An era can be considered over when its basic illusions have been exhausted, so said US playwright, Arthur Miller. I'm going to extend Miller's maxim just a touch and say an era can also be considered over when its illusions have been undermined.

The effect the internet has had on culture and economy are well documented yet its effect on the surfing community haven't been as closely examined. Fed a steady diet of limited and loaded media – the magazine as a catalogue, the article as an advertorial – the internet exposed the reach of commercial tentacles in existing print media. Whilst print was king surfing became a mere vehicle to sell and it created disillusion in those who wanted more, some authenticity or some honesty, and not another cynical sponsor-driven article.

Now that the illusion has been undermined there are a few options for those so engaged. One is to rail against the past masters, fill the internet with hate and vitriol, and a quick perusal of online surf sites proves it to be a popular route. Another option is to use the opportunity to create your own alternative media, and again, one doesn't have to look far to see the vacuum slowly filling with independent titles.

One of those titles is Paper Sea Quarterly, a weighty magazine that travels with the tagline: Honest stories and critical pictures about surf, travel and art from around the world. It's a good summation for a title that is hardcore surf without the logos.

PSQ is put together by three Victorian lads: Andy Summons, Tom Batrouney and Andrew Diprose. In this, their first issue, they've secured the work of an amazing array of artists and wordsmiths, some very noted in their fields, yet the trio have retained a tight grip on the look and the voice of PSQ.

Cynicism of existing publications and their commercial imperatives may have been the motivation for PSQ but it's not their modus operandi. Rather than angrily reacting against past ills the content is earnest and honest. Sometimes referencing the old era but mostly ignoring it and giving voice to their people. Post-ironic would be a fitting description.

In its 220 pages PSQ sometimes fell away from my notion of rebellion: anger, irreverence, and a bit of spite, though I should be wise enough to know that such thinking defines a person by what they are not. A futile activity for creative people. Much smarter to create something unique, put your emotions on show, honesty too, even sentimentality if it works...but above all, be fucking proud of it.

Paper Sea Quarterly is published quarterly (!) and is available by subscription. Check their website which is also has plenty of content itself.

A quick list of contributors to PSQ, Vol 1, Issue 1: Chris Burkard, Matt O'Brien, Ryan Heywood, Rod Owen, Dick Hoole, Steve Ryan, DJ Struntz, Ed Sloane, and many more...