Press Release:
SAN CLEMENTE, CALIF. (September 20, 2010) – SURFER Magazine makes exciting editorial management changes as Brendon Thomas becomes Editor and Joel Patterson moves to Editor at Large.
The restructuring is designed to give SURFER the opportunity to capitalize on the strengths of the editorial staff while continuing to increase its creative reach beyond expectations.
As Managing Editor, Brendon Thomas has proved himself to be indispensible writer, editor, and leader within the SURFER editorial team. His promotion to Editor will further establish SURFER as the industry leader.

SURFER Publisher Tony Perez says, “I am really excited to bring up one of our own, Brendon Thomas, as the Editor of SURFER Magazine. Brendon has shown he is ready to step up and I am really looking forward to seeing his vision come to life.”
“I am honored and humbled to hold the position as Editor of the greatest surf magazine in the world,” said Thomas.
“SURFER has so many talented contributors-whether they are photographers, writers, artists, or illustrators-and I’m looking forward to strengthening that team further. SURFER’s rich history and tradition will be the guiding light, but we will continue to be at the cutting edge of print and digital media.”
After two years as the Editor-In-Chief, Patterson’s move to the Editor at Large position will allow him to continue to expand into new creative ventures, while remaining a full-blooded member of the SURFER editorial team. In addition to writing more features, his new role will include overseeing special projects, from new print endeavors to SURFER Poll and exciting new film projects.
“Joel will continue to be a key player in the SURFER organization,” says Publisher Tony Perez. “We’re stoked to be able to give him the freedom to maximize his creative talents.”
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to bring new ideas, business, and opportunities to the greatest media brand in surf,” says Patterson.
“Being out in the world more will give me better access and proximity to the exciting things happening in the surf space, and I’ll bring that back to SURFER with passion and detailed understanding.”
About SURFER
In 1960, SURFER Magazine began as the original. After a long history of delivering provocative and insightful editorial features, revealing interviews and award winning state-of-the-art photography, SURFER remains the authoritative voice of the surfing world and thus earned the moniker “the bible of the sport.”
The SURFER brand has also grown to include Surfermag.com, Fantasy Surfer, The Hot 100, My SURFER Cover and a myriad of SURFER message boards. All of these assets combine to make the SURFER network the most current and reliable channel of information to the surf community. The magazine is published by Source Interlink’s Action Sports Group (ASG), which reaches more than 2 million active sports enthusiasts through an integrated network of magazines, online properties, events and television programming.