Surfing, windsurfing, water skiing Books

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Book SynopsisExplore the world’s most thrilling waves with Epic Surf Breaks of the World. From Namibia’s wind-swept Skeleton Bay to Java’s G-Land, discover the best place to ‘hang ten’, whatever your surfing ability. Accompanied by a series of stunning photographs, maps and beautiful illustrations as well as first-person stories from surf writers all across the globe, including Pulitzer Prize winner William Finnegan, this is the quintessential guide for surfers looking for their next epic break.With 200 destinations, from Australia’s Bells Beach to the coral-flecked islands of the Maldives, you’re sure to find your perfect break in this 328-page, hardcover book. Plus, we take you to some of the most adrenaline-pumping breaks in the world, including Tahiti’s Teahupoo and Mexico’s Puerto Escondido, as well as easier options for beginners, such as Taghazout in Morocco, meaning all abilities are catered for. We cover the planet’s newest hotspots, such as Bundoran in Ireland, where world-class waves now lure surfers from all across the globe. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world’s number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You’ll also find our content online, on mobile, video and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, eBooks, and more.

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Book SynopsisAn idiosyncratic, richly illustrated guide to Britain's rivers, seas and shores, for everyone who loves the water and the natural world - a Norwegian Wood for Britain's watersThis is a book for those who want to understand better how the waters surrounding us affect our daily lives, how it imperceptibly but crucially shapes our actions, and has shaped our landscape for millenia. It's for anyone who knows and loves our coast, and who wants to understand, discover, surf, or sail it better.Inspired by his own witnessing of the power of the sea through travelling around Britain's coastline in a panel van with his young family, William Thomson tells the story of the cycles of the sea. He combines a lyrical, passionate narrative with graphically beautiful renderings of the main forms of water which affect Britain: Rip, Rapids, Swell, Stream, Tide, Wave, Whirlpool, Tsunami.The Book of Tides is a book for all of us who feel the pull of the sea and the tug of the tide.

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Book SynopsisOur bestseller, updated and already the 6th edition of I Love the Seaside surf and travel guide to France, Spain & Portugal. The guide travels from Brittany, France, around North Spain and Portugal, to Andalusia. We connect travellers, surfers and locals by pointing out the nicest places to hang out, eat, sleep, surf and do.

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Book SynopsisThis volume is a comprehensive visual history of surfing, marking a major cultural event as much as a publication. Following three and a half years of meticulous research, it brings together hundreds of images to chart the evolution of surfing as a sport, a lifestyle, and a philosophy.The book is arranged into five chronological chapters, tracing surfing culture from the first recorded European contact in 1778 by Captain James Cook to the global and multi-platform phenomenon of today. Utilizing institutions, collections, and photographic archives from around the world, and with accompanying essays by the world’s top surf journalists, it celebrates the sport on and off the water, as a community of 20 million practitioners and countless more devotees, and as a leading influence on fashion, film, art, and music.An unrivaled tribute to the breadth, complexity, and richness of surfing, this book is a must-have for any serious player on the surfing scene and anybody who aspires to the surfing lifestyle. As one surfing scribe has declared, “There has never been a book like this, and there will never be another one again.”Trade Review“In this crowded world, the surfer can still seek and find the perfect day, the perfect wave, and be alone with the surf and his thoughts.” * John Severson *“The undisputed bible of surf culture.” * Vogue *“Visual historian Jim Heimann brings his keen eye to the waves, culture, sport, and style of surfing in this gorgeous book.” * The Los Angeles Times *“It’s all here – the clothes, the boards, the music, the contests, the rivalries, the surfer dudes...” * Tatler *

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Book SynopsisThis tome is the most comprehensive visual history of surfing to date, marking a major cultural event as much as a publication. Following three and a half years of meticulous research, it brings together hundreds of images to chart the evolution of surfing as a sport, a lifestyle, and a philosophy. The book is arranged into five chronological chapters, tracing surfing culture from the first recorded European contact in 1778 by Captain James Cook to the global and multi-platform phenomenon of today. Utilizing institutions, collections, and photographic archives from around the world, and with accompanying essays by the world’s top surf journalists, it celebrates the sport on and off the water, as a community of 20 million practitioners and countless more devotees, and as a leading influence on fashion, film, art, and music. An unrivaled tribute to the breadth, complexity, and richness of surfing, this book is a must-have for any serious player on the surfing scene and anybody who aspires to the surfing lifestyle. As one surfing scribe has declared, “There has never been a book like this, and there will never be another one again.”Trade Review“In this crowded world, the surfer can still seek and find the perfect day, the perfect wave, and be alone with the surf and his thoughts.” * John Severson *“The undisputed bible of surf culture.” * Vogue *“Visual historian Jim Heimann brings his keen eye to the waves, culture, sport, and style of surfing in this gorgeous book.” * The Los Angeles Times *“It’s all here – the clothes, the boards, the music, the contests, the rivalries, the surfer dudes...” * Tatler *

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Book SynopsisBy popular demand, The Beast is back. In response to customer feedback and general confusion, The Stormrider Surf Guide Europe is back in one huge, mind-blowing book. Much like a traditional bible, it seems surfers want both testaments in one place, so The Continent and Atlantic Islands books have been combined into 400 pages of pure surf stoke. This book is thick enough to stop a shotgun blast at point blank range, so it''s R.I.P. for the box set as this is the 4th coming of The Stormrider Surf Guide Europe.The Stormrider Guide Europe (978-0-9539840-7-7) includes - Iceland & Scandinavia, Ireland, Wales, England, Scotland, Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Morocco, Canary Islands, Madeira and Azores.Fully revised and detailed information covering The Surf, Ocean Environment and Surf Culture on a country by country basis. The Surf outlines where to go and when to go and demystifies the entire European coastline. Ocean Environment deals with

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Book SynopsisThe guide to Morocco explores the Moroccan Atlantic coast: from Tangier in the north, to Dakhla in the south, and some bonus inland diversion-worthy routes along the way. Connecting travellers, surfers and locals by pointing out surf spots, places to sleep, hang out and do outdoor activities.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Enticingly illustrated guide to the most thrilling surfing destinations in the world, including Oahu's North Shore, Australia's Gold Coast, and Malibu, along with less expected places like the Amazon and the Gulf of Alaska." -- The Bookseller

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Book SynopsisSurfing: A Beginner’s Guide has been the go-to surf book for beginners since 1996. This third edition, now with the endorsement of Surfing England, takes you through all the vital steps to become a surfer: you will learn where to surf, when to surf and how to surf safely.You will learn the foundations such as choosing the correct equipment, which is essential to make any progress as a beginner; pre-surf preparation, including getting fit with tips and advice; and your first surfer steps on the beach and in the ocean. All these stages lead up to you catching your very first wave and the surfing bug. The sea is renowned for its beauty, but infamous for its dangers. Alf provides you with transferable skills to safely enjoy your new hobby. Safety features heavily in the book, and you will learn all the basic common-sense aspects of surfing that even the most experienced surfer forgets.Trade Review"This is just the book for anyone wanting to get into surfing...a fine combination of authoritative explication and practical know-how." (TimesOnline) "...takes you through all the essential first steps". (Carve Surfing Magazine)Table of ContentsForeword; Introduction; Equipment; First steps; Into the surf; Surf manoeuvres; Safe surfing; Waves and weather; Surfboard design; Care and repair; Surf the world; Appendix: Surfing associations; Green seas; Surf speak

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Surfing icon Laird Hamilton offers inspiration to anyone who wants to elevate their ordinary, landlocked lives to do extraordinary things. “When Laird Hamilton surfs, you must watch. When he speaks, I listen. And when he writes a book, I’m damn sure gonna read it. Twice.”—Eddie Vedder, Grammy Award–winning lead vocalist of Pearl Jam Millions of us increasingly seek happiness in fads and self-help books, reaching upward every day toward some enlightened state that we wish to attain. Laird Hamilton is more intent on looking inward and appreciating the brilliant creatures we already are. In Liferider, Laird uses five key pillars—Death & Fear, Heart, Body, Soul, and Everything Is Connected—to illustrate his unique worldview and life practices. This is Laird Hamilton in his own words—raw, honest, and unvarnished—on topics he has rarely explored before. Based on extensive interviews and conversations between Laird and his coauthor, Julian Borra, with additional insights from Laird’s wife, pro-volleyball player Gabby Reece, Liferider takes on human resilience, relationships, business, technology, risk-taking, and the importance of respecting the natural world, all through the lens of Laird’s extraordinary life both in and beyond the ocean.Praise for Liferider“Laird is a hero, if you want him to be. That’s up to your perception. He challenges himself, and he challenges those around him. He shows us that the deeper we puncture into life, the more vibrant the colors get. The Laird Hamilton I know—real, faulty, moody, deeply loving, and communal—comes through on every page of Liferider.”—Josh Brolin, Award-Winning Actor “Laird Hamilton is a true individualist unafraid to carve his own path. These thoughtful mediations offer a unique window — illuminating and inspiring — into one of America''s great innovators.”—Rory Kennedy, Documentary Filmmaker

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Book SynopsisFearlessness has got nothing to do with being unafraid. It’s about doing things anyway, getting on with it, living, whether you’re afraid or not. Fuzzy-haired, free-spirited, cello-playing Catrina is devastated when her lover, Jack, leaves her to go surfing on the other side of the world. Trapped in a dead-end job and torn by his departure, she dreams of running away. But how do you run away when you’re flat broke? Luckily, her friend Andrew comes up with a plan: they’ll get an old van, turn it into a camper and busk their way from Norway to Portugal, via Nordkapp, the land of the Midnight Sun. When a tragic accident occurs, the journey suddenly takes on new meaning. As she navigates personal loss and the daily challenges of life on the road, Catrina begins to learn the true meaning of love and courage and, above all else, the importance of following her dreams. This is an unforgettable story of a journey like no other – a deeply emotional and inspirational debut by a unique writer.

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Book SynopsisFinally, France has a "Stormrider Surf Guide" that covers all the incredible waves along this vast coastline. From the chilly Channel to the mild Mediterranean, there's something for everyone, helpfully written in both French and English. Beautifully illustrated by the best photographs available and crammed full of new information, this is the one and only guide to Europe's favourite surfing playground. France is the epicentre of the European surf experience and "The Stormrider Surf Guide France" takes you on an amazing tour of the entire coastline. From Calais to Corsica, the best reefs, points and beaches are all painstakingly described and large, vivid photographs bring the waves to life. The French surf culture and joie de vivre is perfectly captured in this detailed, one-of-a-kind guide. Introduction pages include travel information; oceanography; environment; surf culture. The SURF ZONES section includes stormrider symbols; spot info; accurate maps; surf business locators. And HOTSPOTS provides expanded break descriptions; multiple photos; pluses and minuses.

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Book SynopsisOf course, you can check where and when to surf, for all levels, but we aim for much more than that, by giving you a good sense of the backdrop, the scenery and the atmosphere. Any seaside lover can use this guide to find the best places to hang out, to do some funky shopping, or other activities; like horse riding, yoga, hiking, biking, visiting a spa or getting a good massage. We guide you to the nicest seaside accommodations and coolest places to eat or enjoy a sunset beer, all to suit your budget. And there's more! Read our little snippets of info and some short stories about interesting local people. Get knowledgeable about local foods, and some delicious local recipes. The I Love the Seaside Surf and Travel guide aims to inform, entertain and give a good read, all in one. You like THIS guide? Check out our other guides for more seaside destinations! We're here to inspire you, so you can go and explore.

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Book SynopsisIf you thought surfing was a male-dominated sport, think again. The thirty women surfers profiled in this thrilling collection can rip a wave with the best of them. Hailing from all over the world, each surfer is featured in spectacular photography and with their own inspirational words. There’s American professional surfer Lindsay Steinriede on how her father’s death has inspired her career; French board shaper Valerie Duprat on how she got her start “sculpting foam”; Conchita Rossler, founder of Mooana Retreat in Portugal, on connecting mind, body, and spirit; and Australian photographer Cait Miers on empowering women. You’ll also meet surfers who are over sixty, who surf while pregnant, who captain boats, teach yoga, and make movies. Breathtaking photography captures these women from every angle, on and off the waves, in some of the world’s most visually stunning locations. The perfect gift for surfing enthusiasts, this unique compilation of stunning pictures and hard-won wisdom proves that the thrill of catching a wave, riding it, and kicking out belongs to everyone.Trade Review"…a stunningly gorgeous collection..."- Los Angeles Times"Someone has finally delivered a worthy homage to the role of women in surfing. Surf Like a Girl is a marvelous piece of work...What really impresses in this hardcover masterpiece is the perfect balance between each word poured into the pages, and the quality and grandiosity of the giant photos...It's fair to say that this 256-page book is probably the best title ever published exclusively dedicated to women's surfing. Get it and enjoy." –Surfer Today“gorgeously photographed…Admirers of surfing and underwater life will certainly find much to appreciate.”–Publishers Weekly“As for who’s riding those waves, increasingly, it’s women: among under-19s, there are more girls than boys surfing now, while the number of female surfers aged 65+ has soared 45 per cent since 2010. This growing global “surf sisterhood”—including a Moroccan Muslim surf coach and Sri Lanka’s first female longboarder—is profiled in a new coffee table tome by Carolina Amell called Surf Like a Girl, published by Prestel.” —Atlas

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Book SynopsisA jaw-dropping photographic display of the world of big wave surfing, featuring the biggest and most dangerous waves and the legendary men and women who risk their lives to surf them. Over the last decade, a handful of surfers have been progressing the sport of big wave surfing to new extremes. Kai Lenny, one of the preeminent big wave surfers, offers readers a glimpse into this world. Lenny shares his personal stories and perspectives, and invites over 30 elite surfers—from legends who pioneered the way, to young guns who are the future of the sport—to contribute personal tales of the greatest waves ever ridden. These are the stories we’ve been waiting for: Shane Dorian pushing the boundaries in the gladiator arena of Pe‘ahi (Jaws), Maui; Peter Mel on riding the greatest wave ever caught at Mavericks, California; Keala Kennelly breaking the women’s glass ceiling at the death-defying slabs of Teahupoo, Tahiti; Kai LennyTrade Review"[O]ne of the most impressive photographic tributes to [big wave surfing] ever published." —MAXIM"Now, is there anything Maui’s Kai Lenny cannot do? Conquer oceanic mountains on all manner of craft, paddle between his islands like it was nothing at all, befriend the world’s 5th richest man and teach him to fly, charm two aging recently converted fitness buffs, revive the long-thought dead art of hardback book publishing. No, there is nothing he cannot do and, regarding the later, his gorgeous immortalization, published by Rizzoli, is due out October, 26th." —BEACH GRIT"If racing down the face of a 70-foot-tall wave off the coast of Portugal sounds like a lifelong dream rather than a nightmare, you’ll appreciate this ode to big-wave surfing written by Hawaiian-born surfer Kai Lenny. Lenny shares stories and jaw-dropping photographs from his own escapades — including the time he successfully surfed that massive wave in Nazaré — alongside the experiences of 30 other big-wave surfers who have ridden giants across the globe, from Jaws in Maui to Teahupoo in Tahiti." —NEW YORK MAGAZINE"It takes a special type of person to run toward danger. Or to paddle toward a massive wave. Most of us: not that type of person. But Kai Lenny is. He's one of the world’s best surfers, known for riding some of the world's biggest waves, and he's the youngest person to be inducted into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame. He's also the author of "Big Wave Surfer: The Greatest Rides of Our Lives," a new hardcover tome that offers an inside look at the sport. Throughout the book, Lenny shares his personal stories and perspectives, but he's also joined by more than 30 elite surfers—from old-school legends to exciting young athletes—who contribute tales of the greatest waves they've ever ridden. And since the book is published by Rizzoli, you know it's loaded with gorgeous imagery. Flip through the 304 pages to find photos of surfers riding waves in California, Maui and Nazaré, Portugal." —URBANDADDY.COM"[Kai] Lenny's latest surfing endeavor is...sizeable: Big Wave Surfer is a 304-page large-format photography book that encompasses his journey as a surfer and waterman, but also shares the stories of more than 30 of the world’s top surfers with images from 50 of the world's best photographers alive today. The project took over two years to complete, and wouldn’t have been possible without the collaborative effort of the very people within its pages." —FIELD MAGAZINE

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Book SynopsisHawaiian native Carissa Moore brought joy and pride to the islands when she won the first-ever, gold medal in surfing’s Olympic debut. Here she shares her story and her personal perspective, alongside contributions from many of her fellow Hawaiian surf legends, on what it means to be a surfer from Hawaii.This long-awaited book celebrates Hawaii’s rich surf history and culture, featuring stunning photography capturing the magnificent beauty of the islands, Hawaii’s most famous surf breaks, and legendary surf icons. It showcases Hawaiian surfing traditions such as paddle outs, surfboard shaping, the shaka symbol, and all of the things that have made the origins of surfing in Hawaii uniquely beautiful.Moore invites notable Hawaiian surfers and cultural figures to share their perspectives on growing up on the islands and the connection they have with surfing in Hawaii, the birthplace of this sport. This unique and special book pays tribute

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Book SynopsisScotland is famed for its rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, endless rivers and deep lochs. The whole country is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. In this unique guide, adventurer Mollie Hughes introduces many of her favourite places to paddleboard, kayak, swim and surf. Mixing world-class surfing breaks with kayaking adventures on the west coast, and urban paddleboarding along the Clyde with invigorating swims in the lochs of the Cairngorms, the book shows us how to access and enjoy these varied blue spaces. Mollie includes her own personal experiences and tips, enabling wild watersports fans of all levels to make the most of the amazing opportunities Scotland has to offer.Trade Review'Hughes...discovered not only the best spots to make a splash but also the physical and psychological benefits being in "blue spaces" can bring' -- Sally McDonald * Sunday Post *'This beautiful book would make a fabulous present for a passionate water spots lover in any country in the world... very useful and informative' * Swim The World *'With Mollie's own personal experiences and tips and Rachel Keenan's stunning photography, the book will enable wild watersports fans of all levels to make the most of the amazing opportunities on our doorstep' * Southern Reporter *'It is no surprise that this Devonian has discovered the sea off western Scotland, or that she has produced a brisk and authoritative guide to splashing about in it' * West Highland Free Press *'Essential reading for lovers of the Great Outdoors... taking an enlightened, multi-disciplinary approach to aquatic exploration' -- Roger Cox * Scotsman Magazine *

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Book SynopsisAn illustrated journey through modern surf culture guided by the international surfers and communities that define its inclusive and passionate nature.Epic photography brings the stories of a unique group of global communities, and the surfers that represent them, to life.Told in their own words, some of the world’s most exciting professional and freestyle surfers—at different moments in their careers—introduce the influential figures, places, and waves that have shaped their lives, and their surfing.From Ireland’s rugged and unforgiving west coast to the famous beaches of Oahu, Hawaii, making stops across six continents along the way, Breitling provides a unique and unexpected window on the modern surf experience.The sport’s inclusive spirit is what inspired the iconic watch brand—a champion of surf culture and maker of timepieces for ocean pursuits since 1957—to highlight surf’s wider community wit

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Book SynopsisThe new I Love the Seaside Northwest Europe edition is a printed 408-page surf and travel guide to Norhwest Europe (English language). Taking you along don't-forget-to-breath-beautiful Lofoten in Norway down the west coast, exploring the shores of Sweden, Denmark, Germany's islands, Holland, Belgium and Normandy.

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Book SynopsisBorn and raised in Bundoran, with the waves of the west coast of Ireland breaking at his doorstep, Richie Fitzgerald was molded by his environment--from his initiation to surfing at the age of 9 in the cold Atlantic water to becoming Ireland''s first ever pro surfer and competing on a global scale. But learning to surf in 1980s Ireland wasn''t without its challenges. With little to no equipment, Richie duct-taped Marigolds over woolen gloves to protect his hands from the freezing water and even melted Christening candles to pour on his board in place of surf wax. Yet the west of Ireland boasts waves of size and quality to rival those in California and Hawaii, attracting surfers from all over the world who want to test their mettle, and Richie has surfed the biggest, and most dangerous, of them. Cold-Water Eden is not just a captivating memoir about a transcendent sport: it is at its heart a coming-of-age story about one man''s pursuit of big waves and the dawn of Ireland as a singular destination on the global surf scene--Trade Review‘It’s a brilliant story.’ – Ray D’Arcy, RTÉ ‘The book is incredible.’ – Shane Hannon, Off the Ball ‘It is a fascinating and captivating tale of growing up in the North West frontier town that was a haven for Catholics from the North, during the Troubles, and when the waves off Rougey and Tullan Strand were seen as little more than the start of an emigrant’s journey to the Big Apple and beyond.’ – Michael McHugh, Donegal Democrat

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Book SynopsisAimed at surfers of all ages and abilities, AdvancedSurf Fitness for High Performance Surfing offers a complete training package designed to take your surfing to the next level. The book includes a series of training programs that target the different muscle groups used in surfing, from paddling to all the different maneuvers. The book also includes sections about swimming and cardio regimes, as well as psychology and nutrition. Advanced Surf Fitness for High Performance Surfing is the follow-up to the best-selling Complete Guide to Surf Fitness.

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Book SynopsisThe world-famous Stormrider Surf Guides have been traveling the globe for decades, shining a light on the paths less traveled. Intrepid surfers have often gone the extra mile to arrive at their destination and now they have the perfect product to plan those trips and record their exploits both in and out of the water. The Stormrider Surf Journal is set to become the ultimate traveling companion for both epic adventures to far off shores or the weekend warrior to a nearby beach. At once atlas, planner, and journal, mapping 300 of the best surfing zones on the planet (and when to visit), The Stormrider Surf Journal will serve as a personal history of one''s surf life and become a treasured possession, both on the road and at home.

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Book SynopsisThis wanderlust-fuelled guide profiles breath-taking surfing spots in seven European regions, including Spanish Cantabria, the French Basque Country, Tenerife, Belgium, the UK, and Brittany. Veerle Helsen, a die-hard surfer and design journalist, has combed Europe for a mix of better and lesser- known surfing spots, authentic beach restaurants, fabulous hotels, and the most beautiful driving routes. This book expands on her previous photo/guidebook to surf travel (also called Surf & Stay, 9789401449069) which was published in 2018 and focused on the coasts of Spain and Portugal.

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Book SynopsisA treasure trove of tales of incredible waves and remarkable riders to stoke the fire of armchair surfers and hardcore wave-riders alike.Trade Review"Expect an exhilarating ride alongside surfing legends.” (Coast) “With tales of monster waves, deadly sharks and perfect breaks, this book alone gets every surfer stoked – even if there isn't a wave in the sea.” (Cornwall Today) “Entertainingly written and painstakingly researched: there's something for everyone.” (Carve Surfing) “Accessible and diverting. There are a great many stories here, all short and true. The language is at once literary and idiomatic...Wade comes across as so steeped in respect for the ocean that the overriding impression is of authenticity. The book succeeds through a confluence of subject matter and structure. Some of these stories will transport us, others may pass us by, and the feeling is eerily akin to that of surfing itself.” (Times Literary Supplement 2013)Table of ContentsPreface; Going to Extremes; Tragic Tales; When the Big Stuff Bites; Gonzo Interlude; Contests & Communities; Worldwide Waves; Obsessions; Inspiration

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE 2023 WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEARJOIN THE QUEST TO SURF THE BIGGEST WAVE IN HISTORY.In a small fishing village on the coast of Portugal, a select band of surfers take unimaginable risks, pushing the boundaries of their death-defying sport as they seek to go bigger than ever before.Their goal? To ride the Everest of the ocean - the 100-foot wave.Sports journalist Matt Majendie is welcomed into the inner circle of Nazaré's tight community of big-wave surfers and extreme thrill-seekers, living among them for a season as he chronicles their incredible highs and terrifying lows.Follow the endeavours of Britain's leading big-wave surfer, a former plumber from Devon, Andrew Cotton; trailblazing Brazilian female surfer Maya Gabeira; current World Record holder German Sebastian Steudtner; Portuguese Nic von Rupp and jet-ski driver Sérgio Cosme, nicknamed 'the Guardian Angel of Nazaré' for his daring rescues, in this gripping read.

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Book SynopsisLife Around the Sea is an odyssey through which we can explore the existence of those whose hearts beat in unison with the rhythmic swells of the ocean.This book features stories of individuals who have discovered their true selves among the salt, sand, and surf. We encounter people from all walks of life, such as the surfer who first felt the tender caress of a wave in their childhood, the fearless and infamous big-wave riders, the artists drawn to the coastline to bring its ancient beauty to life, and the shapers who expertly craft boards for wave seekers around the globe.The power of these narratives is truly magnified by the striking images alongside them, assembled by accomplished photographer Russell Ord. His lens captures the essence of each unique individual, revealing the depth of their profound connection to the sea. His images provide another dimension to their stories, allowing us to gaze into the eyes of the ocean's kin, feel the salt on their skin, and experience the majesty of the sea through their perspectives.

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Book SynopsisA story about man confronting nature at its most ferocious.Trade ReviewAn enthralling story of... pursuit of the most mesmerizing- and terrifying- freaks of nature ever seen * Sunday Times *Arguably the best book yet written about big-wave surfing * Times Literary Supplement *Fascinating, heroic, dazzling, terrifying, amazing, mesmerizing, instructive, enlightening, superb. This is the Dragon Tattoo, Moby-Dick, Into Thin Air for our time * Globe and Mail *Examines big waves from every angle, and goes in deep with... mariners, wave scientists and extreme surfers... [A] wonderfully vivid, kinetic narrative * New York Times Book Review *Immensely powerful, beautiful, addictive and, yes, incredibly thrilling... Like a surfer who is happily hooked, the reader simply won't be able to get enough of it * San Francisco Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Its theoretical merits in the ritual interactionist paradigm . . . make the book a must read for any sociologist interested in explaining the seductions of risk taking and the fun in danger—in leisure worlds, individual pleasures, and social life." * Symbolic Interaction *“Deftly explains big wave surfing’s embodied practices, interpersonal relationships, and status hierarchies. The end result is a highly persuasive treatise on the role of emotions, risk-taking, and social collaboration in the pursuit of fun—an essential (if academically undervalued) aspect of human existence. And, beyond his serious engagement with sociological theory. . . . [T]he text is equally filled with humor and beauty. . . . Corte’s analysis represents a significant step in better understanding the complexities of what fun is and how people can find it in myriad ways.” * Social Forces *“Ugo Corte presents an outstanding ethnographic account of big wave surfing. Not only because of the quality of the research but also because of the literary quality of the whole piece. The book achieves an excellent balance between scholar discussion and adventure chronicle that would appeal both to academics and surf aficionados. . . . I would consider Corte’s book as one of the best ethnographic studies of sport so far." * Sociología del Deporte *"Ugo Corte has done impressive fieldwork, including interviews, trying out big wave surfing himself, and hanging out with big wave surfers on the Hawaiian Islands, to capture the ‘memory of a community’ . . . Corte has written a well-researched and fascinating book that will be important to small-group research in cultural sociology." * Cultural Sociology *"Fascinating. . . [and] helpful for scholars looking for social scientific methods to study ritualized and group-based athletes whose practices are deeply entangled with the natural world. Corte’s Dangerous Fun is a valuable addition to the sociological understanding of such social phenomena." * Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture *"Dangerous Fun is bound to be recognized as an essential contribution to the ethnography of risk and the sociology of emotions. Part-memoir, part-history, and part-theory, Corte brilliantly describes why men and women in the Hawaiian surfing world are willing to put themselves in jeopardy in search of a high that is simultaneously personal and communal. Not since Matthew Desmond’s On the Fireline have we had such a powerful account of the intersection of pleasure and danger. One need not have straddled a surfboard to appreciate that a commitment to sociality allows for the profound attraction of controlled peril." -- Gary Alan Fine, Northwestern University“Dangerous Fun is a landmark in the sociology of sport, showing how fear is converted into excitement and fun. Big wave surfing is a team sport: waiting for the wave far off-shore, calling alarms of dangerous waves, circulating narratives of near-death disasters that are the turning point to dropping out or becoming a big-wave surfer. One has to seek out high danger in the presence of a like-minded group to get hooked on this kind of emotional/ physiological transformation. Corte’s book is a fundamental theory of risk-taking of all kinds, even addiction.” -- Randall Collins, author of Violence: A Micro-sociological Theory"The North Shore of O‘ahu is the Vatican of surfing: small in area but densely packed with lore, power, secrets, and great waves. Ugo Corte goes straight to the heart of one of its abiding mysteries–the subculture within the subculture–the exceptional people who ride very big waves. He illuminates surfers’ mentality, diversity, self-expression, social bonds and rituals with dramatic narrative and extensive interviews all in an analytic framework." -- William Finnegan, author of Barbarian Days"Corte’s important book will have crossover appeal not only between academic fields like sociology and psychology, but between academics and non-academics, especially surfers who are intellectually curious. This is because Dangerous Fun is an engaging participant-observation ethnography written in a style that fits in with the best of the classic ethnographic works in the field of sociology. The reader is immediately drawn into the book because the characters are so interesting and because Corte does a great job explaining the feeling of the thrill found in big wave surfing." * Contemporary Sociology *Table of ContentsPrologue: From Northern Europe to the North Shore of Oahu Introduction 1 From Land to Water 2 Beyond the Boil 3 Fun and Community 4 Failing to Succeed, Failing to Become 5 Reciprocal Influence 6 From Adventure to Entertainment and toward Sport 7 One Last Ride Epilogue: Gone but Here, yet Barely in Sight Acknowledgments Notes References Index

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Book SynopsisThe Longboard Travel Guide is the first surf guidebook written specifically for longboarders. Loaded with mouth-watering lineup photos, the book describes 100 of the best waves in the world for loggers and offers insider tips on how to ride them. From the Maldives to Australia''s Gold Coast, from Costa Rica to Fiji, from Samoa to Sri Lanka, all the classic destinations are here. A smorgasbord of less-well known areas are also included for adventurous surfers who thirst for uncrowded waves. This book covers every aspect of surf travel for longboarders: where to go, where to stay, what gear to take, how to get in shape for your trip and how to stay healthy abroad. Longboarders of all ages and abilities will benefit from the practical advice offered by a writing team of seasoned travelers and pros. Whether you''re thinking of doing a road trip in Australia, a coldwater exploration trip in Iceland, or a boat trip in Indonesia this books has plenty to soak on up. A selection of re

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Book SynopsisSo this is surfing in Britain, I told myself as I grumpily walked up a slope of wet rocks and wispy beach grass, trying to keep a foothold as rain and wind both tried their utmost to send me skidding back down to the freezing beach below. Tom Anderson has always loved surfing – anywhere except the UK. But a chance encounter leads him to a series of adventures on home surf… As he visits the popular haunts and secret gems of British surfing he meets the Christians who pray for waves (and get them), loses a competition to a non-existent surfer, is nearly drowned in the River Severn and has a watery encounter with a pedigree sheep. All this rekindles his love affair with the freezing fun that is surfing the North Atlantic.Trade ReviewFunny and Sharp, it's a great insight into what makes surfers in the UK so dedicated. * Surf Girl *Funny, humbling and actually pretty inspiring. * Cooler *The vivid descriptions of grey skies and green waves, the freedom and the attitude of living life to the full combine to deliver a travel book with a twist and one that may have inspired a non-surfer to don a wetsuit and have a go, * Offshore *Tom Anderson learns to love the freezing fun [Britain's] waters offer... this book records his adventures around country's chilly coast. * Waterstone's Books Quarterly *Featured on BBC Radio 4 - Excess Baggage * BBC Radio 4 - Excess Baggage *

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Book SynopsisStand Up Paddleboarding is the fastest growing watersport worldwide. The comparatively low cost, the convenience of inflatable boards and the fact that you can just get on and go all add up to its appeal. But, as with everything, a little bit of knowledge and technique makes the experience so much more enjoyable! That is where this book – the first UK how-to book on paddleboarding – comes in. It provides a perfect introduction to the sport: how to paddleboard, what kit to use and where to go. The book guides you through launching, the correct stance, paddling in a straight line, the different types of turns and landing. It shows you how to choose your board and paddle, inflate and deflate an inflatable board, and talks about where to ride as well as weather, safety, maintenance and repair of your equipment. It covers the main types of paddleboarding: touring, racing, surfing and yoga / fitness. All aspects are heavily illustrated with colour photographs making it easy to understand and clear to follow.Trade Review“The first ever UK beginner’s guide to Stand Up Paddleboarding … covers topics such as the equipment you need, launching and landing, falling safely, basic paddling techniques, inflating/deflating, as well as deciding where to paddle and an overview of the different SUP disciplines. … Clearly laid out and separated into easy to digest sections makes for easy reading … And there are plenty of photos to support the text making it simple to understand.” (SUPBoarder) “this slim and simple introduction is appealing.” (Yachting Monthly)Table of ContentsIntroduction; Board, Paddle, Leash; Paddle Gear; Launch, Prone, Kneel, Stand, Paddle; Stance, Fall Safely, Recovery Stroke; Short Paddle Stroke; Turning; Landing & Loading A Board On A Roof Rack; Choosing A Board & Paddle; Inflating & Deflating A Board; Where To Ride; Weather & Safety; Touring; Racing; SUP Surfing; Fitness; Holidays; Maintenance & Repair; Further Reading.

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Book SynopsisThis new edition of Ultimate Surfing Adventures takes you on a thrilling ride around the world’s best surfing spots – from tropical reefs, through temperate waters to ones where you will need a wetsuit. There are exciting adventures that will appeal to everyone from novice to expert. Stunning, full-page photographs put you at the heart of the action, while inspirational descriptions illustrate why each break is so unique. It’s perfect for planning your next surfari, or alternatively allows you to indulge in some armchair surfing of breaks that only the most adventurous will ride. As well as classic waves around the Pacific, there is a wealth of more unusual surf spots from Antarctica to Bristol. Every continent is covered, so expect to find waves you’ve already ridden alongside those you never knew existed. Each entry is accompanied by useful information such as the best season to surf, hazards to consider, how to get there and what to do when you’re all surfed out. Discover where you will surf next – in reality or in your imagination.Table of ContentsIntroduction; Europe; Africa & Middle East; Asia & Indian Ocean; Australasia & Pacific; North America; Central America & Caribbean; South America & Antarctica

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Book SynopsisSurf: Waves of Living is a book that explores the culture and lifestyle of surfing. It delves into the history and evolution of surfing as a sport and lifestyle, and the impact it has had on society. The book examines the different ways in which surfers live and the various subcultures within the surfing community. From professional surfers to those who simply enjoy surfing as a pastime, the book explores the diverse ways in which individuals engage with the ocean. The photographs provide a glimpse into the unique perspectives that emerge from a life dedicated to surfing. They also explore the connection between surfing and nature, and how this relationship can lead to a deeper appreciation of the natural world. The book reflects on the impact of commercialisation and development on surfing destinations, and the role of surfing in promoting conservation efforts. This is a comprehensive exploration of the surfing lifestyle, and a fascinating insight into the unique mindset and culture that has developed around this popular sport. It is a must-read for anyone interested in surfing or the intersection of nature, culture, and sport.

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Book SynopsisFor this edition, they teamed up with adventure-seeking Marte Louwes and Chilean local surfer Vicente Gracia, who found the best addresses along Chile's endless shores, and a few inland too. They stargazed in the arid desert in Norte Grande, drove through green hills to stay in the lively surf hubs of Central Chile, then continued south to the Lake District's ancient forests before exploring the Chiloé archipelago in North Patagonia. In their own words: "There is so much raw beauty out there that needs to be seen. The endless coast of Chile and the constantly changing views, landscapes and climates. We were pleasantly surprised by the awesome coffee places, vegan-friendly food bowls and beautiful beach bars we discovered along the way. Our dream is to share with you our love for Chile's people, waves, coastline, food and travel. To connect the local community with a greater likeminded community."

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Book SynopsisThis is the radical journey of an Italian surf punk studying Chinese in the late 1980s, fuelling surf adventures in the 1990s through work as a Mandarin interpreter., running Surf News magazine in the 2000s, tackling the Silver Dragon river bore in 2007, and then moving the so-called 'Peoples Republic of Empty Waves' to explore the virgin breaks and the surf development of China. Along the way, Nik discovers an untold history of wave riding in dynastic culture. How do the breathing techniques of Daoism, the flow of calligraphy and the pragmatic values of Confucianism relate to the art of wave riding? Strangely, and quite brilliantly, this happens in the oldest continuous civilisation in the world over 1200 years ago.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A valuable and absorbing biography, starring a forgotten founder of California beach culture." --Library Journal, starred review"It’s terrific to have such substantial research collected in a single volume with many falsehoods corrected. The fascinating part is that, despite the research that Moser has amassed, after so many years of low-flying fame, Freeth himself remains a smooth enigma." --Los Angeles Review of Books"Moser’s book will bring renewed attention to Freeth, whose contributions to surf and beach culture in California have typically been overshadowed by those of his fellow Hawaiian waterman and protege Duke Kahanamoku." --San Francisco Chronicle​"It is difficult to think of the California lifestyle today without appreciating the legacies left by George Freeth. We can thank Patrick Moser for bringing this somewhat enigmatic figure to life in his excellent new book." --Southern California Quarterly"Surf and Rescue is an informative, engaging, and fascinating account of the way one man forever changed the world for the better." --Kelp Journal"That this nothing-if-not authoritative treatise on the understudied George Freeth is shockingly well researched comes as little surprise. That is what Patrick Moser is known for. Yet as rigorous as Surf and Rescue might be, the clarity of the language and the knowledge of topic--surfing--lifts this book into sheer page-turner territory."--Scott Hulet, The Surfer's Journal"Moser's book offers a well-written biography of Freeth that will be exciting and engaging to those deeply invested in the history of surfing and lifeguarding." --H-Net Reviews“Patrick Moser is an excellent historian, surf or otherwise, and with Surf and Rescue we get Moser at his very best: clear-eyed and knowledgeable, a detail man who can nimbly pull back to present the big picture. George Freeth is an undeservedly forgotten figure in American cultural history, and Patrick Moser is the right person to bring him forward.”--Matt Warshaw, author of The History of Surfing

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Book SynopsisCrowood Sports Guides are the perfect tool for anyone wanting to improve their performance, from beginners learning the basic skills to more experienced participants working on advanced techniques. These practical, no-nonsense guides will help give you that all important advantage. Fully illustrated with over 150 colour photographs, Surfing - Crowood Sports Guides covers: the history of surfing; choosing and maintaining a board; reading the ocean; skills development; advanced techniques; environmental care and surf contests and careers.

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Book SynopsisA thrilling ethnography of big wave surfing in Hawaii that explores the sociology of fun. Straight from the beaches of Hawaii comes an exciting new ethnography of a community of big-wave surfers. Oahu's Waimea Bay attracts the world's best big wave surfersmen and women whocome to test their physical strength, courage, style, knowledge of the water, and love of the ocean. Sociologist Ugo Corte sees their fun as the outcome of social interaction within a community. Bothas participant and observer, heexamines how mentors, novices, and peers interact to create episodes of collective fun in a dangerous setting; how they push one another's limits, nourish a lifestyle, advance the sport and, in some cases, make a living based on their passion for the sport. InDangerous Fun,Corte traces how surfers earn and maintain a reputation within the field, and how, as innovations are introduced, and as they progress, establish themselves and age, they modify their strategies for maximizing performance Trade Review"Its theoretical merits in the ritual interactionist paradigm . . . make the book a must read for any sociologist interested in explaining the seductions of risk taking and the fun in danger—in leisure worlds, individual pleasures, and social life." * Symbolic Interaction *“Deftly explains big wave surfing’s embodied practices, interpersonal relationships, and status hierarchies. The end result is a highly persuasive treatise on the role of emotions, risk-taking, and social collaboration in the pursuit of fun—an essential (if academically undervalued) aspect of human existence. And, beyond his serious engagement with sociological theory. . . . [T]he text is equally filled with humor and beauty. . . . Corte’s analysis represents a significant step in better understanding the complexities of what fun is and how people can find it in myriad ways.” * Social Forces *“Ugo Corte presents an outstanding ethnographic account of big wave surfing. Not only because of the quality of the research but also because of the literary quality of the whole piece. The book achieves an excellent balance between scholar discussion and adventure chronicle that would appeal both to academics and surf aficionados. . . . I would consider Corte’s book as one of the best ethnographic studies of sport so far." * Sociología del Deporte *"Ugo Corte has done impressive fieldwork, including interviews, trying out big wave surfing himself, and hanging out with big wave surfers on the Hawaiian Islands, to capture the ‘memory of a community’ . . . Corte has written a well-researched and fascinating book that will be important to small-group research in cultural sociology." * Cultural Sociology *"Fascinating. . . [and] helpful for scholars looking for social scientific methods to study ritualized and group-based athletes whose practices are deeply entangled with the natural world. Corte’s Dangerous Fun is a valuable addition to the sociological understanding of such social phenomena." * Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture *"Dangerous Fun is bound to be recognized as an essential contribution to the ethnography of risk and the sociology of emotions. Part-memoir, part-history, and part-theory, Corte brilliantly describes why men and women in the Hawaiian surfing world are willing to put themselves in jeopardy in search of a high that is simultaneously personal and communal. Not since Matthew Desmond’s On the Fireline have we had such a powerful account of the intersection of pleasure and danger. One need not have straddled a surfboard to appreciate that a commitment to sociality allows for the profound attraction of controlled peril." -- Gary Alan Fine, Northwestern University“Dangerous Fun is a landmark in the sociology of sport, showing how fear is converted into excitement and fun. Big wave surfing is a team sport: waiting for the wave far off-shore, calling alarms of dangerous waves, circulating narratives of near-death disasters that are the turning point to dropping out or becoming a big-wave surfer. One has to seek out high danger in the presence of a like-minded group to get hooked on this kind of emotional/ physiological transformation. Corte’s book is a fundamental theory of risk-taking of all kinds, even addiction.” -- Randall Collins, author of Violence: A Micro-sociological Theory"The North Shore of O‘ahu is the Vatican of surfing: small in area but densely packed with lore, power, secrets, and great waves. Ugo Corte goes straight to the heart of one of its abiding mysteries–the subculture within the subculture–the exceptional people who ride very big waves. He illuminates surfers’ mentality, diversity, self-expression, social bonds and rituals with dramatic narrative and extensive interviews all in an analytic framework." -- William Finnegan, author of Barbarian Days"Corte’s important book will have crossover appeal not only between academic fields like sociology and psychology, but between academics and non-academics, especially surfers who are intellectually curious. This is because Dangerous Fun is an engaging participant-observation ethnography written in a style that fits in with the best of the classic ethnographic works in the field of sociology. The reader is immediately drawn into the book because the characters are so interesting and because Corte does a great job explaining the feeling of the thrill found in big wave surfing." * Contemporary Sociology *Table of ContentsPrologue: From Northern Europe to the North Shore of Oahu Introduction 1 From Land to Water 2 Beyond the Boil 3 Fun and Community 4 Failing to Succeed, Failing to Become 5 Reciprocal Influence 6 From Adventure to Entertainment and toward Sport 7 One Last Ride Epilogue: Gone but Here, yet Barely in Sight Acknowledgments Notes References Index

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Book SynopsisNo matter if you’re a surfer, or have never even seen the sea, you can’t help but be transfixed by the aquatic sculptures of infinite variety that are waves. Photographers dedicate their lives to capturing their majesty and this book is a testament to the awesome power and sublime beauty of waves. Amazing Waves is a stunning coffee-table book of photographs that capture the beauty and majesty of ocean waves. This breathtaking volume is a collection of the best work by 20 of the world’s top surf photographer’s.  The photos in Amazing Waves are guaranteed to thrill surfers, longboarders, kite surfers and bodyboarders alike; everyone who loves looking at images of the ocean at its most spectacular. Plus, this title includes tips and advice for budding photographers.  

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Book SynopsisSurfing in Ireland was once considered little more than a fringe and slightly lunatic pursuit. The treacherous coastline and ice waters of the Atlantic did not sit comfortably with the stereotype of surfing as the favoured pastime of the bronzed and privileged. But with the discovery in the past few years of the gargantuan Aileen’s wave at the Cliffs of Moher and other heavy waves, the Irish coast has become one of the worst kept secrets in world surfing.In Cliffs of Insanity, the Irish Times sportswriter Keith Duggan tells the story of a dedicated group of surfers in County Clare whose lives revolve around the pursuit of Ireland’s wildest waves. The book traces the evolution of Fergal Smith, the young Mayo man whose intuition for big waves has earned him a serious reputation and explores the world of Mickey Smith, the roving Cornish man who discovered Aileen’s and whose breathtaking surf photography has caught the Irish landscape in an entirely new and original light.Bitter cold days, broken bones, busted boards, scars, near drownings and countless hours in the freezing water trying to read the ocean is the price they pay for those few transcendent seconds when they master a wave. Cliffs of Insanity is about the importance of pursuing what matters in life but it is also about community and friendship, and the passionate pursuit of a way of life that flies in the face of everything championed in Ireland over the last decade.Trade ReviewBeautifully written. Compelling. -- Malachy Clerkin * Off The Ball, Newstalk *Duggan presents a rare and intimate window into a little-understood world. ... I was enthralled. * The Irish Times *Inventive and inspiring. -- Michael Foley * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisStand Up Paddleboarding is the fastest growing water-based activity worldwide. Thousands have tried it, with many more taking it up each year. It is easy to make the first steps to stand on a board and paddle. But many want to take this further – be it paddling greater distances, starting to race, SUPing in the surf, using it to improve their fitness or enhancing their well-being through yoga. To develop your SUPing requires a combination of improved technique, skills, fitness and mental attitude. This book will help anyone interested in SUPing get better at it. It shows how to improve your efficiency, technique, skills and physical capability before exploring the different ways of participating and the equipment you need. It suggests that seeking continuous improvement and rising to personal SUP challenges can help you enter the flow state, which enhances happiness. Packed with photos and photo sequences, this book provides both the inspiration and a blueprint for understanding how to improve your SUP capabilities in the area you choose.Trade Review“A phenomenal read. ... A really great resource for people who are getting into stand up paddle boarding. Every time you fall short on something there’s going to be something in that book you should look at.” (April Zilg on SUPfm, December 2022) “Good jumping off point in all sorts of ways. If you are invested in improving yourself or others (starting a coaching career in a local SUP school) it will give you plenty of opportunity for extending either your own skills or help you in coaching other people. … A great book, incredible, a really huge span of stuff, all very interesting and very useful … I thought it was a great book. I haven’t seen anything like that out there like this.” (Simon Hutchinson on SUPfm, December 2022) "If you paddleboard and want to improve, want to explore other disciplines, want clear instructions as to how you can achieve those goals and want a highly enjoyable, readable book, then you won’t go far wrong with Improving Your Stand Up Paddleboarding – Andy and James have tried to be different, they know there are books out there teaching the basics and guide books to show you where to paddle, but with this colourful and engaging book full of step by step photos they have given us all something new. They want to inspire you to try something different and give you the tools to do just that, a certain amount of knowledge of all disciplines and a good level of fitness too." (Paddler Magazine)Table of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Understanding How To Improve; 2. Improve Your Efficiency; 3. Improve Your Technique; 4. Improve Your Skills; 5. Improve Your Physical Capability; 6. Participating; 7. Being Properly Equipped; 8. The Flow State, Mastery & Happiness

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