Learn to Surf (Paperback)

by James MacLaren (Author) "Why surf? Good question. On the face of things it looks like an awful lot of time and trouble spent in the pursuit of mere..." (more)
Key Phrases: frontside turn, soft racks, dive fins, Aunt Nellie (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
An introductory guide to surfing, body-boarding, and body-surfing


From the Back Cover
Surfing is an exhilarating sport, but it's difficult and dangerous to learn, unless you're well-informed, prepared, and respectful of the ocean's powers. Learn to Surf is a rambunctious introductory guide to the sport that teaches the fundamentals of surfing with detailed, step-by-step instructions for the complete beginner. Covering three types of surfing - traditional surfing, bodyboarding, and body surfing - James MacLaren provides vital information on equipment, techniques, wave and wind dynamics, and safety. Also included are a chapter on surfing etiquette and even a glossary of surfing lingo - everything required to get you out in the water and up on a surfboard and back to the beach in one piece. (6 X 9, 144 pages, b&w photos, diagrams)

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558215689
• ISBN-13: 978-1558215689
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #62,626 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn to surf- The best surfing book around, September 15, 1999

By A Customer

Learn to surf is the most comprehansive, yet simplest "teach yourself" how to surf book. It is packed with many fantastic tips that would make a competent surfer out of anyone. After I read this book, I took to the waves and haven't since looked back. This book helped me bring forth the passion of the waves in me and I feel a much more complete person for it. The book is best used in conjunction with live surfing tuition to get the best results. I am now a fully trained surfing instructor working in Newquay, and I believe it is this book that helped me get there. If any of you aot there want to get into surfing, this is the book for you!!

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good for starting off, May 23, 2000

By	"rob_ie" (Limerick, Ireland) - See all my reviews

I've just taken up surfing here in Ireland and so I read this book with great interest - especially the part about water temperature. 48 degrees in the water is damn cold, so a 5/3 wetsuit with boots is a necessity to make sure you don't have a miserable session(at the very least).

It was very good, covering all the basics of how to to get up on the board in stages and good detail was also available on wave mechanics. The only thing I felt lacking was a more indepth discussion on surfboards - for example - why some boards have three fins fitted and others just one etc..

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well written... for the beginner, January 1, 2002

By	DiveAtlas.com (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This book is for the absolute beginner. It teaches you step by step how to get started if you are just beginning. It did provide some nice tips on proper paddling and positioning. Give it a quick read and just go out and do it. I didn't think all the beginning steps (jumping into white water, riding on your knees, etc.) were necessary. Just do what feels right. It's a good book for the right audience though.