The image captures a peaceful, early morning or late afternoon moment, filled with anticipation and calm before a surf session.

THE ARTIFACTS JOURNAL | NATE ZOLLER | APR 02, 2025

Skip the Festival: Chase the Swell

Festival season has arrived – right in line with a few southern hemi swells. For me, the decision is easy. Instead of battling crowds and sweating through another festival, I’m booking a flight to chase warm water barrels. I’ll just turn the dial up on my beach speaker, crack a coldy and enjoy my own version of a beach festival. It’s a win-win.

Nate Zoller sits on a driftwood log at a rocky, tropical beach surrounded by lush greenery. He is wearing a navy blue cap, a dark t-shirt, green shorts, and black slide sandals. Next to him is a black Roark backpack and a white surfboard with fins, resting against the log. The man is smiling and appears relaxed, enjoying the outdoor setting.

Travel Kit

5-Day Mule: This bag is all you need. Fits all my gear, clothes and travel accessories.

Layover Utility Pants: I like to wear pants when I fly, and these Layover Utility pants are my go-to travel day partner.

Gear and Guides Hoodie: Planes get cold, it’s good to stay cozy on the flight.

A flat lay of Roark travel and adventure gear neatly arranged on a neutral background.

Surf Sessions

Passage Boardshorts: Lock into your favorite pair of trunks (Passage boardies) and that’s all you will need for your surf sessions. I like to bring a dry pair of Shorey Trunks to put on after surfing to limit unnecessary sand and wet spots in the car.

Well Worn Shirt: White shirts go a long way in the tropics, and the well-worn is versatile and breathable, I bring it everywhere.

Seek and Explore Premium Tee: I like to wear cotton shirts when I surf to limit sunburn in the tropics. I like lighter colors, pretty much just whatever shirt you have stained that you don’t mind dirtying up at this point. That’s my surf shirt.

Nate Zoller rides a wave on a white surfboard, carving through the water with intensity and focus.

stands barefoot on a sandy beach near rocky cliffs and lush greenery, , suggesting a relaxed post-surf moment.

Nate Zoller walks barefoot on a sunny beach holding a white surfboard under his arm.

Post-Surf Kit

Happy Camper Shorts: I like a lightweight pair of shorts when I’m heading towards the equator, and the Happy Campers have everything I need on a surf trip.

Bless Up Breathable Stretch Shirt: This shirt is your Swiss Army Knife; you can wear it out to dinner or while you surf. It will be the most aerated tee on the trip.

Journey Jacquard Short Sleeve Tee: This shirt is Happy Hour approved. Once you score some fun waves throw this thing on and have some well-earned margaritas.

Nomad Strapback Hat: I bring this hat everywhere I go. I can’t stand being at the beach without a hat for protection.