William Finnegan, a longtime reporter and lifelong surfer, travels inland—a hundred miles from the ocean—to report on a machine-made wave, the first world-class surfing wave produced artificially. Developed by the surfing legend Kelly Slater, the wave could finally make surfing a conventional sport, with reproducible conditions and events that can be scheduled for television broadcast. But Finnegan wonders if this loss of uncertainty will destroy the spirit of the sport he loves. Plus, the humorist Patricia Marx thinks she’s hit on a better career path: learn to conduct an orchestra. And Kelefa Sanneh plays some of the greatest hits of Christian rock for David Remnick.
Patty Marx Conducts an Orchestra
A longtime staff writer tries out an altogether different career.
Kelly Slater’s Perfect Wave Brings Surfing to a Crossroads
A lifelong surfer reports on a machine-made wave that could finally make surfing a conventional sport—and potentially transform its spirit.
Kelefa Sanneh on Christian Rock
A New Yorker writer praises his favorite Christian rockers.
