Surfing: A Beginners Guide

The third edition of Surfing: a Beginners Guide has recently been released. Written by Alf Anderson and originally published in 1996, it has been a popular addition to the book shelves of surfers around the world. We’re happy to say that the latest edition is still packed full of goodies and a useful read for those thinking about surfing or are in the early days of learning.

The guide covers everything that a new surfer will need to go from first time in the water to competent surfer.  The information in the book, both easy to read and understand, is accompanied with great images. The surfing manoeuvres section has helpful sequence shots clearly showing the different steps the surfer goes through. The equipment pages have photos and diagrams, reinforcing the topics. The rest of the book features gorgeous waves from around the world.

While some books will concentrate on a specific area of surfing, such as technique or travel, Surfing: a Beginners Guide covers all the topics that a surfer needs to know about – both in and out of the surf. The book is separated into the sections:

• Equipment - surfboards, wetsuits, leashes and more
• First steps – preparing for, and getting into the surf
• Into the surf – the basics of duck diving and sitting on the board
• Surfing manoeuvres – the basics to become a competent surfer
• Safe surfing – covering rips, crowds and other dangers
• Waves and weather – the types of waves and how waves are made
• Surfboard design – covering the basics of tail and rail shapes, bottom contours and fins. (Take a look at the images on the fins page – notice any similarities... )
• Care and repair – looking after boards and wetsuits
• Surf the world – a surf travel section

It’s good to see that the guide is still packed full of useful information for new surfers and those thinking about getting their feet wet in the sport of surfing, and will surely continue to be a must-have for groms old and young!

This edition already comes with an endorsement from Surfing England, and now has one from us! It’s well worth a read,
Surfing: a Beginners Guide is published by Fernhurst Books, and is available in both printed and eBook form all good bookshops, websites and direct from fernhurstbooks.com

About the author

Alf Alderson is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer based in Pembrokeshire, South West Wales. He specialises in adventure sports and travel journalism, and his writing has appeared in a wide range of publications and websites including The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, Independent, Toronto Globe & Mail, South China Morning Post, Financial Times, Abu Dhabi National, Surfers Path and Coast Magazine. With almost three decades of surfing behind him, in almost every corner of the globe, Alf is a regular fount of knowledge for all things surfing.