Customer Reviews

The Soul of Surfing

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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What a great book. A surfer's book! Fred kept it short, sweet and heartfelt...all a surfer requires. I don't agree 100% with his beliefs but he speaks honestly and with a spirit only a Hawaiian could fully grasp. His political platform gets my vote. His last page gave me goosebumps. I have done many things in life non-surfing related but more than anything else, to say "I am a surfer", says it all!

This book really made me wish I'd lived in Hawaii in the 60's. Mr. Hemmings provides an excellent history of the growth of surfing and outrigger canoe racing. It's hard to imagine his uncrowded surf of the 60's. Also a very good look at the change from the recreational surfer to the professional competitor. I highly recommend this book to any person who surfs.

One of the greats has finally written about his love of surfing and the history of the sport, including its professional beginnings. Thank you, Fred, for baring your soul and sharing your stories. Now we will have them for all time.

Hemming's explores the true personalities that made the sport what it is today. His reflections and anecdotes reveal the true heroism of the sport. Hemming's vibrant story-telling style would be greatly appreciated on ESPN. They need a true surfing celebrity to do on-air commentary. Remember him on ABC's Wide World of Sports? Fred truly epitomizes the soul of surfing.

The Soul of Surfing captures the roots and growth of the sport as told by former world champion and father of modern day professional surfing, Fred Hemmings. The book is an autobiography of the late 50's thru the 90's of the sport and surrounding lifestyles within Hawaii. Surfing personalities, world renowned spots, and histories are brought to life through the author who grew up on the beaches of Waikiki.

The book covers surfing historically as well as the spirit of the men and woman who ride the waves. The cover should be the famous Makaha "bowl" photo of Hemmings.

Most surf books are small waves breaking in shallow water, this guy sees beyond horizon.

This book covers surfing historically as well as the spirit of the men and woman who ride waves. It offers much more than the "rode that wave" syndrome of many surfing books. The Soul of Surfing also captures the nostalgia and romance of days gone by as well as a insiders look at the embryonic years of modern day pro surfing.

The cover should be the famous Makaha "bowl" photo of Hemmings.