Customer Reviews

Surf Diva: A Girl's Guide to Getting Good Waves

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was cute, but lacked real useful information and descriptions of techniques, moves and etiquette essential to holding your own in the water. Maybe because the authors run a surf school, they didn't want to give away all the good information that you pay a lot more for when you sign up for their school. This book was like a big advertisement for the surf school with extra tips about matching your bikini and toenail polish to your board. I appreciated the part about doing your part to keep the oceans clean, but that was the meatiest part of the book. I purchased two books for beginning female surfers at the same time. The other one was fabulous and I refer to it as a reference constantly. This one is more useful as a beach read on a flat day.

I was looking for a good book to help me learn the surfing basics so I could paddle out with my husband. This book makes surfing seem so darned fun I couldn't wait to get out there. Of course, my first time was like a washing machine and I'm covered in bruises -- but it was exhilarating! I wanted to give up at one point, but as I was dragging my board back to shore, I asked myself, is this what a diva would do? NO! I went back out (away from my husband this time) and was able to catch a wave (on my belly) for the first time! This book was very inspiring, especially because of all the stories and tips, such as not to have high expectations when you plan to surf, because the ocean is always presenting different scenarios. They also assure me that it's ok to catch waves laying down on the board in the beginning to get comfy with the feeling.

My one bit of feedback is that I would have liked a lot more how-to photos. I still don't quite understand how waves are measured, what constitutes "good waves", and how to get from laying down to popping up. This book did not cover some of the very basic concepts such as how to get onto the darned board gracefully or how to sit on it with out toppling over. They may assume that readers have taken their classes or already have some surf experience.

Until "Surf Diva: A Girl's Guide to Getting Good Waves" came along, I never would have thought it was possible to get surf stoke from reading a book. But Izzy and Coco's writing will grab you, throw you a bottle of sunblock, and have you paddling out into some amazing swell....even if you're reading it while sitting on the couch.

The writing style is almost like chatting with one of your girlfriends....who just happens to have a plethora of knowledge about all things surfing related. VERY informative, INSANELY fun....with personality and humor pouring off of every page. You're right there, on the beach, pulling on your wetsuit and strapping on your leash.

There are plenty of good tips in this book about surfing and surf culture, but it's laced with extremely condescending, sexist morsels like:
-On Removing Wax: "Credit cards work well for stripping wax, but this can damage the metallic strip and later cause shopping trauma at the shoe counter... better to use the library card... Or, better yet, get a guy to (do it) for you." p. 80
-On eye protection: "Your eyes are harder to protect while you're in the water... make sure you're wearing sunglasses on the way to and from the beach. You can also up your diva quotient significantly with the right pair of sunglasses for your style. Accessories are the spice of life." p. 43
-On wearing shoes while surfing to guard against hypothermia: "Booties are also great for protecting a good pedicure." p. 40
-Things to think about in the water: "How great pink toenail polish looks in the water on brown toes... was that hottie smiling at me?" p. 125
-On training: "I had to sweat and grunt and groan myself into a total state of dripping humiliation as gorgeous guys filed in and out of the locker room past my squat torture contraption." p. 126

To be reminded of how popular media and sexists expect women to feel about exercise, think, and look is not empowering, but crippling to those who want to delve into a new activity dominated by males. I was hoping for a book based on empowerment of spirit and detachment from unnecessary narcissistic ideals. This wasn't it.

I got this book in advance of going out on a real surfing lesson and it really helped me prep for my first time on the waves. I was able to finish some of my instructor's sentences, which may have been a bit obnoxious of me but it made me feel a little more confident. When he used surfer slang in front of me ("Hey, look at the little Grommet!") I, having naturally read the entire book cover to cover including the glossary, knew exactly what he meant. Can a book really replace the one-on-one instruction of a real person? No. Can it help you PREP yourself for your first time hitting the waves so that you don't feel like a complete kook? YES! The authors give you an insight into surf culture, practices you can do you prepare yourself, a step-by-step guide to how to stand up on the board, and stories about surfing disasters and triumphs. Nothing, I repeat, nothing can replicate the experience of actually getting out there, catching the waves and learning moves from a professional. This book, however, will help you get ready if you're nervous about giving it a try. Its like having a personal cheering squad in your beach bag.

This is the must have for all the surf sistahs out there! Izzy and Coco have written a book that makes surfing come alive and gives you visions of surf stoke to carry you until your next session! For the groms/and groms at heart out there, you will get tons of good info with regards to water saftey, what kind of board to buy, how to find a good surf school and how to handle yourself out in the lineup! The book also gives you some fun insight into surf culture and surf fashion. Everything a true surf diva needs to know! Now get out there get this book and catch some waves girls!

As a novice surfer, I can't emphasize enough how invaluable 'A Girl's Guide to Getting Good Waves" has been to me. It is a very effective beginner's manual to the world of surfing, even including tips on wetsuits, what kind of board to get for starters and etiquette while out in the water. This book was recommended to me by some very seasoned surfers and it's been a genuine resource tool. I've met Izzy and Coco - the owners of Surf Diva and the authors of this book - and they are all about beach preservation and sharing the joy of surfing. So if you are new to this world and want to put your best foot forward, do yourself a favor and shorten your surfing learning curve via Surf Diva. As they say in the book, 'If you don't go, you won't know.'

LOOOVE THIS BOOK.
Came quick
I totally recommend to new and old surfers :)

Surf Diva: A Guide to Getting Good Waves is an engaging introduction to the wonderful sport of surfing. Reading the book feels like sitting across a cafe table from co-authors Izzy and Coco Tihanyi, sipping lattes, while chatting about how women of all ages can experience the thrill of riding waves. While the book is a fun and easy read, it is also packed with relevant how-to tips that will give beginner divas the confidence to paddle out and charge waves on their own terms. I highly recommend this book to any woman who is interested in taking up the transformative sport of surfing.

The Surf Diva book is one of many examples that show how women are making comeback (both women and men surfed in ancient Polynesian culture) in this fantastic sport!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book and I think the Surf Diva design is both fun and feminine. It's also nice to have a female perspective on this great sport! After reading it I felt a renewed sense of surfing with aloha. It also reminded me that "the best surfers in the water are the ones having the most fun". I couldn't agree more!