When I first heard about the Porsche x Almond Surfboards collaboration, I instantly understood it. But I know there were probably people in both the surfing and Porsche communities scratching their heads, thinking, “Huh? What does surfing have to do with Porsche?”
To be completely transparent, I already had a couple of Almond boards in my quiver and had been a fan of the brand for a while. Over the years, my approach to surfing has evolved—just as my approach to driving has. Surfing for me now isn’t about “shredding” or being the most “rad” guy in the lineup. It’s about connection— with myself, with the ocean, and with that feeling that keeps surfers coming back, wave after wave.
At its core, the Porsche x Almond Surfboards collaboration, Single Fins & Air-Cooled Engines, is about more than just surfboards and cars. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and the pursuit of a timeless ride—whether on land or in the water. Driving a vintage Porsche isn’t always about pushing the limits of speed or setting lap times. It’s about the experience—the mechanical purity of rowing through the gears, the raw feedback from the road, and the deep sense of connection between driver and machine. Just as an Almond board is shaped to work with the wave rather than fight against it, a vintage Porsche is designed to communicate with the road, not overpower it. The weight distribution of a rear-engine 911 demands a certain rhythm and respect—much like reading the ocean and positioning yourself for the right wave. It’s about working in harmony with the elements, not forcing an outcome.
This limited-edition collection features surfboards inspired by the iconic Porsche 911 models of the 1960s, available in classic Porsche colors like Bahama Yellow, Polo Red, Irish Green, and the legendary Pink Pig racing livery. The collaboration perfectly encapsulates the fusion of Porsche’s automotive heritage with Southern California’s surf culture—two worlds that, at first glance, couldn’t be more different yet share the same essence of craftsmanship, passion, and the pursuit of an unforgettable ride.
Almond Surfboards embraces this philosophy. Their shapes and craftsmanship pay homage to a time when surfing was more about flow, style, and the experience rather than aggressive performance. Their boards are built for longevity, smooth glide, and versatility, blending modern craftsmanship with a deep respect for the traditions of the late ’60s and early ’70s. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, each Almond board is shaped with intention, enhancing the rider’s connection with the wave. That’s exactly what drew me to Almond in the first place, which is why I have a few of their boards in my collection.
In many ways, riding an Almond board is like driving a vintage Porsche 911—it’s a vehicle for a tangible experience, a way to engage with the moment rather than just moving through it. That’s what makes this collaboration so special.
Much like an early morning surf check, there’s a ritual to taking out a classic Porsche. The turn of the key, the mechanical whir of the flat-six coming to life—it’s a process that slows you down and makes you appreciate the moment. The same way paddling out at first light forces you to sync with nature, driving an old 911 forces you to be present, to feel every shift, every turn, every imperfection in the road.
At the end of the day, whether it’s the perfect wave or the perfect road, it’s about the feeling—the freedom, the connection, and the pursuit of something that transcends the ordinary. That’s what has always drawn me to both surfing and Porsche, and that’s why this collaboration makes perfect sense. It’s not just about boards or cars—it’s about a shared philosophy, a way of moving through the world with style, intention, and passion.
The moment you sit up on your board and take in the horizon, everything else fades away—the noise, the stress, the expectations. It’s just you, the ocean, and the anticipation of what’s to come.
For a few fleeting seconds, time slows. The board hums beneath your feet, the spray of saltwater hits your skin, and the wind rushes past your face. Every movement feels instinctual, almost effortless, as you glide along the wave’s face, carving turns or racing the lip before it crashes behind you. It’s a delicate balance between control and surrender—a dance with nature itself.
The same feeling washes over you when you’re behind the wheel of a vintage air-cooled Porsche. As you grip the wheel and ease into a winding coastal road, the rest of the world falls away. The mechanical symphony of the flat-six engine, the precise weight of the steering, the way the car responds to every input—it’s a sensory experience that demands presence. You’re not just driving; you’re connected to the road in a way that feels almost meditative
Whether it’s the rhythm of a perfect wave or the flow of a sweeping curve, both surfing and driving an old 911 remind you of the beauty in simplicity. It’s not about speed or performance stats—it’s about the feeling. And in the end, that’s what keeps us coming back, wave after wave, mile after mile. See you in the cold early morning lineup or in the twisty backroads of the Southern California coast.
Jon Arman – Jon and I have been friends for 25 years. We became friends in high school and were on the surf team together. We were young with long hair and didn’t care about much outside of girls, laughs, and surfing. Jon and I kept in touch throughout the years, but as I’m sure you can relate, life gets in the way of shit. Growing up, Jon was always a point of inspiration; in my opinion, he was the best surfer in our group of surf rats and even created a “gang” of friends under the “scurvy” moniker. Jon had an artistic perspective and could see the things in between via art, music, and people. When we decided to create this piece on the Almond X Porsche collaboration, Jon immediately came to mind as I knew Jon would “get it.” His talents for storytelling and being able to do that visually would be unmatched, as you can see via his work. Funny story: in high school, when Jon and I would pass each other in the halls, Jon would hold up a hooked finger representing a pirate’s hook, which at the time was funny and for the “insiders” only. But if I think about it, that “gang” of kids and even the hooked finger meant so much as it related to being a “pirate” and not conforming to the world and finding a community that embraced independence, individualism, and a bond that I must admit I lost once in my life to only recover it in my late 30’s.
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