Sister Surfer: A Woman's Guide to Surfing with Bliss and Courage (Paperback)

~ Mary Osborne (Author), (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Osborne has done a great job of presenting the basics—everything from how to exercise to what to take to the beach. The book won’t replace getting in the water and good instruction, but it does offer advice on overcoming fear or hesitation and is reassuring on one important point: all surfers begin as kooks. In fact, even seasoned surfers sometimes goof up and look like kooks again. They’ve learned to laugh it off and paddle back out. Osborne shows how you can do the same.”-- Andrea Gabbard, Author, Girl in the Curl, A Century of Women in Surfing

“SISTER SURFER does a great job of both explaining how to surf and breaking down the barriers that prevent women from experiencing the sport. A great read that will surely empower and motivate surfers of every level and ability.”

-- Raul Guisado, author of The Art of Surfing



"Sister Surfer is spot on with EXCELLENT advice for women who want to learn to surf. Girls, read this book before you take the plunge. You'll be glad you did. Now GO SURFING!"--James MacLaren, author of Learn to Surf

“Mary Osborne has the knowledge that can only be acquired by those who were raised in the ocean. We grew up surfing the same beaches and she is always one of the best surfers in the line up. Anyone looking for advice about the ocean and surfing can definitely find it here.”-- Dan Malloy, pro surfer

"Mary Osborne is in love with surfing, and I am in love with Mary Osborne. She's a fine surfer, a great instructor and a capable water person."--Dorian Paskowitz, author of Surfing and Health and founder of the original surf camp

Product Description

When Mary Osborne won the longboard contest in MTV’s Surf Girls, she immediately became the strong and beautiful figurehead for a nation of surfing women. Now, here’s Osborne’s introduction to the sport, the only guide for women who surf, and, more importantly, for those women who have always dreamed of paddling out beyond the breakers and catching the ideal wave.

Osborne is a master of the slickest sport. Here she shares her wisdom with readers, on everything from putting on a wet suit (do wear your bathing suit underneath, ladies) to catching the first wave (don’t start too far out). There are tips on choosing a board, carrying it, knowing which boards need wax, finding a surfing buddy, figuring out what that leash is for and how it works, and finding the perfect spot.

Sister Surfer is more than a technical manual filled with gorgeous images. It is also an inspirational guide, a handbook to freeing the spirit and overcoming the barriers of the world and of the self. This unique book, perfectly timed to ride the growing wave that is women and surfing, will appeal to anyone who loves the deep blue.

When Mary Osborne won the longboard contest in MTV's Surf Girls, she immediately became the strong and beautiful figurehead for a nation of surfing women. Now, here's Osborne's introduction to the sport, the only guide for women who surf, and, more importantly, for those women who have always dreamed of paddling out beyond the breakers and catching the ideal wave.
Osborne is a master of the slickest sport. Here she shares her wisdom with readers, on everything from putting on a wet suit (do wear your bathing suit underneath, ladies) to catching the first wave (don't start too far out). There are tips on choosing a board, carrying it, knowing which boards need wax, finding a surfing buddy, figuring out what that leash is for and how it works, and finding the perfect spot.
Sister Surfer is more than a technical manual filled with gorgeous images. It is also an inspirational guide, a handbook to freeing the spirit and overcoming the barriers of the world
qland of the self. This unique book, perfectly timed to ride the growing wave that is women and surfing, will appeal to anyone who loves the deep blue.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press (June 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592287212
• ISBN-13: 978-1592287215
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #707,541 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surfs up, Courage up, December 16, 2005

By	S. Cunningham "designcunning" (fort lauderdale, fl) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sister Surfer is a great inspiration. I picked up the book for a friend but had to buy a second copy for myself.

Who doesn't want to surf? Starting is the hardest part. Sister Surfer de-mystifies surfing and makes it accessible to everyone. You do not need to be twenty, athletic, and bikini clad. The wide range of women of different ages and experiences featured in the book help to reinforce the idea that anyone can surf. Women like camaraderie and this book makes you feel like you are part of a community even if you haven't started surfing yet. The lessons in the book can be taken into every other part of your life where courage needs to overcome fear.

The book is beautifully done with lots of graphics and great photos of women with the huge smiles that come from conquering fear or achieving a dream. The style of the book allows you to either skim for relevant topics or read it from cover to cover.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1/2 Inspiration + 1/2 How To = A great read., November 15, 2005

By	J. Pearson "J Pearson" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have sand caught between the pages of this book, because it motivated me to get in the water ASAP. A highly recommended read for those who seek the waves. Kia Afcari and Mary Osborne have shown me that surfing is more than a sport, it is rebirth.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great source of inspiration, December 27, 2005

By	Marla Stein "Marlita" (Cambridge, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a younger woman and recent breast cancer survivor, I found this book to be a great source of healing. It was validating and uplifting to read testimonies from other women that faced challenges in their lives. Sister Surfer reminded me of what's important in life: fun in the sun! After reading this book, I had my first surf lesson and had a blast. I can't wait to hit the waves again!