Customer Reviews

Surf Rage

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

 

 

Although the byline for the book says Nat Young, most of the stories were written by other surfers, mostly Australians. It's truly ironic that Nat "the Animal" Young is the one condemning "surf rage" since he's the very surfer who embodied surf aggression in and out of the water throughout his life. It's akin to a high school dropout trying to tell children to stay in school. But I digress.

On March 16, 2000, Nat got into a fight in the lineup and copped a serious beating (see picture below). It was this incident that prompted him to write and compile this book.

Refreshingly, the book isn't about only surf rage (the equivalent to driving's road rage). Each author had very enlightening incidents to share and analyzed the how's and possibly why's they occurred.

Things that are discussed included: localism, territorialism, respect, surf media intervention, the laughability of "secret" spots, surf tourism, professionalism, other waveriding vehicles, women, recent incidents in the news, Zorba of Oxnard, the Ranch, and the infamous Saltbush in Southern Australia. The very end has some silly conflict resolution and anger management tips, along with a wrap-up by Nat on things that can be done to reduce surf rage (like making artificial waves and more surf breaks).

I personally enjoyed the book. The writing delves deep into analysis and meaning of subtle surfing nuances that only a surfer will truly appreciate. Being published in Australia, it is amusingly full of Aussie-speak and spelling, something that this Hawaii boy is not totally familiar with but still enjoyed (seemed to add a bit more authenticity and flavor). Some of the writers are stronger than others, but the overall quality of penmanship is high. The Saltbush incident is like the Mad Max of surfing.

One of the best nuggets in the book was a picture of the "Tribal Laws", a surfing poster installed at Margaret River, Western Australia. There are good drawings on the poster describing laws that, if followed, would truly improve the surfing experience.

Aloha,
Neal

Surf Rage by Nat Young is a book that should be read by all surfers young and old.While some who read it could be cynical, as part of the book obviously gives Nat Young a chance to repent for his past sins and misdeeds in the water, the bulk of the book and its many authors have done a fine job in exposing the increasing dilemma now facing surfing; the crowds, the competition and its resulting conflicts.
All the authors appear to be sincere in tackling the issue and some of the stories sent chills up my back. I found the last chapter to be the most constructive, it details some well known strategies for dealing with conflict and I tried using one last week during a heated confrontation with a hammer head surf nazi hellbent on smashing my face in and surprise surprise it worked.
So yes I am a wrap for the book and thoroughly recommend it to surfers everywhere. Its about time something on this subject was written and I do hope Nat Young gets a pat on the back for having the courage to talk openly and honestly about his past.

I enjoyed reading Surf Rage. Nat Young certainly was the right man to put this collection together. After a horrible beating, the man really tried to sum up what surfers are up against in overcrowded surf. I hope part of the surfing population responds by re-evaluating why they started surfing. Surfing is supposed to be fun for everyone in the water. Not just the very good or very aggressive. I rate the book as a major effort to improve the vibrations in and around the water.

This book was very helpful. It taught me how to deal with surf rage incidents I have encountered in the water. It gave a very good insight of how surf rage is delt with by other surfers around the world. READ THIS BOOK if you like surfing!

I loved the book, its great to read a book about something that worries me about men in competitive environments. Im a female surfer with 12 years experience and who surfs most days and im still not sure the guys get it.Why all the spittin and sassin mmmmmmm. I can always see a dummy spit comming in the water. Some greedy hyped dude wants it all and everyone else gets amped. Some try to step on the dude by droping in relentlessly and end up over amped, some confront the dude with anger and stay angry and some sidestep the dude focusing instead on their own space, they dont over react and stay in the flow. Ive watched and learned what works with these guys....let em burn out. I thought N. Carrolls chapter was a hoot and Kampions contribution was all good and the "Beating the Drum" chapter by a mediator surfer dude offered 3 good points for us all to consider;
1. a good profile on why some guys like going the biffo, 2.how a shift in language can change situations and bring harmony, 3. Go for Quality not quantity of waves.
However will the ones who need it read it? I hope so...remember guys take 2 and leave 2 and no hassles.[]

Nat young took credit for writing this book! It was a bunch of stories written by others who have experienced surf rage. Nat's input was minimal and useless to draw attention to a sad situation he provoked. Sorry it happened. Most avid surfers have experienced some form of rage in the water and certainly don't need to waste time reading tale after tale of violence. Beginning surfers simply need to learn surfing in uncrowded areas and know their limitations. It is unnecessary to read this book to have that understanding. Surfers that indulge in this senseless behavior however would get a morbid kick out of this book. Upon completion I did however recall the subliminal message, avoid crowded Cali and Aussie surf. Thanks Nat, but spare me a sequel.