By Mark Bromley
It was one of those crisp, early Friday mornings in San Diego—the kind where the horizon stretches forever and the waves crash with a ferocity that commands respect. I was sitting on the edge of Neptune Avenue in La Jolla, camera in hand, watching world-class surfers carve their way through towering swells. Beside me was Dave from Parallel Sunglasses, sipping coffee and taking in the scene with a mix of admiration and entrepreneurial curiosity.
Dave had arrived fashionably late, delayed by a morning meeting with Canadian clients. But when he stepped onto the pavement, it was clear he wasn’t just there for business—he was there for the culture. Surf culture, to be exact.
We were perched at Big Rock, a reef break famous among locals for its powerful waves and unforgiving terrain. These weren’t just weekend warriors in the water; they were legends—Cortez Jernigan, his father Nate, and Joe Roper, along with his son Jojo, who just last week had caught one of the biggest waves ever recorded at Mavericks in Northern California. These are the names whispered with reverence in surfing circles, and here they were, in their element, mere yards from where we sat.
The Pulse of La Jolla’s Surf Scene
For decades, La Jolla has been a proving ground for surfers from all walks of life. It’s not just the size of the waves or the beauty of the coastline—it’s the community. As Dave and I chatted, car after car slowed down to wave at me. “Hey Mark!” was a repeated refrain. Dave chuckled, leaning over to say, “You’re like the mayor of Neptune. Everyone knows you.”
It’s true—I’ve spent years photographing, documenting, and sharing stories from this tight-knit tribe. This isn’t just a sport for these people; it’s a way of life, a spiritual pursuit wrapped in neoprene and saltwater. And Dave, while newer to this world, was quick to pick up on the vibe.
“There’s something about this community that feels almost tribal,” Dave said as we watched a surfer paddle into a monster set. “It’s like… Ohana. Family, but deeper. You can see how they care for one another.”
It’s true. When one of the surfers wiped out on an earlier wave, the lineup went quiet. A collective hush settled over the group until they re-emerged, shaken but intact. Within moments, surfers paddled over, checking on them, sharing quiet words of encouragement. That’s the culture here—fiercely protective, undeniably close.
Surf, Style, and Sunglasses
Dave’s Parallel Sunglasses brand has been gaining traction in the outdoor world, and it’s clear why he sees an alignment with surfing. Performance, durability, and style—these are non-negotiables for people who spend their lives chasing swells and sunrises.
But Dave isn’t just pushing product. He’s genuinely interested in the people. “It’s not about slapping a logo on a pro surfer and calling it a day,” he told me. “It’s about building relationships. These guys are out here doing something incredible, something sacred, and I want to support that—not exploit it.”
Surfers can smell inauthenticity from a mile away, and Dave knows that. He’s not here to sell sunglasses to anyone who doesn’t want them. Instead, he’s focused on listening, observing, and slowly building trust within the community.
The Etiquette of the Reef
As the morning sun climbed higher and the waves began to settle into their mid-day rhythm, Dave and I talked about the unspoken rules of places like Big Rock.
“If you paddle out here and think you can just jump into the lineup, you’re going to have a rude awakening,” I explained. “It’s about respect. You sit back, you watch, you learn who’s who. This isn’t a free-for-all—it’s an ecosystem.”
Dave nodded thoughtfully. For someone deeply immersed in sailing—another community with its own unspoken codes—he got it immediately. “It’s the same with sailboat racing,” he said. “There’s a hierarchy, an understanding. You can’t just barge in and expect to be welcomed.”
It’s these parallels—no pun intended—that make Dave such a good fit for the surfing world. He understands the nuances, the importance of showing respect, and the value of community.
The Takeaway
As we wrapped up our morning and said our goodbyes, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for the waves, for the people, and for moments like these—where business, passion, and friendship all collide in the golden light of a San Diego morning.
Dave walked away with a little more insight into the world of La Jolla surfing, and I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the connections that form when you show up authentically. Whether you’re paddling into a set wave, trimming a sail, or building a sunglass brand—success comes down to respect, trust, and showing up for your community.
And on mornings like this, under a sky painted with salt spray and sunlight, it all feels pretty simple.
About the Author: Mark Bromley
Mark Bromley is a San Diego-based photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty of the ocean, nature, and the vibrant community of La Jolla. A lifelong beach enthusiast and single father of two, Mark discovered photography as a creative outlet later in life, using his camera to tell stories through light, shadow, and perspective.
Windansea Beach, particularly the historic Shack, serves as his natural studio and favorite subject. His images reflect the unique spirit of the local surf culture, preserving moments of connection, resilience, and timeless beauty.
Beyond photography, Mark volunteers for local organizations, documenting meaningful events and fostering community connection through his work.
📧 mbromley@san.rr.com
📸 #markbromley15
www.markbromley.com
