The Big Drop: Classic Big Wave Surfing Stories [Paperback]

John Long (Editor), Hai-Van K. Sponholz (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999

A classic collection of big wave surfing stories that heralded a new era in surfing literature—32 tantalizing and terrifying true tales from the sport’s pioneers

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

32 classic big wave surfing stories from the sport’s pioneers

John Long’s classic collection of big wave surfing stories heralds a new era in surfing literature. Revealing the tantalizing and terrifying truth about riding big waves, The Big Drop is a must for any surfer inclined to tackle large surf in thought or in fact.

The Big Drop is more than just another surfing book. Showcasing elite athletes who live to challenge the ocean’s fury, it is both an extraordinary collection of true tales and a treasure-trove of insight into the evolution of big wave surfing—with particular focus on the pioneers of the 1950s and 1960s and the skills necessary to conquer huge waves. Providing a comprehensive look at the sport’s eras, locations, and legends, with a host of stunning images and a glossary of surfing terms, this is a truly unforgettable look at the obsession of those who face down monstrous waves.

About the Author

John Long’s award-winning short stories and books—ranging from literary fiction to instructional manuals—have sold more than two million copies. His book The Stonemasters won the grand prize at the Banff Film and Book Festival. Several of Long’s large-format books are in the Museum of Modern Art.

Product Details

• Paperback: 249 pages
• Publisher: Falcon Publishing; 1st edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560449179
• ISBN-13: 978-1560449171
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #998,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book Rips, June 20, 2000

By 

Peter Pohl - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Big Drop: Classic Big Wave Surfing Stories (Paperback)

I am a grom, at the age of 17 right now, and I rarely read a book cover to cover.I've always been interested in big wave surfing, but never the old timer stuff. This book has revealed the truth about riding big waves in and interesting perspective to the new generation such as myself, and I will never forget some of the stories in here. I reccomend that if you're a surfer, and are even remotely interested in attempting to tackle large surf, that you pick up this book. It will give you second thoughts about venturing out at places like Mavericks, Waimaii Bay, and Todos Santos.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As close as you can get without dropping in yourself, August 24, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Lahaina, Maui) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Big Drop: Classic Big Wave Surfing Stories (Paperback)

The stories that comprise this book cover a variety of eras, locations, and players in the arena of big wave surfing. For anyone who wants to know more about the obession of those who commit themselves down the face of monsterous, capably murderous waves, and go beyond that virtually feeling the air and water rushing around you in the midst of ocean mayhem, this book will deliver. An awesome read.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Get inside the Big Wave Surfing Culture, July 12, 2001

By 

R. Spell "raspell" (Memphis, TN USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Big Drop: Classic Big Wave Surfing Stories (Paperback)

Not just a surfing book but focusing on the Big Wave surfing crew, that elite group of athletes that live to challenge the ocean's fury. This is a collection of short stories but it does a great job of covering the total history of Big Wave surfing, particularly paying attention to the heroes of the 50s and 60s the water skills necessary to challenge large waves. With complete coverage and analysis of all big wave sites and legends, I can't imagine what it left unturned.

This exciting sport has elevated itself recently with "ski in" surfing and these stories do a great job of covering the controversy of this sport's growth and it's trailblazer, Laird Hamilton.

I strongly recommend this book if you like surfing or are enthralled by the culture of these people who devote their lives to the ocean.