How the Momentum Generation redefined modern surf culture
- Text by Michael Fordham
- Photography by Art Brewer
![How the Momentum Generation redefined modern surf culture](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/91_017h_Barbados_Kelly_Pat_Oconnell_0742-copy_2023-03-27-105215_ngue.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Taylor Steele’s Momentum films were, for us, a dispatch from surfing’s Holy Land.
The tight cadre of impossibly talented, preposterously privileged, infuriatingly pretty young surfers that made up the cast were blessed apostles, whose fate it was to ride the most radical waves on the planet, in the most progressive fashion imaginable. If you were left feeling like an outsider as you watched Todd Chesser slide into that cavernous Backdoor barrel, it was understandable. Especially from the perspective of Britain’s gloomy, piddly waved latitudes.
From that gilt-edged upbringing on the edge of waters which threw, pitched and ramped into our dreams, the Momentum Generation sprouted from an extended and riotous slumber party on the North Shore, before making their way into every VHS player in every scuzzy surf shack in the known universe. So many of them – Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, Taylor Knox, King Kelly Slater – would go on to define their own distinct corner of surf culture. We envied these guys. We wanted to be them. We tried to surf like them. We failed.
In association with London Surf / Film Festival 2018, Huck is celebrating the stars of Steele’s seminal videos with Momentum Posse, an exhibition – hosted by Machado himself – featuring some of our favourite images from the photographers who were there to watch them do it. Showing at the 71a Gallery from 2pm on 13 October, 2018, join us as we pay homage to the characters that changed surfing forever.
The Momentum Generation lived lives we could only dream of. But in doing, so they inspired us to live our own unique versions of that impossible dream. And for that we are forever grateful.
Momentum Posse, an exhibition presented by Huck and Rob Machado, is showing at the 71a Gallery from 2 – 5pm on 13 October, 2018.
Special thanks to Art Brewer, Todd Glaser, Guy Martin and Steve Sherman.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
![Autism cannot be cured — stop trying](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/shutterstock_2322534063.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Autism cannot be cured — stop trying
A questionable study into the ‘reversal’ of autism does nothing but reinforce damaging stereotypes and harm, argues autistic author Jodie Hare.
Written by: Jodie Hare
![Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/Hashem-Shakeri-from-the-series-_Staring-into-the-Abyss_.-%C2%A9-Hashem-Shakeri.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Bristol Photo Festival returns for second edition
After the success of it’s inaugural run, the festival returns this autumn with exhibitions, education and community programmes exploring a world in constant motion through still image.
Written by: Ben Smoke
![Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/web-Eyanna-has-always-been-Maliks-primary-caregiver.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Documenting the life of a New York gang leader paralysed by gun violence
New photobook ‘Say Less’ is a complex yet humanising look into a life wrecked by gun violence and organised crime.
Written by: Isaac Muk
![The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/7_ULTRAMAGNETIC-MCS_NYC-1990.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
The woman who defined 80s Hip Hop photography
A new exhibition brings together Janette Beckman’s visionary and boundary pushing images of an era of cultural change and moral panic.
Written by: Miss Rosen
![In photos: the dogs of Dogtown](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/saguy_dogtown_02_RGB.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
In photos: the dogs of Dogtown
A new photobook documents Venice Beach’s four legged friends and their colourful cast of owners.
Written by: Isaac Muk
![Inside the battle to stop coal](https://images.huckmag.com/tco/images/Huck/DSC00173.jpg?w=1920&q=75&auto=compress&format=jpg)
Inside the battle to stop coal
As the legal challenge against Britain’s first deep coal mine in 30 years reaches the High court, we talk to activists at the centre of the fight to stop it.
Written by: Ben Smoke