Product Details

Library Journal

This basic text provides a handy reference for those who need to learn about proper surfing technique and other fundamental information. Werner, an avid surfer from San Diego, manages to cover all the main points of the sport in its most elementary form. Chapters entitled ``Surfing Gear,'' ``The Right Waves,'' ``Before You Paddle Out,'' and ``Angling'' all get to the meat of the matter. The author then fills in the big picture by including a brief history of surfing after the lessons. A glossary of surfing terms, list of resources (magazines, organizations, etc.), and some thoughtful, useful illustrations complete the package. Werner generally eschews the cutesy surfin' safari lingo that often plagues books such as this. An inexpensive and possibly useful purchase for those libraries that discern a need in their collections.-- David M. Turkalo, Social Law Lib., Boston

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-This second edition of a standard instructional guide features new photographs, updated text, and a new and very extensive list of resources, including Web sites. Using a relaxed, casual approach that is entirely appropriate to the subject matter, Werner covers basic instruction, surfing gear, safety, etiquette, and history. In addition, there is a fairly detailed discussion of different types of waves and of localism, the tendency of regulars at a particular surfing spot to band together to drive away outsiders. Minimizing neither the inherent difficulty in learning the sport nor the potential dangers involved, the author provides a solid and at times inspirational guide. More of a "how to" book than for reports, the title's usefulness may be limited to those areas where the sport is actually practiced.-Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.