Surfing is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. The feeling of riding the waves is unmatched and has inspired countless people to pursue the sport. However, surfing isn’t just about hitting the waves; it’s also about understanding the culture, history, and lifestyle that surround it. That’s where surfing books come in.
Surfing books offer a unique insight into the world of surfing. They provide a glimpse into the history of the sport, the lives of famous surfers, and the culture that surrounds it. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a newcomer to the sport, surfing books offer something for everyone.
When it comes to purchasing a surfing book, it’s essential to consider the author’s experience and knowledge of the subject matter. A book written by a renowned surfer or industry expert is more likely to provide valuable insights and information than one written by a novice. Additionally, the type of book you choose will depend on your interests. Some books focus on the technical aspects of surfing, while others delve into the cultural and historical significance of the sport.
We spent hours researching and testing various surfing books to identify the best ones on the market. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks for the best surfing books and why we believe they’re worth reading.
The 10 Best Surfing Books
- The Kook’s Guide to Surfing by Jason Borte
- The World Stormrider Surf Guide by Bruce Sutherland and Anthony Colas
- Surfing: 1778-Today by Jim Heimann
- Fifty Places to Surf Before You Die by Chris Santella
- The History of Surfing by Matt Warshaw
- Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan
- Surf Is Where You Find It: The Wisdom of Waves, Any Time, Anywhere, Any Way by Gerry Lopez
- California Surfing and Climbing in the Fifties by Yvon Chouinard
- Tapping the Source by Kem Nunn
- The Wave: In Pursuit of the Oceans’ Greatest Furies by Susan Casey
Best Surfing Books
We’ve scoured the internet and read book reviews to bring you the ultimate list of the best surfing books out there. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these books will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and inspiration to help you improve your skills and take your surfing to the next level. Or maybe just to give you some inspiration on the days when you cannot surf. From memoirs to instructional guides, our list has something for everyone. So grab your board, hit the beach, and get ready to dive into the world of surfing literature.
The Kook’s Guide to Surfing: The Ultimate Instruction Manual: How to Ride Waves with Skill, Style, and Etiquette
If you are a beginner surfer looking for a comprehensive guide to surfing, The Kook’s Guide to Surfing is a great choice.
Pros
- The book provides clear and concise instructions on how to surf, including tips on technique, style, and etiquette.
- The author’s writing style is engaging and easy to understand.
- The book is a quick read, making it a great option for those who want to learn the basics of surfing without investing too much time.
Cons
- The book is geared towards beginners and may not offer much new information for more experienced surfers.
- Some readers have noted that the book contains typos and grammatical errors.
- The book does not provide detailed information on advanced surfing techniques.
In the first section of the book, the author provides an overview of the basics of surfing, including how to choose the right board, how to paddle, and how to pop up. The author also provides tips on how to read waves and catch them effectively.
The second section of the book focuses on style and etiquette, providing tips on how to be a respectful and responsible surfer. The author covers topics such as how to share waves, how to avoid collisions, and how to respect local surf culture.
The Kook’s Guide to Surfing is a great choice for beginner surfers who want to learn the basics of surfing and how to be a responsible and respectful surfer. While the book may not offer much new information for more experienced surfers, it is a quick and engaging read that provides clear and concise instructions on how to surf with skill, style, and etiquette.
The World Stormrider Surf Guide
We highly recommend The World Stormrider Surf Guide for anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to surfing around the world.
Pros
- Detailed information on surf spots around the world
- Beautiful and helpful pictures
- Combines three earlier editions for a more comprehensive guide
Cons
- Heavy and not very portable
- Arrived damaged for some buyers
- Limited information on surf spots in Italy
This book is an excellent resource for surfers who want to explore new locations or plan a surfing trip. The detailed information on surf spots, including wave quality, best seasons, and local tips, is incredibly helpful. The pictures are also stunning and provide a great visual representation of each surf spot.
However, the book is quite heavy and not very portable, which could be a downside for some travellers. Additionally, some buyers reported that the book arrived damaged, which is unfortunate. Finally, there is limited information on surf spots in Italy, which could be disappointing for those looking to surf in that region.
Surfing: 1778-Today
If you’re a surfing enthusiast or a history buff, we highly recommend this book as it provides a comprehensive overview of the sport’s evolution.
Pros
- Packed with beautiful and rare photographs that capture the essence of surfing
- Provides a detailed history of surfing from its inception in 1778 to modern-day
- Written in an engaging and informative style that is easy to read and understand
Cons
- The book is quite heavy, weighing over 8 pounds, which may make it difficult to handle for some readers
- The size of the book (10.39 x 1.89 x 13.82 inches) may make it difficult to store on a bookshelf
- The book is quite expensive, which may make it less accessible to some readers
We were blown away by the sheer amount of information and stunning visuals presented in this book. From the earliest forms of surfing in Hawaii to the modern-day surf culture, this book covers it all. The photographs are truly breathtaking and offer a unique glimpse into the world of surfing.
The writing style is engaging and informative, making it easy for readers to follow along with the history of surfing. The book is organized chronologically, which helps to provide context and makes it easy to follow along with the evolution of the sport.
While the book is quite heavy, we found it to be a small price to pay for the wealth of information presented. The size of the book may make it difficult to store on a bookshelf, but it’s worth finding a special place to display this beautiful volume.
If you’re a fan of surfing or simply interested in the history of the sport, we highly recommend Surfing: 1778-Today. It’s an investment, but one that we believe is well worth it.
Fifty Places to Surf Before You Die: Surfing Experts Share the World’s Greatest Destinations
If you’re looking for a coffee table book that will inspire you to travel to the world’s best surfing destinations, Fifty Places to Surf Before You Die is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Beautifully illustrated with stunning photographs of surf destinations around the world.
- Written by surfing experts who share their insights and tips on each destination.
- Provides a comprehensive guide to the world’s best surfing spots.
Cons
- Some readers may find the book’s focus on high-end destinations inaccessible.
- The book is more of a coffee table book than an in-depth guide to each destination.
- The book’s recommendations may be outdated by the time you read it.
As avid surfers, we found Fifty Places to Surf Before You Die to be a visually stunning and inspiring book. The book features 50 of the world’s best surfing destinations, with each chapter written by a surfing expert who shares their insights and tips on the destination. It covers a range of destinations, from well-known spots like Hawaii and Bali to lesser-known destinations like the Outer Hebrides in Scotland.
The book is beautifully illustrated with stunning photographs of each destination, making it a great coffee table book to flip through and dream about your next surf trip. The book also provides practical information on each destination, including when to go, where to stay, and what to expect in terms of surf conditions.
However, some readers may find the book’s focus on high-end destinations inaccessible, as many of the recommended accommodations and surf schools are on the expensive side. Additionally, the book is more of a coffee table book than an in-depth guide to each destination, so if you’re looking for detailed information on a particular spot, you may need to look elsewhere. Finally, the book’s recommendations may be outdated by the time you read it, as surf conditions and travel restrictions can change quickly.
Overall, we would recommend Fifty Places to Surf Before You Die to anyone looking for a visually stunning and inspiring coffee table book that will inspire them to travel to the world’s best surfing destinations.
The History of Surfing
If you’re a surfing enthusiast or a history buff, then The History of Surfing is a must-have book for your collection.
Pros
- Comprehensive history of surfing
- Beautifully illustrated with rare photographs
- Written by a surfing expert
Cons
- Some factual errors
- Heavy and bulky
- Expensive
This hardcover book spans 495 pages and covers the entire history of surfing, from its ancient Polynesian roots to its modern-day popularity. The author, Matt Warshaw, is a surfing expert and historian, and his passion for the sport shines through in his writing.
The History of Surfing is not just an informative book, but also a visual treat. It is filled with rare photographs, some of which have never been seen before, that capture the beauty and excitement of surfing. The book’s large size allows for these photographs to be displayed in all their glory.
However, some readers have pointed out that there are a few factual errors in the book, which may be a disappointment to those who are looking for a completely accurate history of surfing. Additionally, the book is quite heavy and bulky, which may make it difficult to carry around or store. Finally, at its current price point, it may be considered expensive by some readers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive history of surfing, and are willing to overlook a few inaccuracies, then The History of Surfing is definitely worth considering. Its beautiful illustrations and expert writing make it a valuable addition to any surfing or history collection.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best surfing book, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some features to look for to help you make an informed decision:
Skill Level
Consider your skill level when choosing a surfing book. If you’re a beginner, look for books that cover the basics, such as how to paddle, stand up, and catch waves. Intermediate and advanced surfers may want books that cover more advanced techniques, such as carving, cutbacks, and aerials.
Format
Surfing books come in a variety of formats, including hardcover, paperback, and e-books. Consider which format is most convenient for you. Hardcovers are great for coffee table books or for collectors, while paperbacks are more portable. You can read an e-book on a tablet or e-reader, making it a great option for travel.
Content
The content of the book is also important. Look for books that cover a range of topics, from technique to history to surf culture. Some books may focus on a specific type of surfing, such as longboarding or big wave surfing. Consider what you’re interested in learning about and choose a book that covers those topics.
Author
The author of the book can also be a factor to consider. Look for books written by experienced surfers or professionals in the industry. Check out reviews and ratings to see what others have to say about the author and their writing style.
If you consider these factors, you can choose a surfing book that is tailored to your needs and interests, and that will help you improve your skills and knowledge of the sport.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best non-fiction surfing books?
Some of the best non-fiction surfing books include “Barbarian Days” by William Finnegan, “The History of Surfing” by Matt Warshaw, and “The Wave” by Susan Casey.
What are some of the best surfing books for beginners?
For beginners, “Surfing: The Manual” by Jim Kempton and “Surf Science: An Introduction to Waves for Surfing” by Tony Butt are great options.
What are some of the best fiction books about surfing?
“The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach and “The Drop” by Dennis Lehane are great fiction books about surfing.
What are the top 10 best surfing books of all time?
The top 10 best surfing books of all time include “Barbarian Days” by William Finnegan, “The History of Surfing” by Matt Warshaw, “The Wave” by Susan Casey, “Surf Is Where You Find It” by Gerry Lopez, “In Search of Captain Zero” by Allan Weisbecker, “Breath” by Tim Winton, “The Surfer’s Journal: The First Ten Years” edited by Steve Pezman, “The Surfing Handbook” by Ben Marcus, “The Complete Guide to Surfing” by Peter Dixon, and “The Endless Summer” by Bruce Brown.
What are some new surfing books worth reading?
Some new surfing books worth reading include “Surf Like a Girl” by Caroline Saxon, “Surfing: A Beginner’s Guide” by Alf Alderson, and “Surf Craft: Design and the Culture of Board Riding” by Richard Kenvin.
What are some of the best surf photography books?
Some of the best surf photography books include “Masters of Surf Photography: Jeff Divine” by Jeff Divine, “Surfing: 1778-Today” by Jim Heimann and Ben Marcus, and “The Art of Surfing: A Training Manual for the Developing and Competitive Surfer” by Raul Guisado.
