Featured in Point Break is an essay by Brian Lukacher that explores humanity’s relationship to the sea over time and connects Pettibon to other artists throughout history, including J. M. W. Turner, known for his turbulent seascapes, and the literary giant Victor Hugo’s lesser-known ink drawings of crashing waves.

The monograph also includes the writer, editor, and former professional surfer Jamie Brisick’s examination of the California surf and music culture of Pettibon’s youth, Pettibon’s relationship to surfing and how it informs his practice, and an interview with the artist. The professional surfers Stephanie Gilmore and Emily Erickson also surface with writing that captures the sensory experience of conquering the enormous waves depicted in Pettibon’s works—and what it feels like to wipe out.