“My dad taught me to surf when I was five years old, and from a very young age I realized it was something I would do for the rest of my life,” shares Montauk author, John Angiulo [above, below].  “I feel that surfing has impacted every facet of my life, especially my writing, as well as the natural beauty of the east end, which is a constant source of personal inspiration.”  Dive in to the work of a poetic wave rider in this NEW KDHamptons Lifestyle Diary, below:  

KDHamptons: How long have you lived in Montauk? Why is the east end so special to you? 

John Angiulo: My great grandma built our family home in the early sixties and, because of that, I was lucky to spend all my summers out here as a kid.  I always felt like Montauk was more of a home than anywhere else in the world, so once I got out of college I chose to live here for the majority of the year.  Being out here has definitely influenced my writing.  This was one of the first places where I met a steady stream of people who were making a living from their creative passions.  Just seeing that inspired me to seriously pursue my own passions.

KDHamptons: Many famous east end authors have drawn inspiration from our natural surroundings. Do you feel the same?

John Angiulo: I do. The thing I love the most about the Hamptons is the natural beauty. The amount of fields, forests, ponds, lakes, and open waters that are accessible out here is incredible. I love all outdoor activities and I think having that kind of beauty and connection to nature on tap creates a great atmosphere for creativity. I draw a lot of inspiration from nature, and living here allows me to be in constant contact with the muses that roam about the east end.

“A moment when I’m getting to be me,” says John.

KDHamptons:  How is your writing connected to your passion for surfing? 

John Angiulo:  To me, writing is about displaying a perspective in a way that allows other people to use it for their benefit.  The perspective that I’m trying to communicate is largely shaped by my life in surfing.  It has given me a lens to see the world in a certain light and it’s that lens that my writing is working to convey.  Surfing is a great mode of self expression; it is an art.  Similarly, I see poetry, and all of the writing I do, as a means to express myself in a meaningful way.  Both surfing and writing require creativity, and provide unlimited room for growth and evolution.  Surfing is so demanding physically and writing is demanding mentally, so there is a nice balance in that duality.  Also, surfing inspires me to travel, and writing is a perfect creative companion for that lifestyle.  So for me, they are completely interrelated. 

KDHamptons: What does a perfect Hamptons day look like to you?

John: My perfect Hamptons day would start with waking up at sunrise and walking down to the beach to find the waves are perfect.  Mostly blue skies with a few groups of clouds for the sunlight to play off of with moderate north winds grooming long lines of large, mid-to-long period swell from the east south east.  All my best friends are running around freaking out because the waves by my house are going off.  We all suit up and surf three times, at three different spots − we catch each spot at its best, considering the tide and particulars about the swell.  In between each surf we hang out at one of our houses, talk about the waves and refuel with good food.  Our last session, we surf until just before sunset, and are greeted by family and friends with a bonfire as we climb out of the water.  We all hang out together watching the waves, being a peanut gallery for the people still surfing, and enjoying a jaw dropping sunset that reflects off the clouds and ocean, painting the world in dramatic, vibrant colors.  That’s a pretty perfect day. 

KDHamptons: You share some excerpts from your book Soul Sanctuary on Instagram @juangiulo.  Can you tell us more about the book? 

John Angiulo: My first book, Soul Sanctuary, means a lot to me.  I choose to design my own books, so there was a great learning curve of hours teaching myself how to use programs to do so.  I wanted Soul Sanctuary to be a visually compelling book of poetry, so I designed artistic spreads that articulate what each poem is about.  The poetry covers a wide range of topics in different styles, but is similar in tone and perspective.  I am super grateful for the support that people in the community gave me with Soul Sanctuary, which helped give me the confidence to continue creating.  I’ll always love it because it was my first book, and I use the aspects I don’t like about it as motivation to grow and improve. 

KDHamptons: Who are some of your favorite authors? What are you reading now?

John Angiulo: My favorite authors would probably be Kahlil Gibran, and for novels I’m really into David Mitchell.  Kahlil helps explains reality and Mitchell is a master of constructing a reality that is so easy to get sucked into.  Right now I’m reading Manuscript Found in Accra, by Paulo Coelho and Talk Like Ted, by Carmine Gallo. 

KDHamptons: Have you got any special plans for this summer?

John Angiulo: I have a lot of great things going on this summer that I’m really excited about. I give surf lessons for CoreysWave, which is just about the best job in the world.  I get to be in the ocean, work with all my best friends, and help guide people into a sport that I consider to be one of the most beneficial and transcendental activities that a person can do.  I am also coming out with a new surf instruction book in July called A Word On Waves, which will cut the learning curve in half for beginners.  The illustrations are by one of my best friends, Gavin Krug, who is an incredible Montauk artist; I’m so stoked and grateful to have a friend that talented to help work on the book with me.  I am working to make this the best year of my life so far, while continuing to have fun, create and evolve. 

KDHamptons: Tell us about the charitable benefit you are working on?

John Angiulo:  I’m part of a group putting together an art driven charity event sponsored by Montauk Brew Co. on June 28th at The Montauk Beach House.  Fourteen artists will create installations to be sold in the courtyard, with a percentage of profits benefitting Waves4Water’s Nepal Relief, as well as the YMCA East Hampton RECenter, who offer great programs for Hamptons youths.  Comes have some fun, pick up a piece of amazing art, and contribute to non-profits that are doing important work.  

*For more information about John, please go to: http://www.activeimaginationpub.com/#!about/c10fk 

Montauk Beach House