The Wave Sliders journal
ENTRY # 045
Written By: Koz McRae
Intro By: Jack Ventura
INTRO:
This month's Wave Sliders Journal features Koz McRae - a soulful, down-to-earth creator whose surfboards and art carry a quiet depth that speaks for itself.
I met Koz one day at San O, and what struck me most wasn't just his surfboards, but his heart. When he showed me his van setup and explained how it was built with his family AND surfing in mind, I glimpsed the beautiful balance he's created between creativity and connection.
That same thoughtful care flows into his surfboards, each carrying subtle meanings embedded in logos, colors, and shapes — all crafted with clear intention.
After reading his WSJ below, explore what else is he working on these days via his Instagram and website (links below).
Much respect, Koz - and thanks for bringing your spirit to this month's Wave Sliders Journal.
- Jack
Who are you?
Share a few sentences explaining who you see yourself as these days...
--
I'm Koz McRae, I'm an artist, surfer, father of two little girls, husband to a loving wife, loyal friend, brother and the son of Solar Farmers - I'm a very proud third generation Santa Barbara native.
I feel the most complete at the end of a day if I've created art with my hands and spent time with my family.
What was your first job?
First jobs reveal a lot about who we are.
--
Well, I didn't have a choice, I've been riding in Mac's Solar work trucks ever since I can remember. My hard working parents started a thermal water heating solar business in Santa Barbara, California in the mid 1970's- my sun logo was taken from the original company logo.
Mac's Solar is our family business that employs My father, mother, sister, brother-in-law, myself and sometimes my nephews as well. Spending hours on rooftops from Santa Ynez to Carpenteria, digging trenches, plumbing, building panel racks along with so many other parts of the job will forever be ingrained in me.
As grateful as I am in learning and becoming confident in all these skills I think the number one thing I've taking from this amazing life experience is the work ethic and honest work my father has lived by day in and day out since he started so many years ago. He is a master of his craft and is very highly respected for the work he does.
I carry that mindset with me everyday whether it's building custom surfboards, being a father, husband, friend and member of my community - I hope to one day achieve that same respect and reputation.
What have you learned through surfing that translates to everyday life?
What you have learned from surfing and how those lessons help you through daily livin'...
--
You can't catch every wave, so enjoy the one's you get. And Surf'm to the sand baby!
What is something you'd like to accomplish in the next 10 years?
Share a goal for the next decade, and how surfing might have influenced these aspirations.
--
I'd really like to continue the forever pursuit of mastering my craft and living a life as a "full time artist" as a custom surfboard builder I'd like to expand my business towards more world wide orders and other avenues of the business such as softgoods and pursing other artistic endeavors .
What Koz McRae Is Stoked On Lately...
Someone in the surf community you are stoked on:
Butch Van Artsdalen - I don't know a ton about this legend but I think he had "it" that special something you can't teach or explain- I mean original Mr. Pipeline...
A quote you like?
"The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Get." - Dad
A place you want to visit that you have not been to yet?
I really would like to spend some time in Japan. The food, the culture and the on going pursuit of excellence that is in the mindset of Japanese craftsmen is something I'd like to experience.
Featured product
Follow Koz on IG: https://www.instagram.com/kozmcraesurfingboards/
or check out his website https://www.kozmcraesurf.com/
Thanks for reading, ya'll! Look out for the next WAVE SLIDERS JOURNAL coming soon.
- Jack
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