Customer Reviews

Surfing's Greatest Misadventures: Dropping In on the Unexpected

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Surfing's Greatest Mis-adventures is a journey into real-life situations that would make most of us turn white with fear, or drop to our knees in hysterical laughter. The stories are concise, exceptionally well written, and captivating in a riveting sort of way. I was glued to this thing from start

to finish. As a whole it is a respectful contribution to the sport. I often found myself taking a moment to picture the events of the stories in my minds eye. This book is a must have item for any surfer. It's also a good way to pass the time during flat spells. And at the very least, it's a thrilling bathroom reader.

Both my father and I have read the book. He is an intense skier, climber and biker; however, he lives in Seattle and is not a big surfer. The other day, while driving back from Whistler Mountain, he called me, and we talked about the

book. He also thought it was a great read, and remarked that he never realized the level of commitment and intense efforts that surfers exert just to find their peak euphoric moments.

Surf stories are always the best things surfers write about. Maybe because they are such interesting people who usually sail along in the tradewinds of life but still find themselves in the most extraordinary circumstances. This group of stories nailed the genre just right, the way Steve Pezman explained the mystery of the trestles situation in the Nixon years, Matt George's very strange experience in Northern California, and on and on. I would lend it to one of my other surfer friends, but I will want to read it again and again year after year. This is a book you would never want out of your possession, but keep it in the car, take it to the beach and pass it around but be sure to get it back. What a treasure. Have any more stars?

Great collection of well-written stories (including some by surfing notables). Doesn't matter if you surf or not, the narratives will draw you in.

This is a great read especially if you want to get out on the road and surf some new waves. The stories capture the danger and the rewards of travel. Even the horror of shark attacks are realistically conveyed without the hype often used by other writers. The joy of being out there on your own is felt on every page. Read it and get ready for the wanderlust to rise.

This book expertly delves into the surfing subculture with stories that every surfer can relate to. I have never surfed Trestles, but the stories of what went on between the surfers and the military base were hysterical. Even non-surfers I read it to found it extremely entertaining.

I would have to say this book is very good. I like it more than other books because in the book there are short and interesting stories, always keeping you on the edge of your seat, not like long novels, and there are different styles of writing in each author's story. If you are a surfer, I would highly recommend this book. It would be great to read on a surfing trip, or just to read at home. Mark Taylors story is especially humorous. It was my favorite. Over all, this book was one of the 10 best books ive ever read.

Any interested in the art of surfing or any armchair surfer will find vivid recollections in these true stories of surfing snafus in SURFING'S GREATEST MISADVENTURES: DROPPING IN ON THE UNEXPECTED. Here are surfers' vivid recollections of high and low moments of the sport, from haole experiences in Hawaii to favorite clubs, boards, and sinking boats.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor

California Bookwatch

thought the book was well written and interesting.The stories were full of adventure and gave the reader an insight of how these men and women experience the sea with all that she can muster up.I passed it on to my brother who is a long boarder and I'm sure he'll enjoy it as well.

Starting with a few power packed stories of sharks and surfers this book provides great entertainment. But the highlight of the book is describing early surfing at Trestles which is on a Marine base and forbidden after a time. Of course a battalion of Marines in the 60s is not going to stop surfers from a few tasty waves and so begins the comedy of surfing while Marines either try to swim out and stop you or surfers hide in weeds undetected smoking ganja. I was laughing out loud and this book was worth it for this section alone. Later the stories are not quite as entertaining and the book doesn't end strong but still an enjoyable fast read with every chapter a different story.

A whole bunch of short stories from surfers around the world. Some sad. Some funny. Some very in-ya-face. But all a good read. Keep it in the glovebox of your car to read when you're sitting on the sand waiting for the swell to arrive.