Mr Makua Rothman, Stars in “Big Waves And Bold Prints”

I love it when Mr Porter does these. Firstly, because seeing professional surfers in clothes far fruitier than they’re used to is fun. And secondly, because the accompanying text is always accurate, but clearly written by a non-surfer, which also throws up moments of fun. This time, however, it’s written by a surfer (Ben Mondy) writing for a non-surf audience, which it turns out is equally as fun. There’s so much fun going on in “Big Waves and Bold Prints,” that we’re going to have to be careful not to lose our heads.

Makua Rothman’s one of surfing’s most overlooked slashies. This fine article informs me that he’s won a Big Wave World Title, has a modelling contract, and once supported The Wailers. Quite the CV. Most importantly in the ever-objective world of writing about surfing, I met him briefly during my one and only trip to the North Shore, and he was nice.

So here’s to looking at you Makuakai. You gorgeous devil!

Down by the seaside, see the prints go waltzing and shining.

One of the great casualties of the surf industry (r)evolution is sartorial flair. And no, dead people clothes and androgynous hairdos don’t count (although it’s 2018 so do what you want). But, I’m talking about the spiffy gents who used to wear suits on the plane, slick their hair back and wear Hawaiian shirts around the beach fire because they were surfers. When clothes manufactured by “surf” companies became quite so bland is unclear, but we’re sure worse off as a result. Therefore, Makuakai parading around in Gucci, Saint Laurent and Prada, as well as multiple other brands at various stages of the price scale, is just wonderful. The crazy thing? There’s nothing stopping him from parading up and down the Kam highway like this all the time. Nothing apart from multiple endorsement deals from a number of companies who certainly don’t make red knitted sweaters as divine as the cashmere Amiri one pictured below. Let’s enjoy while we can.

Here Mr Rothman is dressed in an Amari cardigan (some may refer to it as a party cardi), Paul Smith trousers, Converse sneakers, and Barton Periera shades.

The hallmark outfit of this bold set of looks (cashmere a close second, with half a point deducted for the t-shirt) is the pairing of Barena (not to be confused with “Barina”) twill jacket, Prada printed swim shorts, long socks and Converse. Mr Rothman looks wholly comfortable crossing the Kam to check the surf at Logs, or wherever else. And why shouldn’t he? It’s a look fit for a surf Prince, and Makuakai is certainly that. On a personal note, after scouring the racks, both digital and tangible, for the best part of a year, I’ve finally found my dream pair of non-surf trunks. The bad news? The 400 pound price tag. The good? I’ve got ’till next summer to come up with the loot.

Prada trunks and Kam Highway never looked so good!