Surfer's Start-Up: A Beginners Guide to Surfingsecond Edition

by Doug Werner

Book Overview

Recommended by the United States Surfing Federation as a book that every beginning surfer should read, this instructional guide details the basics of surfing gear, conditions, safety, etiquette, and history. Written by someone who went through the learning process, topics are covered with just enough detail to get the reader riding the waves quickly and safely. It teaches the beginner surfer the fundamentals of the sport; what to expect in the first days of learning; and how to cope with waves, learning frustrations, and crowds. This edition has been updated with the latest information on equipment, technique, and resources.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1884654126
• ISBN13: 9781884654121
• Release Date: June 1999
• Publisher: Tracks Publishing
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Great book for the novice

A quick and easy read. Clearly describes and illustrates all the skills necessary to begin surfing. I recommend it for young and old surfers.

Best Beginner Book I've Seen

Having never surfed, I was in the market for a very simple book to explain some of the basics before I actually got into the waves. This book fit that bill perfectly. It gave very simple lessons about how to start the sport--the necessary equipment, where to surf, how to actually get on your board and a little history of the sport. It didn't rely on surfer lingo that muddles everything up for beginners who are not yet in the know and had a number of excellent photographs to visually capture what the words were trying to say. It is very well written for someone who does not have experience and I think it is a fantastic teaching tool. I would highly recommend this book for all beginners or parents of beginners who just want to have an idea of what their child is getting into. I can't wait to put these lessons into practice.

Just add water!

Doug Werner's style is reassuring. There is quite a bit which can be said about surfing and the learning curve incumbent in its practice. As with any sport, the rules, the culture, and the hazards are all covered here in a gentle manner. It might not seem so from the outset, yet it is implied that surfing is not as simple as just going out there and riding waves. Although not covered in depth, Doug touches upon the social aspects of engaging in an activity where expertise can mean safety for yourself and others in the water. He also pays respects to the likes of Duke Kahanamoku and Pat Curren.From the novice point of view, basics of equipment and essential technique are covered. Veterans would probably laugh at this book or wax nostalgic about their gremmy days.A sister publication devoted to longboards has a commercial tie-in from a board maker. This book endorses a surf academy. It is this endorsement which hammers home the idea that proper learning is essential. Besides, I doubt that one could read and surf at the same time.

Really Great for Beginners

I bought this books because I have been living on an island for seventeen years, desired to learn how to surf for most of them, but didn't have anyone to teach me. All I can say is this book was more than helpful, with great, detailed step-by-step instructions ranging on topics from what kind of board you want to what waves are best to figuring out how to stand on your board. The illustrations were great and it was a good kick-start of background knowledge and safety that I needed to know before I hit the waves.

begining surfers please read this

This is a good general book. It doesn't answer everything and it doesn't prepare you for everything, but if you are a beginner it is a must read. Every sport has certain rules and basic techniques that you need to know to play them, and that is exactly what this book gives you