Finding Flow at Trestles: A Life Shaped by Waves

I first came to Trestles when I was thirteen or fourteen. In the 1980s, San Clemente was the epicenter of everything surfing—the board shapers, surf magazines, and the best surfers. I came every summer to surf and be a part of it all; I never dreamed I’d spend most of my life here.

Why Trestles Is Special

Trestles is a rare place. It’s the most consistent surf spot in the country and part of San Onofre State Park—a few miles of raw nature with perfect waves. It’s the last intact watershed from the mountains to the sea in Southern California, teeming with deer, bobcats, coyotes, and the occasional mountain lion. The ocean is alive with whales, sharks, seals, and dolphins. It’s our natural playground on the edge of town—that’s why we live here.

Lessons From the Wave

I realize now we are the product of all our decisions. I came here to surf and paint boards, trying to find a place where I fit in and could make a life. Most of all, I wanted happiness. I met amazing craftsmen and lifelong friends. I met my beautiful wife Maria. We bought a little Ole Hanson house and raised our son Dylan here. My life has been extraordinary—our little bubble by the sea.

Trestles is easy to surf but exposes all your flaws—unnecessary movements and impatience. It taught me to stay in flow with the wave, to be patient and not over-surf it. Like life, try to be in sync with what’s happening and let it happen.

Community & Gratitude

The community here is truly unique. Surfing with friends at Trestles feels surreal. Like me, they are the product of their decisions—decisions that led them here. Young and old, we surf together; some of the world’s best call this home. It makes me proud to know I must have done something right.

I surf in the afternoons, always greeted by familiar faces along the shore. We share waves, tell stories, and watch breathtaking sunsets. After thirty years, I’m still way out the back waiting for sets. I sought happiness and peace when I came here; sitting in the water at sunset with friends reminds me I’ve found it. I thank God every time for giving me this life.

I especially want to thank all my surfing friends who supported me over these last few years. I wasn’t sure I’d surf well again. It was humbling and embarrassing to start over—but there was no easy way; I just had to keep trying. Thank you for the waves, the hoots, the help in and out of the water, and for making sure I was okay even when I wasn’t. Being among you all was healing.

I think I’m all good now—almost normal. This painting reflects the peace I feel watching the sunset after surfing. It is PURE JOY, fulfillment, peace.

forever grateful,
Life is good,
— Drew

“Trestles”

A panoramic sunrise scene at Trestles, where glassy emerald waves crest over a pebble-strewn shore beneath a blazing orange sky, as silhouetted surfers stride toward the water and swaying palms and a distant pier punctuate the horizon—every line pulsing with that first-light stoke.

Print Styles & Sizes

I hope you love the art—I’m signing a limited number of prints in a few sizes:

• 20” × 60” Canvas Prints - 10 Signed and Numbered
• 122" x 36" Canvas Prints - 25 Signed and Numbered
• 30” × 40” Paper Prints - 50 Signed and Numbered