Editorial Review

From Susan Casey, bestselling author of The Devil’s Teeth, an astonishing book about colossal,  ship-swallowing rogue waves and the surfers who seek them out.

For centuries, mariners have spun tales of gargantuan waves, 100-feet high or taller. Until recently scientists dis­missed these stories—waves that high would seem to violate the laws of physics. But in the past few decades, as a startling number of ships vanished and new evidence has emerged, oceanographers realized something scary was brewing in the planet’s waters. They found their proof in February 2000, when a British research vessel was trapped in a vortex of impossibly mammoth waves in the North Sea—including several that approached 100 feet.

As scientists scramble to understand this phenomenon, others view the giant waves as the ultimate challenge. These are extreme surfers who fly around the world trying to ride the ocean’s most destructive monsters. The pioneer of extreme surfing is the legendary Laird Hamilton, who, with a group of friends in Hawaii, figured out how to board suicidally large waves of 70 and 80 feet. Casey follows this unique tribe of peo­ple as they seek to conquer the holy grail of their sport, a 100­-foot wave.

In this mesmerizing account, the exploits of Hamilton and his fellow surfers are juxtaposed against scientists’ urgent efforts to understand the destructive powers of waves—from the tsunami that wiped out 250,000 people in the Pacific in 2004 to the 1,740-foot-wave that recently leveled part of the Alaskan coast.

Like Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air, The Wave brilliantly portrays human beings confronting nature at its most ferocious. ... Read more

Reviews

The Discovery Channel meets ESPN, September 2, 2010

Well written ultra press release for The Laird...Ultimate Wave Guy (TM), September 5, 2010

she's not one of the boys yet, October 22, 2010
the book begins excitingly - susan casey is a tour de force when it comes to research. she knows her subject and does all the homework, ranging over continents to talk to sources in science and industry and sport. she obviously has money, because she spares nothing in expense. she also has an amazing ability to bring esoteric concepts to life by translating the phenomenon of these giant waves into little images and analogies that the reader can relate to - she writes vibrant, muscular prose. what disappointed me: when she finally gets to the big waves and big wave surfers, that boldness seems to dissipate. and she writes like a schoolgirl with a crush on things like laird's hamilton's muscles. no longer the intrepid adventurer, she writes about quivering with fear and nervousness at actually going out with the surfers to the wave break-- but in the flank of it, where all the boats and skis sit, the safe zone. she has a tin ear for her own dialogue - her questions seem to be suddenly a whole 6 octaves stupider, focused on feelings and "how do you feel" questions to men she's already characterized as not much for excess words. women surfers appear almost nowhere in the book. the more it annoyed me, the more i began to see casey as just another goggle-eyed chick in a bikini, and i was disappointed because her book began with such a dramatic crackle of energy. when i researched around and read on laird's website that she made a financial deal to pay for access to his world, i felt even more disappointed.

so i went back to read her first book, about great white sharks. same tendencies. amazing writing, with the same snap crackle pop of good prose. prodigious research, and capacious funds to undertake it. and yet somehow in the middle of the book she becomes all thumbs - afraid to jump from a sailboat to a dinghy, afraid to bait a fishhook, afraid of the dark, afraid of ghosts. afraid her expensive underwear will get taken by a storm. pointing out that she feels sexy wearing fashion rugged gear in the company of men. once again she never really mentions the women interns who are actually living at the farralones - who actually deal every day with the things she finds overwhelming as a visitor. they're there, but the experiences she focuses on are her own, not the experiences of those with more mileage and qualifications under their sexy belts. when a shark researcher shows up (and yes, he's handsome!!! picture included!!) she admires his muscular forearms but seems vague about what he actually does. they go to the aquarium together at the end. meanwhile she manages to lose a sailboat, set off government inquisitions and insurance claims, break federal regulations, and get one of the top research scientists fired from his job, with not so much as a fare-thee-well of regret for being the cause of so much trouble.

i look forward to the day when casey goes through the teeth of an experience and develops a little stamina and endurance of her own. so far both her books are based on having watched specials produced by others on tv - which means it's a recycled experience, more or less. someone else pointed the way, and she picked up well on the clues, but the path was already given. and she comes across as an amazing woman who still gets self-conscious and intimidated being in the world of rugged men. her claim to fame is access, not achievement. she has too much talent to waste on schoolgirl crushes. the best adventure journalists of our time don't just get their la perla underwear dirty - they write having already gone through transforming adventures of their own.

apologies to all concerned. as a woman writing and working in the world of men, i took these observations as a cautionary tale about tone. and tone-deafness. and being naive instead of weatherbeaten.

Waves Are Not Measured In Feet Or Inches But In Increments Of Fear, September 9, 2010

More the book about and from a extreme surfer groupie..., December 1, 2010
...than a book about waves! Susan Casey is obviously fascinated by extreme surfers and spends most of the book on them, their close calls, their family life etc... Now, granted that it is a fascinating life but despite her breathless prose, one does not really get the scale of what these guys are doing: maybe a video of them riding those monsters and talking about would do more justice to their accomplishments. But, in all that, what I had bought the book for, thinking on the basis of early reviews that it would be dealing with the forces creating these monster waves, was basically lost even when eventually she talked to scientists, drawing out of them more their personal experiences than the science of it. A more accurate title would be something like "In pursuit of the ultimate ride"

Surf's UP!!!!!, November 12, 2010
An incredible account of nature in all her unsettled splendor. I was thoroughly caught up in the telling of how the oceans spawn monstrous waves which are both awesome to behold and at the same time can be devastating to people, ships, and the land.

Ms. Casey wrote a wonderful book based on scientific evidence and personal accounts from many people who study, live and play on the world's oceans.

Imagine surfing on a 70ft wall of water. Too hard to imagine? Look up at a 7 or 8 story building, then stand next to it and look straight up. That's where the surfer drops into the moving wave of energy. Can you feel it?

Photos of ships being pummeled by giant waves; of the devastation left behind when monster waves hit land; and of the very brave people who surf these giants are included.

I love this book! I grew up on the east coast and remember some very large waves that hit beaches during stormy weather. The waves described in the book far outweigh my experiences.

A must read for anyone who thinks about global warming, and how weather is dynamically changing the very face of the oceans.

The ocean is full of unpredictable forces and characters too, December 14, 2010
Here we are presented with a concept book that attempts to hold various subjects, incidents and characters together around one unifying piece of information. That the ocean is full of unpredictable forces that create huge waves, some as high at 100 feet. We join the crew and scientist aboard the RRS Discovery in the North Sea as it is hurled about for days. We attend scientific workshops where mathematicians try and study waves. Find out climate change is going to make the oceans even more unpredictable. We learn two large ships sink each week on average (worldwide) and no one ever studies the cause as we do with airplanes that crash. Their disappearance is simply recorded as the results of "bad weather". Susan Casey then layers on top of this what I found to be the complete idiocy of big wave tow surfing with Laird Hamilton of Maui as the main character we are to identify with. He is sort of the Spiderman of surfing. He and his buddies (in conjunction with the surfing industry who at one point offer $100,000 to the first person who successfully rides a 100 foot wave) risk life (several surfers deaths are covered in the narrative) to just get the rush of the big wave. And interestingly enough it does not count if it is not filmed so we also meet an incredible group of surf photographers. So you mix all this into the stew and bounce around a lot and you find yourself loving and hating the book.
For me reading is much the joy of learning things you never knew or would know if you had not read a given book. And there is lots to learn in THE WAVE about the ocean and the phenomena of big waves and I doubt many people have heard of the sport of tow surfing or how one goes about doing it. Or that the biggest waves to surf are found some 100 miles off the coast of San Diego in some 6 foot deep water which covers the tops of a huge mountain range, an area called the Cortes Bank. So the book has much to offer. What seems wrong is its balance. The surfers, especially the hero worship of Laird Hamilton gets old after a while. Does Susan Casey ever think Laird's actions as a father with a family are a bit irresponsible no matter his skill and Zen like personality? Is he really a wave whisperer with no warts?
The interesting character for me at the end of the book is Laird's buddy Brett Lickle who having suffered a major injury which left his left leg with a scar that was "though his entire calf had been melted" (and have being saved by Laird Hamilton) stands on a cliff watching his friends challenge the latest Maui big waves. Lickle made it clear that he no longer misses "the circus, the jeopardy, the nerves" by saying, "The only thing I'll say is that the accident was a kind of ticket out, you know what I mean? What we had was a gang. And you couldn't get out of the gang. There was no way out. There's so much peer pressure like, `come on, you're the man! Let's go!' You can't just walk away because.....you can't. But if you get shot up and almost die, they let you out." For the surfers the big waves are a personal challenge and thrill like climbing a mountain. For the scientist and ships crews the waves are something to respect and fear.
If the subject interests you which I am betting it does I believe you will enjoy the book although I found it very uneven and is a bit to hero worshiping in its promotion of the tow surfing culture.

Scientists, ships and lots of surfing, October 1, 2010
Susan Casey is a captivating writer. Somehow she is able to take the concept of something as comparatively non-threatening as waves and spin it into an interesting tale, highlighting how wrong I was about the pretty waves breaking on the beach.

Casey interviews mariners, Lloyd's of London reps, physicists, and--primarily--surfers about their experiences with and predictions for a huuge wave, dude. The science is a little glossed over but I suspect that it would be difficult to go into wave physics in more depth without the reader glazing over. I really did enjoy the section about Lloyd's of London and their history in insuring ships (and Tina Turner's legs, of course).

The major problem with Casey's approach is I think she got a bit too caught up in the surfing scene. For each original section where she talked to a scientists about their dire predictions for the potential destructivenss of waves, or someone on a ship who had been caught in a wave, etc., she intersperses it with a scene about another wave-chasing day with the surfers, and it got a bit repetitive by the end of the book. I don't know, I think I would have admired the surfers more had I actually known a little less about them by the time the book was over. Anyway, this flaw wasn't enough to drop it to 3 stars. I learned a fair bit about surfing, and I finished the book in awe of the giant waves that could pay us a visit any time they like.

Radical brah, September 27, 2010
My surfing experience is limited to boogie boarding in San Diego when I was 22, but I had many surfing dreams for about a year after that. Whatever it is, it is powerful. Still, like many others I expected less surfers and a little more exploration into others who deal or have dealt with massive waves, but I still enjoyed the book.

More Stories than Science of Waves, but Conveys Their Beauty and Destructive Power., September 2, 2010

Editorial Review

Matt Warshaw knows more about surfing than any other person on the planet. After five years of research and writing, Warshaw has crafted an unprecedented history of the sport and the culture it has spawned. At nearly 500 pages, with 250,000 words and more than 250 rare photographs, The History of Surfing reveals and defines this sport with a voice that is authoritative, funny, and wholly original. The obsessive nature of this endeavor is matched only by the obsessive nature of surfers, who will pore through these pages with passion and opinion. A true category killer, here is the definitive history of surfing. ... Read more

Reviews

NOT JUST FOR SURFERS, August 27, 2010
I am not a surfer. But I am a history buff who was given an advance copy of this gorgeous book. I'm only on page 174, but I have to stop and share my excitement about The History of Surfing. How can you not love a book that describes the crowds at surf movies of the late 1950's like this:

"Firecrackers were lit and rolled across the floor to the next row of seats. Bottlecaps zipped through the air. High decibel beer-belches rang out. A motorcyclist might blow in through the side door, ride up one aisle and down the other, then gun back out the way he came.

"What older surfers invariably describe first when talking about early surf movies is the tearing thunderclap of cheers and whistles and stomping feet that began when the lights dimmed and the first blue-green image lip up the screen--a roaring noise signifying not just a manic willingness to be entertained, but the pure joy of an otherwise staunchly nonaligned multitude coming together briefly, powerfully, ecstatically as a group."

Now that's the way to write history. Kevin Starr, California State Historian, eat your heart out.

A Masterpiece, October 21, 2010
This is it, the definitive story of surfing, surfers and beach culture.
It's a big thick textbook like collection of information, photos, stories and anecdotes.
Warshaw has set the bar so high with this work, I doubt anyone will ever have the balls to approach the subject again.
I will be reading and re-reading this one for a long time to come

Great writing, November 11, 2010
When I got this book I was a bit afraid it would take me forever to read, but as soon as I opened it up and read the first few pages I discovered just how good a writer Matt Warshaw is and how hard it would be to put it down. Matt has gotten the words right using each one with careful consideration and has somehow been able to cover all the bases with an unbiased yet engaging perspective that is different from just reading facts. Reading along and having a slight idea of what was to come made it exciting to see how the bits and pieces of surf history I knew of would be played out in the pages. It was a bit like watching a movie version of a really good book. Most cases you go in expecting a letdown because how can someone match what the book did on the screen, but every once in a while you are surprised. How could someone take the history of surfing and impress in a book? Well somehow this author has. I would recommend it to surfers and non-surfers alike. Great photos, nice job on the page titles, and above all else really great writing.

Surfing's Jame Joyce, September 30, 2010
A few years back, the Modern Library ranked James Joyce's novel "Ulysses" first on its list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.
Like this one, that's a big book too.
Well, this is the Ulysses of surf books.

few words about he book, November 23, 2010
Sure it is a great book. At least surfers should read it. Don't know about the sources of Matt opinions,but and even though haven't finish the book yet, found few things that sound a litte bit like a prejudice that should be rewied.
Great pics,to pleasant reading and excelent to introduce those that do not know the surfing life. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Nothing of substance here..., January 2, 2009
I bought this for my husband for Christmas. We're avid divers, and I thought it would a book that would inspire us to travel to different places to dive. I found nothing of substance here- not a lot of detail about either the places or pictures that would inspire someone to travel to these places. Save your money...

A fun book for a cold day, January 13, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it cover to cover within 2 days. It's a fast read. Each dive site gets about a 2 and 1/2 page description (some destinations get slightly more) with a dive expert giving a brief vignette on some of the highlights they have encountered at the site. The sites range from novice-friendly to much more complicated (for example, the first site listed is in Antarctica... not exactly luxury warm weather diving!!), but there is enough here to entertain divers of all levels.

If you are looking for an in depth analysis of a dive site, this probably isnt the right book for you. The descriptions are just too brief to use the book for that purpose. But if you're just looking for ideas... or if you have a particular large sea creature you are dying to sea (i.e. mola molas, humpbacks, various shark species), the book does a good job of pointing out places where you are more-likely to encounter them. It also hits on dive spots where the macro life is the highlight.

In response to one other's reviewers comments about not having a Red Sea or a Cuba destination, that comment is inaccurate. The Red Sea destination mentioned is Sha'ab Rumi, a location off the coast of Sudan. The author recommends a live aboard boat for this trip. For Cuba, the author recommends Jardines de la Reina, though he cautions US citizens who travel there that they do so at their own risk.

All in all, a fun book to read on a chilly winter day with a cup of coffee and a tired dog asleep at your feet (at least that's how I did it!).

Awesome Dive Book, December 12, 2009
I love this book. It has some wonderful details not normally found in dive books, such as suggested dive operators and little bits of information that you normally wouldn't know about unless you'd traveled to that spot previously. Great photography! Of the places I've been that are in the book, I found the information the book provided to be accurate as well. Nice coffee-table book. Everyone who visits picks it up and has to read a few pages.

OK coffee table book, April 10, 2010
Nice book with a fair number of pictures. The book can't decide if it is a travel advisory book or a coffee table book, and so misses on being great in either category. To be truly outstanding coffee table book, it would need more full page high quality photos. To be a truly outstanding travel advisory, it need more text and more opportunities for contact of dive operations/activities at each location. In the end, I found it to be a better coffee table book than a travel guide as many locations (that I have been to) had numerous omissions of services and local activities.

I dream about scuba diving, May 12, 2009
I am enjoying reading about places I have been and places I want to dive. Great compilation of dive reviews from around the world.

Nice, but incomplete, January 6, 2009
I am an advanced Diver for more than 15 years with over 200 dives.
So I thought this book would give me a list, to put on my check marks, where I already have been, and where to go. But I was very surprised to find not a single destination in the area of the red sea. I dove many places in Egypt and I can asure you, If you dove the 50 places of this book, but never the red sea, you will be very sorry. May be the book should be named: 50 convenient places for US citizens to dive before you die. Because there is no Cuban dive site ether.
The whole book does not contain a lot of specific or insider information, you could not find elswhere nor some impressive photos.

Regards Jo

Great Book, January 12, 2009
This book is very informative and the pics are beautiful. I bought this for my husband who is very interested in scuba diving. He enjoys the book very much. The shipping was fast also.

A Fun Read, January 7, 2009
Very influencing to get out there and do some diving! And the photography was awesome. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The undisputed favorite of boating enthusiasts. Top yachting photographer Benjamin Mendlowitz always delivers outstanding full-color images of beautiful wooden boats. Marine historian Maynard Bray provides informative and entertaining captions. ... Read more

Reviews

Wooden Boat Glamour Photos, November 1, 2010
I have for the last several years purchased multiple copies of this beautiful calendar. Ben Mendlowitz's photos with Manard Bray's comments make this an excellent Christmas present. The photos capture the simple beauty and sculpture exhibited in the craftmans' art. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Winner of the National Outdoor Book Award for Literature

With grit, poetry, and humor, Peter Heller, acclaimed author of The Whale Warriors recounts his remarkable journey of discovery—of surfing, an entirely new challenge; of the ocean’s beauty and power; of the strange surf subculture; of love; and, most of all, of how to seek adventure while crafting a meaningful life.

Having resolved to master a big-hollow wave— that is, to go from kook (surfese for beginner) to shredder—in a single year, Heller travels from Southern California down the coast of Mexico in the company of his girlfriend and the eccentric surfers they meet. Exuberant and fearless, Heller explores the technique and science of surfing the secrets of its culture, and the environmental ravages to the stunning coastline he visits.

As Heller plumbs the working of his own heart and finds joy in both love and surfing, he affords readers vivid insight into this fascinating world, with all of its perils and pleasures, its absurdity and wonder. Exhilarating, entertaining, and moving, Kook is a love story between a man and his surfboard, a man and his girlfriend, a not-so-old man and the sea. ... Read more

Reviews

Readable, entertaining, not just for 'kooks'., July 25, 2010
This is my first review ever, and I'm only writing it because there were none, so I figured it would be helpful to prospective purchasers to have something here other then professional reviews.

I'll start by saying this book is an easy read, entertaining and well worth the price of admission, even to non-surfers. Heller, as a self desribed kook (or beginner), takes us slowly into surfing culture and lingo at a pace where we can easily understand certain aspects of surfing without actually being a surfer. There is a good feel for the complexity and commitment that it takes to become proficient at surfing and I thought the author was able to get the emotions and spirituality of the surfing experience across to a wider audience. As a surfing lifestyle book, I think it is a sucess.

The other themes of the book are secondary: Ocean Conservation and Relationships. It is obvious Heller's passion is the ocean and there is a conservationist message sprinkled throughout that is mostly well integrated, but at times seemed a bit forced. If you are a right wing ultra conservative (or Japanese) you may find the message off putting, but if you fall into that camp you probably wouldn't be out surfing or reading this book.

The only reason I didn't give the book a full five stars is because I wasn't convinced Heller learned the relationship advice he was giving himself as he grew throughout the book. Towards the end of the book, he doesn't seem to be any more understanding of his girlfriend/wife's difficulties, and even if he understands, he doesn't seem to actually *do* anything about it, he just goes surfing and leaves her behind or whines about having to wait for her, even though he knows its selfish. As a relationship book, I think this fails. Heller seems proud of the fact that he finally realizes he is being a selfish jerk, but he doesn't seem to improve his behaiviour. Why?

Finally, it seems towards the end of his book he has become good at surfing, but bad at having a good surfing attitude. He seems to have become the guy he complains about in the beginning of the book, snaking (stealing) waves from lesser surfers and acting out aggressively at the slightest provocation. I may have gotten this wrong since towards the last few chapters Heller is no longer surfing 'beginner' waves and the opportunity to be polite to kooks doesn't present itself as often, but if his self described behaviour in his last true beginner's wave ('Old Man's' in Cabo or Acapulquito) is any indication, his attitude has become one where his superiority allows him to break the rules of courtesy he had such a hard time learning in the first few chapters.

I may be overly sensitive to the subject since I was just there (Acapulquito) last week: There was a gringo in a longboard that kept paddling around me to the peak, when it was obviuos it was my wave. Several times. Then he did it several times to my son. Some sort of turtle-ish tatoo on his left bicep. He wasn't even that good! Heller, was that you? :) Interestingly, the locals were more than polite and never snaked. They knew where to be at the right time for the right wave, so they didn't have to.

In conclusion, Heller's book is good. It is entertaining, which is what every good book should strive to be, and the writing is adjective rich and descriptive- almost too much so at times. The message is there and the topics are timely, and I came away with the feeling that although Heller is not the guy I want to run into at the lineup of my home break in Puerto Rico (or dating my daughter, for that matter), he IS the guy I want out there writing about whales and sea turtles, and hopefully making a difference.

A Great Read!, July 25, 2010
I love this book! Kook is a fast and vibrant tour of surfing, the ecology of oceans, love and self-awareness. Having no prior experience or interest in surfing, I enjoyed learning about this unique world with its many fascinating characters, but...the love story of Peter and Kim is truly the deep core of the book.

He writes with brutal honesty about his emotional and behavioral shortcomings with her and her predecessors. I admire his willingness to bare his raw thoughts and fears along the way towards romantic fulfillment.

The descriptions of the flora and fauna of the coastal areas where surfing happens are positively cinematic in their poetic clarity. Sometimes I thought I was "seeing" the book rather than reading it. Should be a movie!

Kook had a Kooky Editorial team, September 4, 2010
First things first - based on reading this book only and none of his other work, Peter Heller seems to be a decent writer and has the potential to be good. I get the sense that he knows how to tell a story pretty well and he has a better than average grasp of how to describe things using colorful language. The middle of this book is entertaining and kept me reading on to the end, but the beginning and the end really fell flat. At the beginning I thought I was in for a very bumpy and unpleasant ride because the author has some stylistic tendencies that I find annoying, like his love of the sentence fragment. I'm pretty sure he uses them intentionally, but it's still bad grammar. His editorial team should have fixed them, but and this is the biggest problem with the book - the editors didn't do their jobs. It's a shame because with a decent editorial team, this book could be really good. I found countless major errors in grammar and vocabulary throughout this book. "Funnest" and "disattached" are two notable examples of non-words that didn't get axed. In his many attempts at literary description, the author misused several adjectives (for example, "capricious" to describe the sun and "turgid" to describe heat). Heller's writing and this book are turgid. Repetition and descriptive hyperbole populate these pages ad nauseum. The editor's greatest disservice to Mr. Heller was in allowing this book to ramble on for 323 pages. It could have been a much more pleasant experience had they cut a good 20% or more of the text. Mr. Heller, for your next book, I suggest you find a better copywriter and editor.

As far as the story itself goes, I got the sense that the author didn't learn a thing except how to surf. Even that story was lost in all the description and unnecessary detail that should have been edited out. Nevertheless the core of the book is good, which is why I gave it three stars instead of two. If you know nothing about surfing, then you might find the explanations he provides interesting. If you are, like me, from Baja California Sur, you will find his descriptions of the places and people you know interesting as well. But, like so many other reviewers, I feel the need to point out to any beginning surfers that Heller's take on surfing is, well, kooky. He doesn't really "get" it. He seems more concerned about being cool than with being considerate and respectful of his fellow surfers (or his wife!). And he has the nerve to suggest that surfing "aloha" doesn't exist any more. He is wrong and does a disservice to the sport by spouting this kind of trash.

You might miss a great read, August 1, 2010
If you are a surfing addict, or have the misfortune to have a relation with one, or, like me, have a connection with author you will of course rush out and buy a copy of Kook and happily devour it. If, however, like me, you are the sort of person who would pass up a book with a silhouette of a man and a long board on its cover, you will miss out on a good read.

Peter Heller's poetic prose immerses you vicariously in the surfer world of North America's Pacific Coast and allows you to experience the high of catching the perfect wave without leaving your couch. You also find yourself wanting to give advice and encouragement to the author as he struggles with amazing honesty to overcome a lifelong tendency to self-centeredness and find happiness in a sharing relationship with Kim. Along the way you learn a lot about the mess mankind has made of the environment, especially the ocean and its shore and what should be done about it.

I loved Kook - the honesty, the voice, the descriptions of people, places and interactions. It held my interest. I kept wanting to now what happened next. I wanted to get to the end to find out the meaning of it all, but was not disappointed when I got there to find a cop out. It will mean different things to different readers. In my case, being of the over eighty demographic, I was not convinced that surfing is a sensible activity for an adult human being, but it gave me insight and compassion for those who are so addicted.

giggled my way through this one..., July 29, 2010
Kook is two things -- a beautifully-written homage to the ocean, and a hilarious midlife love story. Oh yeah, it's also about surfing. I've never touched a surf board but I completely loved the story -- Peter Heller is a masterful writer, and the book is a great, quick summer read about the whole fallible, freaky, beautiful mess of being alive.

Review for Kook, July 25, 2010
Peter Heller has written a fabulous book about life, love, and learning to surf. He takes the reader from floating around on a boogie board in Seal Beach, Cal to the trecherous roads and ordeals of Baja, Mexico. It brought me back to my youth when I learned to surf; wiping out, looking like a kook, learning to watch waves, dawn patrol, etc. Peter mentions many surf spots I have surfed in my life, and at 61 it was fun to relive those memories, feel the sun in my heart, and peace in life itself. I recommend this book to surfers and non surfers alike. It is a wonderful, warm heart, smiling book!

A Great RIde / Read, August 3, 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I loved the combination of themes - surfing, romance, travel, the beauty of the ocean and the slow-motion apocalypse that it is undergoing at our hands. For anyone who has ever surfed or wanted to surf, the descriptions of the surf culture, the mechanics of surfing, and the sheer joy of catching a big wave will make you smile inside. For other readers, there is enough humor, beautiful writing, character development, natural history, and action to make this a great read. I felt pulled along with Heller as he learned a very difficult skill made all the more difficult by the machismo surf culture and the danger of sharks, unpredictable set waves, and riptides. I felt Heller's writing was it its best in the lyrical descriptions of the natural world he found himself in. At times my heart ached to be out in the ocean, taking in the big sky and challenging myself to master a feat of great coordination. The love story is interwoven in just the right amount, more of a side than a main dish, which I thought was a good balance, since this is a surf book. However, while most adventure books focus only on the tasks, on the doing, this book was a welcome exception, bringing alive the writer's inner life and vulnerabilities. The human drama under the action made the action that much more gripping and real. I also appreciated that Heller showed his flaws in relating to his partner, typical stuff when guys are jacked up on outdoorphins and adrenaline and a need to fit into a macho culture. Contrary to some reviewers, the fact that Heller wrote about his flaws, shows me has enough distance from his behavior to have learned from it, and he is brave enough to just put himself out there, self-centered warts and all. Who isn't like that sometimes? Overall, this is a great book, and I HIGHLY recommend it!

Still a Kook, August 4, 2010
In some ways, I feel that Peter Heller is still a kook. You would think that someone who started surfing in his late forties would show a little more respect for art. Early in the book, he wrote that the California surf culture doesn't have the Aloha spirit that has stereotyped surfing for decades. He described it as more of a testosterone fueled aggressive sport. The problem is that he didn't take the time to appreciate the diversity in surfers, locations and overall attitudes. I have surfed in Southern California for 16 years and can say that although there are the aggressive competitive beaches and surfers, there are plenty of generous life loving surfers who have adopted the overall aloha lifestyle. The thing that really bothered me was an incident in which he kooked out and ran into a young girl whose father was teaching her to surf. Rather than apologize for damaging her board, he got into a pissing contest with the dad . . . in front of the girl. Although he realized that he was wrong, he never acknowledged it to the father or the girl. He seems to be the guy that he despises . . . another yuppie trying to steal an identity and understanding that in truth, takes years to develop.

That being said . . . it was a good read and interesting story.

The other kook, August 20, 2010
I love this book mainly because I could relate to what the author was going through. Surfing is definitely not something you aim to conquer, but more of a way of life. And being out in the ocean, reveling in the natural power of the waves, does open your eyes to a few life lessons that you would have otherwise been too preoccupied to notice.
If you're looking for a deep, thought provoking book, rife with a million hidden messages, then this would probably not be it. The language is easy, direct and requires no re-reading just because you didn't get what he was trying to say in the first place. I finished the book in one afternoon and ended with a smile. It's just nice to know that somebody halfway across the world feels the same way about it as I do.

To learn to surf or not to learn to surf?, July 25, 2010
I write a surf blog about women's surfing. It is a completely hobbyist blog, but the publisher of this book found the blog and sent me a copy. I'm writing a review here, and will review it on the blog. Thanks to Free Press for the copy of the book!

Hmmmm: this book was both great and fun, and really annoying. I'll get the annoying out of the way: I'm sure the author was trying to be funny while writing about his first attempts at surfing, and going out there without having any clue how to do it, but to me, that was disrespectful of the ocean he loves so much, other surfers, and the sport of surfing itself.

I'm a new surfer. I'm still a "kook." I started learning last year, but I started LEARNING. I did not rent a board and get in the water with NO instruction. But, that *could* be a "guy thing," like asking for directions.

So, to me, it was NOT CUTE when Heller kept 1) trying to surf without lessons and 2) ignoring advice he got from seasoned professionals, time after time after time. Not everyone is so lucky to have world-champion surfers patiently instructing them about how to do it right. And, then, to completely ignore the surfer? That screams KOOK to me.

Note to new surfers: The way Heller learns to surf is NOT the way you should learn to surf. The way he steadfastly ignores a cardinal rule of surfing (when you get to a new break, sit and WATCH it for at least 15-20 minutes) is DANGEROUS. Eventually he stumbles upon a surf camp, and learns to surf the right way, but he STILL jumps in the water without studying it, and that's a recipe for disaster. Take lessons, go to surf camp, at least learn how to fall correctly so you don't get hit in the head with your board and pass out on your first paddle out.

As some other reviews have mentioned, there is some information about conservation and ocean issues in the book. I thought that felt forced. Mainly, because the author did not offer any suggestions about what to DO about the problem with the ocean. He also didn't appear to take time to help, other than his all-expenses paid trip to Japan to work with the movie "The Cove."

This book is not really about surfing. It is about an obsession: an obsession to be "cool." That's what it really boils down to. And, I can understand that. I love telling people that I surf. It is cool. But, like many others, I don't have the luxury to forsake all other responsibilities, drive off in a VW van to surf for a year, and get paid to write a book about it. (Eat, Pray, Love, anyone?) What is so strange, and I'm not really giving anything away by telling you this, is that the "Epilogue" of the book (one little paragraph) tells the reader that Heller is back living in Colorado, on a lake, and the closest he gets to surfing is paddling around on his tummy on a longboard after the boats retire for the evening. That says, to me, that surfing was really NOT in his blood. Not for good. This trip took place in 2008. The book was published in 2010. How could he give it up that easily?

If you enjoy adventure books (as I do: I've read every book about climbing Everest and K2, every book about hiking in the Amazon, every book about coldwater swimming and round-the-world kayaking and sailing trips, etc.), you will like this book. It sounds like I didn't like it: in fact I did like it. It was interesting. It was an adventure memoir. It just felt kind of gimmicky, and contrived--the whole idea.

The tone is fun, there are laugh-out-loud lines, and you get to be a co-pilot on a pretty spectacular surf trip. You might the book if you are a surfer, but I think you'll come to the conclusion, as I did at the end: Peter Heller has not achieved his goal of graduating from Kook status. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Swim better -- and enjoy every lap -- with Total Immersion!

Terry Laughlin, the world's #1 authority on swimming success, has made his unique approach even easier for anyone to master. Whether you're an accomplished swimmer or have always found swimming to be a struggle, Total Immersion will show you that it's mindful fluid movement -- not athletic ability -- that will turn you into an efficient swimmer. This new edition of the bestselling Total Immersion features:

A thoughtfully choreographed series of skill drills -- practiced in the mindful spirit of yoga -- that can help anyone swim more enjoyably

A holistic approach to becoming one with the water and to developing a swimming style that's always comfortable

Simple but thorough guidance on how to improve fitness and form

A complementary land-and-water program for achieving a strong and supple body at any age

Based on more than thirty years of teaching, coaching, and research, Total Immersion has dramatically improved the physical and mental experience of swimming for thousands of people of all ages and abilities. ... Read more

Reviews

Better Technique = Better Swimming, September 29, 2008
I'm not a big swimmer, but I heard so much about this book that I had to check it out- and I'm glad I did. This book will save a lot of people who are trying to learn to swim better a lot of time. Here's why:

-the book concentrates on swimming technique, correct position, and how you're suppose to feel in the water
-the book gives you drills to reinforce the most efficient way to swim
-the book is very scientific and the info is based on hydrodynamics

The book covers a lot of ground, but the authors writing style makes is go by quickly (at least it did for me). The pictures were good and I thought the explanations of the techniques and the "why" behind them was very understandable. Not sure about the rotator cuff routine in Chapter 16 though- it's kinda long and I'm not sure if some of the exercises like the reverse biceps curl is really necessary (rec. Treat Your Own Rotator Cuff for swimmers who have shoulder issues).

In conclusion, I found the book very enlightening and recommend it to anyone (young OR old) who wants to learn how to swim more efficiently by learning the correct swimming techniques. The author obviously loves swimming and has brought all his years of experience and research into one handy resource.

This method of swimming does wonders, May 30, 2000
Terry Laughlin uses basic principles of hydrodynamics to show the correct way to swim "like a fish". Fish-like swimming is perhaps a misnomer, but he does detail how it's possible to reconfigure one's body in the water, to be like a yacht, not like a barge.

There's a whole long section on hydrodynamics for the technically inclined, and for the Olympic watchers there's a bit about how elite swimmers have used these techniques to win. The prose tends toward the purple at times, but it's good background for what's to come: a whole series of lessons and drills that tell you what you're supposed to feel in the water.

Until I heard the phrase "swimming downhill," I'd never really thought about what it should feel like to swim, gliding effortless through the water instead of being dragged by it. But with these and other catchphrases, Laughlin can get any swimmer attuned to what should be happening.

The book itself is choppily arranged. The skill-building practice swims are located in the back of the book, with the actual descriptions of the skills somewhere towards the middle. Even the sections on weight, one for total body and one insanely long regimen for the rotator cuffs, are stuck in their own little sections far apart in the book.

More logical organization would make this a much easier book to flip through, but the results are undeniable. My crawl stroke has improved dramatically, and I can't wait to see what tricks Laughlin has up his sleeve for the other three strokes. This belongs in every swimmer's bedside table, dog-eared and highlighted and worm.

I learned to swim with lessons by following this book, May 20, 2003
This book explains a swimming technique based on science and years of observation of top swimmers by a very gifted professional coach. This technique is about balance, active streamlining, gliding on your side between strokes and using your whole body to swim, not simply focusing on kicking, stroking and endless laps. It is based on proprioceptive training and learning to relax in the water, not swimming workouts. You will train your nervous system first, then you will get the strength and endurance training for free. Water is 1000 times denser than air, thus good technique will out-perform raw strength. You will not find many swim workouts in this book; you can learn at your own pace. This book is an easy and fun read and the technique is easy to learn.

I'm 34 years old and I began training for my first triathlon 6 months ago; I could not swim 25 yards. I dreaded doing the pool workouts and was a bit afraid of deep, open water. Now I'm swimming over 1600 yards a session and I can sprint 50 yards in under 48 seconds. I learned to swim without lessons by following this book. I like swimming now more than cycling, which I've been doing very often for almost 15 years.

I am a beginner swimmer, yet people at the pool and beach regularly ask me why my stroke looks so different and easy. You can explain and demonstrate the basics of this technique in 5 minutes. I'm convinced that anyone can learn it; it's common sense and fun to learn. I recommend this book to anyone who asks.

If you want to learn efficient, relaxed, fish-like swimming, using the least number of heart beats and strokes, this is the book. If you want to slap and churn water for hours like a "pool robot", kicking furiously to keep your legs from dragging or just looking a workout, don't read this book. If you've never swam freestyle before, get this book. If you are looking for a swimming coach, make sure s/he is familiar with this book.

I'm looking forward to doing a Total Immersion clinic as soon as possible!

NOTICE: NEW EDITION EXISTS -- MANY CHANGES, January 11, 2005
In the revised and updated edition of 2004 the drills in chapter 8 are COMPLETELY changed. Why Amazon is not selling the new edition is a mystery to me. I bought the old one here and then discovered I had to replace it.

As a swimming instructor for over 5 years..., December 10, 2001
I have been teaching swimming for over 5 years, and when I picked up this book, I was really excited!
It now sits on my bookshelf as a reference guide, and I recommend it to anyone I know who is learning to swim for racing or fitness, and also to people who teach swimming.
I have been swimming all my life, and have 2 seasons of triathlon under my belt. This book taught me many new and innovative ways to teach kids 'how to feel the water' to improve their stroke. After I read some of the points in the book, I went to test it out in the pool during one of my swimming sessions. The principles all worked, and put everything I have learned since I was 2 into perspective! I now know how to swim faster and smoother! I was very impressed that a book could do this, compared to the many years of swim instruction.
As for some of the negative comments made about this book, I will address a few:
*diagrams... if you read the introduction, it mentions how to best use the book, and how it is laid out. The book actually has a very easy layout: the intorduction for the concept (with 'proof' of why this concept works), a section (33 pages!) with diagrams to be used as the reference section for the drills in the next secions, sections on how to use the pace clock and equipment... among other things.

*"wordy"... I found this book to be great for teaching many people. The 'words' are there to illustrate and explain key concepts of swimming. I often had a hard time explaining concepts of "why" you wanted to swim this way (which adults always want to know) and what a proper technique should feel like. Knowing these things not only helped me become a better swimmer, it also taught me how to explain the concepts better to my sutdnets. THe neatest thing is, it taught me how to teach myself how to swim. I say, keep the words, they are excellent.

*the logistics... one person commented that the book focused on the aspect of body position way too much. From teaching every age from 3 months to 60+ years old, I can tell you that EVERYONE starts at the same place: learning PROPER body position. This book takes you back to the first part, as the vast majority of the population has not learned proper body position to begin with. The individual differences in people will determine how much their legs sink or float, but if you use the principles in this book, it will help you swim to your potential. Proper balance in the water is essential. I have spent countless hours watching the public swim laps and comparing their techinique to how the olympic swimmers swim at the pool I work at, and what this book teaches can be recognized in the elite athletes. I have also received coaching from various national level coaches, and they also teach these same prinicples. They train the olympians, so who is to argue?

This book is an EXCELLENT value for those who can't get to, or afford the author's workshops. If I had the money and the time to go, I would definitely go!
...I highly reccommend this book to those who want to swim faster and feel more confident and comfortable in the water.

Excellent book to improve your freestyle stroke, November 3, 1999
This book made a major impact on my freestyle stroke and basic attitudes towards traditional swim training. I highly recommend this book to anyone; however, there a few minor shortcomings. First, the beginning of the book drags on a bit about the benefits of the "Total Immersion" swim program. If you can make throught the beginning, the later chapters are the big payoff. Second, I found Terry's ideas about head position a bit contradictory. Terry talks about looking towards the end of the pool; however, most people (including a Swimming Fitness article authored by Terry) talk about looking down. Once you look up, your hips start to sink -- The big problem Terry tries to cure. Finally, the book only talks about freestyle. Even though Terry has ways to improve the other strokes (check out his Web site for his videos), he doesn't mention them in this book. Despite those three minor flaws, the book is excellent and really works.

Make sure you get the REVISED & UPDATED version, October 5, 2004
A lot of people have mentioned that the techniques are obsolete, and that you should get Laughlin's other book, Swimming Made Easy. Not so!

In this revised and updated version, the author has completely revised the drills used -- if I remember right, he said that only two of the original 12 drills are used in the now-14 drills.

Why did I give this book only 4 stars? Let me give you the breakdown:

First, the CONTENT, or the substance of the book: the techniques and drills presented are superb! I don't know if olympic swimmers can actually improve their times using this book, but I know that as a casual swimmer, I have improved a LOT. The techniques are, for me, revolutionary (but maybe not for professional/olympic swimmers, who may already know these techniques). And for that, this book would have gotten 5 stars -- because of the new techniques that one can learn from this book.

Second, however, is the PRESENTATION. For something that shows a lot of techniques, pictures are worth a thousand words. But instead of photos, we only have illustrations (drawings only! and by the author's brother at that!). And the number of illustrations are sparse! I have weightlifting books, stretching books... and they all have PICTURES. I think, especially for a book like this, I would have preferred that there be a SERIES OF PICTURES (a frame by frame thing showing the technique in practice).

Sure, the author tries to explain, but so much verbiage can only go so far -- besides, he would have to use a thousand words to be worth it, as the saying goes. Several pictures would have helped tremendously. Or at the very least, more illustrations.

Again, I highly recommend the book, but as some other reviewer has said, if you can get the DVD Freestyle Made Easy, then that would be fantastic. Personally, even if it does jack up the price a bit, the book and video go HAND in HAND. The author would probably say the book and video complement each other, but I would go further and say that the book and video are INDISPENSABLE from each other, and that they SHOULD be bundled in the first place.

The book fills in all the words that they can't fit in a voiceover of a video, and the video shows the actual techniques in action. If one needs to make a choice, I'd probably get the video first, then fill in all the details (and read all the explanations) in the book. If you can only afford one, I'd say get the video (but really, try to get the book, too).

In this revised and updated version, the drills in the book are the drills used in the Freestyle Made Easy DVD.

So, this book is NOT obsolete, and in fact I think it explains the theories of the Total Immersion way better than Laughlin's Swimming Made Easy. If, however, you want to read on all four strokes, then by all means, get Swimming Made Easy. If it's just freestyle, get this book and the Freestyle Made Easy video.

If the video and book were bundled together, this would have gotten 5 stars. As it is, with the lack of pictures of the book alone: 4 stars. I really wanted to give it 5 stars because it has improved my swimming and the content is great, but a book that teaches technique should have more pictures.

This method made me a competent, confident swimmer in 1 week, June 4, 2004
SHORT VERSION

-This method is incredible and works.
-Don't buy this book. Instead buy the updated version "Swimming made easy." It contains significantly improved drills.
-To really make it easy to learn this method, the DVD is gold. A moving image is worth more than a thousand words in this instance. The DVD contains the same drills as the book "swimming made easy."

LONG VERSION
First I have to point out that while this method is incredible, this particular book is not the one to get. Terry's book "Swimming made easy" contains almost identical material in the first several chapters but the drill portion has been improved dramatically. I originally bought this book and mastered the balancing drills but when I started working on the later drills I didn't understand how all the pieces fit together. With Terry's new drill sequence the drills naturally work you into a complete swimming stroke. In addition, "Swimming made easy" also includes drills for the backstroke, butterfly, and breast stroke."

If you want to improve your stroke even faster, I highly recommend the DVD "Freestyle made easy." Being able to see the stroke in action and the resulting propulsion from body rotation makes it much easier to grasp the overall concept. A picture is worth a thousand words in this instance. I purchased the book and dvd at the same time and don't think I would have progressed as fast as I did without the dvd. If you can only buy one thing I would recommned the dvd. You can get a large portion of the conceptual information from the Total Immerssion web site which has segments of the book free for download.

Now for my story. I'm an aspiring triathlete with my first one scheduled in about 3 months. The open water swim had me a bit concerned. I've always known how to swim but have never swam freestyle more than a few feet. I went to the pool for the first time and proceeded to expend a lot of effort while feeling like I was creeping along with almost no forward momentum. Upon the recommendation of a friend I went the next day and bought this book. That same day I went to the pool and tried the balancing drills and was amazed by the ease with which I could float on the water. Anxious to learn more I ordered the dvd "freestyle made easy" and book "swimming made easy" (I ended up returning the "total immersion" book). I must have watched the dvd at least 3 times the day I got it. I was amazed to see people glide along the water with very little effort. I went to the pool everyday for a week doing 2-3 drills each time and by the end of the week was able to easily swim the triathlon distance of half a mile. I didn't do it in record time by any means but I could do so confidently without any worry of fatigue or drowning (in open water). Because this method teaches you how to let the water support you with almost no effort, whenever you feel like you need an extra couple of breaths you can simply role to your "sweet spot" (roughly on your back) for as long as you need.

It's been about a month now since starting to learn this method and I've shaved four minutes off my half mile time. My stroke is continuing to get more efficient and I literally feel like I'm cruising with little effort. A couple of days ago I shared a lane with a gentleman who was going about the same speed as me but expending probably more than twice the effort. The drills teach you how to get propulsion from core body rotation rather than the traditional idea of kicking harder and pushing the water back with your hands. In fact, with this method you use your legs very little which is great for triathlets in that they can save their leg strength for the bike and run.

This method teaches three basic things
-How to stop struggling against the water and let it support your body.
-How to streamline your body in the water and reduce drag/resistance.
-How to use core body rotation as the main method of propulsion rather than your arms and legs.

Excellent a must read by any competitive swimmer, May 2, 1999
I am a masters swimmwer back competing after a 30 year hiatus and I'm finally learning how to swim. By employing the methods presented in this book plus some excellent supplementary coaching I have been able to take off a full 2 seconds on my 50 yd repeats in workout and expend what seems like less effort. That is a two body length improvement through technique improvement alone. I have read may books about swimming technique and this book seems to be the best to date. I am fortunate in having an Olympic Gold Medalist as a masters coach and this book illustrates many of the techniques used in his stroke which he passes on to his swimmers. I use it as a personal clinic before practice to remind me of proper technique and some of the all important drills which I use during warmup

Physics makes sense!, January 24, 2002
This book gives me so much more insight into swimming than any other book I've ever read about it. And the best part is; it makes sense! Mr. Laughlin taught me something someone should have taught me long time before, and he gives a sound, scientific reasoning behind it. For example, why we should swim like a fish (well, isn't it a common sense, but someone have never told me about that before..) on our side instead on our stomach.
If you are like me, wondering why does the pro swim so effortlessly and with so much speed, this book tells you all about it.
The drills are easy eoungh to follow without a coach. I get in and out of the pool with minimum fatique and maximum result.
This is a book for someone, mainly, who knows how to swim already, not a total beginner. Also, Mr. Laughlin deals mostly with freestyle and how to improve your stroke efficiency (i.e. how to swim faster without moving your arms and legs more). I look forward on how he applies his techniques on other swimming strokes. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Drawing on his work with some of the top teams in professional sports, noted sport psychology consultant Gary Mack shares with you the same techniques and exercises he uses to help elite athletes build mental "muscle." These 40 accessible lessons and inspirational anecdotes will help you gain the "head edge" over the competition. ... Read more

Reviews

Well worth the time and the price. If more tactics, better, December 6, 2005
Many readers said that it's clumsily written. I really cant agree so. It's a little repetitive especially in the second half of it. However, the author did quote a lot of real life examples including successful players' personal quotes to stress the importance of the mind on performance. The key message had been well delivered, for sure. However, it would be better if he could tell more on the "how" side, as in page 9, "One key to achieving success in sports is learning how to focus on the task and not let negative thoughts intrude. The mind can concentrate on only one thing at a time. So, rather than suppress what you dont want to happen, you must focus on what you do want to happen or on some neutral thought. In working with the placekicers, I use a distraction technique. I ask them to create a word that, when said to themselves, will block out all negative thought and help relieve tension."

Certainly a good read for aspiring athletes, for leisure and for life. Anyway, below please find some copy and paste of my favorite messages for your reference.

Competition is won or lost on the six inch playing field between the ears. Practice the seven C's (Competitive, Confident, Control, Committed, Composure, Courage, Consistency) of mental toughness. Learn to love the competition. Pg 28

It takes years of hard work to become an overnight success. Are you willing to make the committment and pay the price. Pg 69

Learn how to fail successfully. Hate to fail but never fear it. Learn to view failure as feedback. Pg 80

You cant outperform your self image. - Dennis Connor. Pg 81

Discipline means doing what you have to do when you need to do it, whether you want to or not. Pg 95

The more you hurry the later you get. When you find yourself rushing you are no longer in the present. Pace instead of race. Pg 144

The less tension and effort, the faster and more powerful you will be. - Bruce Lee / The way to run faster is with four fifths effort. Just take it nice and easy. - Bud Winters Pg 145

The will to win is important, but the will to prepare to win is vital. - Joe Paterno / Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. - Wayne Gretzky Pg 155

Excellence for all life's pursuits, April 30, 2005
Mind Gym is one of my favorite books to pickup whenever I need a little inspiration and encouragement. While the many stories and quotes are derived from the world of professional athletics, the book is really about creating excellence in one's life with applicability to any pursuit and any profession. The main theme is that once one reaches a certain level of competency, the level he achieves in performance will be determined by how well he learns to utilize his mind. With this, the author takes us on a fascinating tour of the minds of some of the world's greatest coaches and athletes; their successes, their challenges, and the mental tools they employed to succeed. To borrow a line from the book, "it takes years of hard work to become an overnight success", Mind Gym is an excellent coach along the way.

Not well written, rehashes other books., June 21, 2005
I have just about every book on the topic of sports performance.

I've read others that were more impactful and helpful.

Granted, this book is good if you're just looking for some inspiration that might eventually lead you to results. For immediate results to use on one's game, however, this book isn't it!

As another reviewer said, it's clumsily written. For my hard earned money, I'd like something that I can actually use on my game right away.

If you're a couch potato athlete that only watches a game, this book is probably good. My brother-in-law loves it. He's never played a sport in his life, but is a big fan. For competitive athletes who are more interested in RESULTS and can get their cliches from TV announcers, this book isn't for them.

I'd give it one star, but those who've met the guy seem to like him enough to log onto amazon and write a review. Nothing personal, but I can't give this anything like the rating the others did.

Crippled by one jaw-droppingly awful flaw, April 5, 2009
Mind Gym's theories on sports psychology are not all that revolutionary. Any good coach will already understand the author's thoughts on discipline, preparation, confidence, positive imagery, etc.; however, there is substantial value in the dozens of anecdotes and stories from household name athletes. These examples make great talking points when explaining psychological concepts to kids.

So, until I was almost finished with the book, I definitely enjoyed it. That was until the author revealed that he has all of his clients close their eyes and listen to "Hero" by Mariah Carey. Wow - talk about a blow to his credibility.

If you believe you can overcome this horrendous nugget of info, then you will probably like this book. But if you, like me, find this just too much to bare, then don't waste your time.

Gary Mack, October 23, 2002
Gary Mack is the author of the sports psychological book "Mind Gym." I rate this book with 5 stars becuase I feel that it is at the top of its catagory. For the athlete who desires to gain a mental edge over his/her opponent, there is no better book to shed light on that subject. I read this book while I was healing from a broken back and it turned me around about how I thought about my sport of gymnastics. Garys book opened many doors for me in the way I thought about competition, training, and everyday life. I recommend it to every athlete in every sport because the psychological side of sports is often overlooked. Gary does a great job creating motivation, and better yet--sport and life lessons.

A great book from a great author, August 24, 2004
I had the fortune of knowing Gary Mack personally when I was playing for the Arizona State's Sundevils men's tennis, back in the 2000. All I can say is that the book was extremely useful to me, both in tennis and private life. The bottom line that we can all learn from it is that it's really all about attitude.
May Gary rest in peace.

Clumsily written, cliched, but with a great message, July 10, 2003
I had initially planned to give it just a skim, but then could not put it down. It is full of cliches and hoary coaching bromides, and is obsessed with commercial spectator sports; but its overall, can-do message negates any faults.

No depth at all, October 18, 2010
The author starts by stating how important psychology for sports is. It is.
After this promising start, however, we are presented with chapter after chapter of - well, nothing.
He states something obvious like "belive in yourself" and underlines this with some quotes and success stories from profs.
Great. This does not help at all. I already knew that I need confidence to excel.
No "how to", no in depth tipps, nothing usefull at all :-(

Best one for athletes!, October 4, 2007
I have read several books on the mental game in sports and this is by far the best. I work with collegiate and professional athletes and recommend this so often that Gary Mack should send me a commission!!!

The Most Important Part of the Game, February 12, 2002
As the mild winter weather promises an earlier than usual start to the golf and tennis seasons, I am thinking about equipment, exercises, instructional videotapes and maybe a short "spring training" trip to Florida. But at the top of my list this year will be a re-read of a little book by Gary Mack that will have more impact than all of the above preparations combined. I learned from "Mind Gym" that, for most of us, how we approach our games mentally is the greatest key to improvement. It made a dramatic difference for me -- in attitude, enjoyment and score! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

This Book Inspires You to Change Your Thinking!, December 16, 2008
This book opened my eyes and at the same time confirmed some of the philosophies I have regarding health. Laird leads an amazing life and has an amazing attitude towards living. His words are very inspirational and at the same time his philosophies towards life deserve attention. Since reading his book I've started doing power yoga (vinyasa sytle), changed my weight routine over to his circuit training, and have made a few diet changes. The book is very easy to read and I found I did not want to put it down.

Easy read, lots of pictures. Laird is an interesting guy., December 6, 2008
This book was not bad. There are a lot of pictures, but there is also some good info. Laird's nutrition and physical fitness routines are somewhat unrealistic for the average person that works at least 40 hours/week, but the principals are right on the money. His life experiences are from a man who has lived in Hawaii his entire life and has never had a real job. Although unrealist for most, it is interesting that a guy who was never a World Champion at his sport of choice(Surfing),has been able to create and live the life that he has. I don't even know if he ever was on the Pro Surfing tour. Laird is a fascinating character and if you know anthing about the guy, you will probably like this book. If you've never heard of the guy, you might not care for it.

Laird Is the Force of Nature: Dude Get Stoked About Life and Eat Some Poi, November 3, 2008
The first thing you need to know is that this book is published by Rodale Press: glossy photos and generic glosses on what's personal, valuable and important in life, i.e., largely standard English, bromidic writing, with a strong commercial angle in mind.

Not that Laird Hamilton doesn't manage to put his own personal stamp on the final product; no, he actually does pull it off.

The book is tweaked to speak with Laird's own experience and voice. Laird Hamilton is sui generis after all, and because of this fact, the book is as much a testament to his being a force of nature as much as it is an inspirational how-to. The world is Laird's gymnasium.

To illustrate the commercial aspect of the book, however, Laird writes, "There's no such thing as not enough time.... So when I hear someone say they don't have time for fitness -- I'm not buying it.... That's messed up." That's fine. That is Laird himself speaking. But then, on the last page of the book, there's a list of Resources where you can buy all the stuff Laird references throughout his talk or writing, things like the Bosu ball he uses or the muscle milk he drinks.

The second thing you need to know is there are lots of photos of Laird in the book, colored ones as well as black-and-white. In some of these, he looks gorgeous; in others, he looks downright goofy. In still others, particularly while surfing, he looks like an indistinguishable, unrecognizeable and small figure or dot in the ocean. Interestingly, in the Forward to the book, Laird writes that it's a big world, but we humans are not so big. Maybe inserting photos that show the surfing celebrity as a human dot in the grand ocean was part of the author's plan.

Further inside the book, there's a section on circuit training (the standard stuff) and one on the power of Yoga (the standard poses). I admit I was surprised to learn that Laird advocates Yoga, but then, in reading the book, I learned Laird is a flexible athlete, both physically and mentally.

Laird's own personal twist on all these exercises is that he does not believe in routine or doing the same exercises or circuits over and over again. He advocates changing it up in order to challenge the body regularly, and he especially wants you to pay attention to the moment as well as to the body such that in doing the circuit, for example, he wants you to exercise more than just one muscle at a time but get lots of sleep afterward. Laird likes 8 to 10 hours a night himself.

There's a section on raw food eating ("Don't Eat Dead Food," i.e., raw milk), including a recipe chapter with lots of color photos of food, and there's a section on the supplements Laird recommends, including the use of the dubious colloidal silver, which Laird claims to take only topically, not internally (as the quacks recommend). While Laird does recommend eating raw butter and raw milk, the recipes for salmon, for example, do involve heat and baking. It's clear that there's nothing fixed or rigid about Laird's recommendations or plan. He's clearly a self-confessed meat-eater, not a vegetarian.

There's a small section on his wife and children (3 girls), too.

The very last few sections of the book contain surfing tips with not-so-special technical knowledge offered such as "To become an advanced surfer, it's critical to know ho to use your upper body in conjunction with your lower body."

Overall, Laird Hamilton ultimately wants the reader to understand that you need to have fun with your life and stay in tune with fun. Lastly, he wants the reader to know Pe'Ahi is his girl and will always be his girl, with all due apologies to wife and daughters.

The book reveals that Laird Hamilton is a total athlete. You can read about him; you can follow his recommendations; you can be inspired by him; but it's clear you can never match him. He's non-pareil.

Proceed with caution..., March 2, 2009
This is not an autobiography. This is not a collection of stories from one of our planets best watermen. This is not a retrospective on an active exciting life. This is not a guide on how to marry one's personal passions with ones family. Any of those things would have been far more interesting and worth reading. This book is a haphazard collection of grocery lists, yoga poses, pictures of surfing, interviews with folks you've never heard of before and nutritional pseudo science. If you're into that, rock on you'll enjoy. Personally, this was a total letdown.

No wonder Laird is the best at what he does..., December 16, 2008
Great book, easy to read. Simple advise that works. There is something for EVERYONE in this book - even if you could care less about surfing. I don't surf and Laird's outlook on life is one many of us could learn from.

fantastic book, December 16, 2008
Great book, Laird is my hero!!

The smoothie recipe is the best thing out of this book. I use it regularly.

Life Coach, July 29, 2009
The first time I scanned through this book in the bookstore I saw a bunch of exercise routines and yoga poses and I passed on it because I'm not a gym guy.

However, I was at the bookstore again and had some time to kill so I took a second look. I read the first few pages and I was drawn in to his words. I recommend you read the Intro the next time you're in the bookstore to see if it's something you'd be remotely interested in.

I don't know, he just seemed to have a lot in common with the way I think and that's what piqued my curiosity. I really think to enjoy this book you need to have tried to learn something foreign in your life and really embraced it, not giving up no matter how hard it was. I think too many people take the "safe way" out in life and watch from the distance and comment on it. To those people, this book might be mildly interesting.

But Laird is no ordinary guy. He's done some insane things (if you don't believe it, just flip to the page that details all of his injuries). And although the book is an easy read, anyone who has faced similar (I use that term loosely) fears, challenges, or obstacles just gets it. You see how right on he is with his words.

When you get to step inside the mind of a man who has pushed the boundaries of what is humanly possible and in turn created new ways to look at it, you get a rare glimpse that few people have ever experienced.

What's funny is this book is mass published and can be purchased by anyone but I truly believe he poured his heart into this book and that's why I find this book so special.

My wife and I joke that he is a "life coach" just because he seems to cover so many topics and has something interesting to say about each.

I just think his book is fun. It makes me appreciate life and the environment I'm in. And by the way, his nutrition advice is really helpful. I feel much better throughout the day and I've slimmed down quite a bit too. I've even started doing yoga which I never thought I would do and am in such a better mood before I go to work now (which my co-workers appreciate).

Not what I was expecting!, February 25, 2009
While thumbing through the book, one would think this work would be self-indulgent hero worship based on all the model-esque type photos, to one's own craft of surfing and having access to the good life. (Come on..how many of us have the opportunity to live in Hawaii?) However, the book confirmed that my prediction was false and I was pleasantly surprised with its message. Laird is a very humble person, and it comes out in his writing. I would have liked to learn more about his relationship with his mother, and how it parallels his relationship to his wife. I enjoyed the snipets from Gabby (and other notable mentors he includes). I even tried one of the recipes and felt like I got to know him.

I enjoyed this book immensely, not just for some of the great tips on working out, but learning about an interesting fellow whom many of us strive for as a parent, spouse and person (even though he happens to be one of the most gifted athletes of all time). Props, Laird!

Pictures of Laird get Old, February 22, 2009
As a stand up paddle surfer I was really interested in reading this book. Laird has 'living life' advise we can all use but every time you turn the page there is another picture of him in some flex pose. Even my sister commented, 'man, this guy sure likes himself'. It would have helped to change up some of the pictures. But good book in general.

Inspiring Book, February 19, 2009
Ya know, I've always dug Laird Hamilton, I mean look and him and what he can do. well then you read this and know why. He's so determined and set on what it is he is doing and how to get the most out of it all. The way he eats, the way he works out, his family, the way he lives his life totally from nature. Even if we know we'll never be like Laird reading about him and picking up a tip or two is really inspiring. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

A wonderful and insightful book, May 1, 2009
I started surfing about 3 months ago. That was also around the same time I started seriously looking at Buddhism. It is amazing that I discovered Jamail Yogis's book while going through a vaguely parallel experience.

Coming from this perspective, Saltwater Buddha is an amazing book that blends personal memoir with spiritual insight. It is thoughtful, well-written, and an entertaining read. The last point is worth emphasizing - a spiritual journey may be very interesting to the person going through it, but it will not necessarily resonate with others. Yogis has accomplished the task of translating his inner journey into a narrative that holds the reader's attention and can speak to people from varied spiritual backgrounds.

From a purely descriptive perspective, the book is about a man's intellectual, emotional, and spiritual maturation. Yogis lived a life that many of us dream of. Several times during his life he followed his impulses and went to Hawai'i to pursue his passion for surfing. However, these excursions to Hawai'i were bracketed by emotional growth and learning to take responsibility. As easy as it would be to lose oneself in a tropical paradise, Yogis realized that he needed to balance his passion with the more mundane aspects of life. The book traces his journey back and forth between these twin forces.

At the same time, Yogis is going through significant spiritual growth. Whether it is through private meditation or a stint in a monastery, his spiritual education moved through both formal and informal channels. More significantly, much of his spiritual growth came out of his movement between passion and responsibility. Life is often the greatest spiritual guide. For him, it was surfing that had one of the largest impacts on his journey. Not only did it serve as a metaphor for many of the formal principles in Buddhism, but it also served as spiritual practice.

Most of the surfers that I know acknowledge the spiritual impact surfing has. While they may not recognize it inside a specific dogmatic framework, they are certainly aware of the connection between surfing and some larger cosmic mystery. One reason that Yogis's book is so fascinating is that he looks at surfing through the lens of a particular spirituality. This helps to give structure to thoughts about how surfing impacts people.

Looking at surfing through the lens of Buddhism is not, obviously, just a literary device used by Yogis. However, this particular perspective is what makes Saltwater Buddha unique and engaging. Buddhism is capable of embracing so many different paths of spirituality and surfing was one of the paths for Yogis. The structure of the book reflects this interconnection - spiritual insight is interwoven with the narrative of his life. Each piece serves to illuminate the other.

This is, of course, how life is actually experienced. We do not experience inner and outer experience as separate things. Instead, our spiritual/emotional/intellectual life is completely intertwined with our experiences in the world. We find meaning in the events of our lives and those same events give validation (or challenge) our worldview. It is difficult to capture this in an effective way and even more difficult to convey this to another person in a structured and coherent way. Again, this is a task that Yogis has admirably accomplished.

I have purchased several copies of the book because I plan to give them to friends; to both surfers and nonsurfers. I have found that Saltwater Buddha gives expression to many of the experiences I am having myself. I have found it so difficult to explain my experiences to people that don't surf - which makes Saltwater Buddha even more impressive. Yogis has found an effective way to give voice to the deeply emotional and spiritual aspects of an activity that many dismiss as idle fancy. We should all be thankful for this gift.

I am confident that this book will open your eyes to a different world; even if you have no interest in surfing or Buddhism.

I don't Surf. And I'm not a Buddhist, but I loved this Book!, April 9, 2009
I've tried surfing a few times and, to be perfectly honest, I'd usually rather lie on the beach or go for a swim. I'm also lukewarm on Buddhism in any kind of strict sense. But Saltwater Buddha kept me riveted and laughing the whole way through. Not only is it funny, the insights sprinkled through the narrative gave me fresh perspective on my own life. It's the kind of book I wanted to start again as soon as I finished.

Highly Recommended, June 10, 2009
If you are a new surfer, read this book.
If you are a master surfer, read this book.
Read it like you were a kid again and like you are discovering all this for the first time.
Give it to your non-surfer friends.
Give it to your buddies who have yet to realize the real gift of surfing despite their pro status on the waves.
Give it to your comrades who could have written it themselves.
Give it to your landlocked nephew in Montana.
Translating the wisdom of water and of Zen in his own life, Jaimal Yogis shares lessons that reach far beyond surfing.
Romantic and real, simple and deep, Saltwater Buddha reminds each of us that living with compassion and zeal each moment
is what makes a meaningful life.

You'll find a little of yourself in here, even if you don't surf...., April 28, 2009
My copy of the book has already had a taste of Saltwater itself... a couple of days ago, some strong island winds blew it into the Caribbean ocean when I put the book down for a second, and I saw it floating away. I was about halfway through the book and was just at the point where the author was wrestling with his fear about the big wave at Third Bay. Rom had already taken a wave.

I tried scooping up the book but couldn't reach it, and every second it just got farther and farther away. As I quickly went through my options I realized if I didn't get the book now, there was a good chance I wouldn't be able to finish the book this week. I'm in Jamaica right now for the week, so I'm guessing it would be hard to get the book through Amazon or Kindle. And my fiancee is already excited about reading the book, too. So I stripped down into my underwear and dove into the ocean to get it. Granted, I wasn't in deep water or anything, but it's not like jumping into a swimming pool.

I swam back with the book, both of us wet and salty. After some hair dryer action and half a day of island sun, the book was almost dried out and the pages didn't stick together. Fortunately, I was able to finish reading the book.

Considering this is the first time I've ever dropped a book into the ocean, I think it's funny and fitting that it happened to be Saltwater Buddha.

I'm not a surfer, and a lot of times philosophy feels like mental masturbation to me. However, I finished this book in two days and plan on reading it again (that's amazing for me). I find it impressive that the author is able to interject thousands of years of philosophy into a humorous, reflective, and honest narrative without being heavy-handed or dogmatic about it. The author will apply a philosophical point to an event and present it as his contemplation as if the story were no more than a coffee conversation, and leave it for the reader to agree, disagree, or ignore it. He is able to connect a deep, profound Buddhist teaching to ordinary events that could happen to any of us in modern life.

I can relate to many of the events in the author's life, and I suspect many our generation can. Since reading the book, I am already starting to see things a bit differently, and that's a really neat thing. This is definitely a book worth reading.

So many messages in such a well crafted book., April 15, 2009
The most poignant thing about the book was that Jaimal Yogis took the time to step back, and put his life in front of the camera, so to speak. I have absolutely no doubt that people will relate to this book because his documented family conditions represent exactly what has happened to the American family: It has been shattered, and it has created adverse conditions for children. Some kids grow up just fine due to adversity (yay :) ), however some suffer and cannot break their cycle of suffering because of it. Jaimal shows how one can be triumphant in these adverse conditions, despite the multi-front plagues afflicting suburbia.

Jaimal gives Zen philosophy tidbits that are powerful. I found myself very amused at the plentiful Zen missives in there, especially an anecdote about a monk confronting a samurai.

Finally, one of Jaimal's most important messages was to all surfers, and their need to avoid "localism" and exercise patience for each other. Thanks to Jaimal for writing about that so vividly. If we could all just forget about that guy who ruined our stoke, and blow off a drop-in, and simply just get the next wave, then we all can be happier, healthier people, which is arguably the main point in surfing from where I'm standing :)

This book is a must have if you surf, or are considering taking the sport up.

Other people's praise for Saltwater Buddha, January 6, 2009

"Heartfelt, honest and deceptively simple. It's great stuff with the words Cult Classic stamped all over it." Alex Wade, author of Surf Nation

Jaimal's "story-telling
instincts are strong, so strong that this book will surely find the
audience it deserves-among surfers, among seekers, and among those
who enjoy being swept along on a curious ride."
Daniel Duane, author of Caught Inside: a surfer's year on the California Coast

"Jaimal's tale of survival and perseverance reminds us to follow our hearts without fear. A bold young man's coming of age, Saltwater Buddha is not only entertaining, it's inspiring and motivating. I loved this story!" Urijah Faber, World Champion Mixed Martial Artist

"Surfers and Zennies alike will want to catch this wave."--Shambhala Sun

"...may ultimately launch an entirely new breed of memoir: the coming-of-sage story."
Bruce Kelley, editor-in-chief, San Francisco Magazine

"...lighthearted and natural and unafraid...a beautiful coming of age story."
Abby Gruen, New York Times contributing writer

"It's the perfect read for those who love the ocean as much as their yoga mats, or for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual practice that is surfing."
Karen Macklin, Yoga Journal

"An incredibly fun ride."
Steven Kotler, author of West of Jesus

"As a surfer, Saltwater Buddha is a reminder to focus on the positive even in difficult situations. Whether it's fierce localism, cold water, or endless big waves, we could all use a little more Zen."
Holly Beck, professional surfer

Put this guide to life in your library !, June 8, 2009
I love how the author juxtaposed surfing with spiritual balance. Learning to surf is a really humbling experience, and when you are out in the water so many things are taking place. It is an interesting experience to go through the motions of letting go of fear, respecting what is so much bigger than me, and trying to come out of it wanting more.
This book is an inspiration for anyone that is learning something new, and trying to get past challenges. I highly recommend this read !

A wonderful read for those moved by the ocean, May 19, 2009
This was such a treat to read on my vacation many, many miles from waves. The author had such an authentic voice and was able to capture the typical frustrations of learning to surf followed by the realizations that we ultimately surf for reasons other than simply catching waves. I think this book would be good for surfers and non-surfers alike, and an especially perfect book for any young, ego-driven, agro surfers that you may know! Please, give it to your 16 year old nephew for his birthday to keep him in check ;-)

A must have for both surfers and anyone following their dreams, April 22, 2009
This wonderful book follows the author from the day he ran away from home aged sixteen in order to learn to surf in Maui right through to becoming an award-winning journalist years later. It's an honest account of his ups and downs and spiritual awakenings which are precipitated both through his experiences in the water and his Buddhist faith. In his musings on the sea the author is poetic and reminds me in many ways of perhaps my favourite writer about the ocean Thomas Farber. But this is also a personal Odyssey in which the writer has followed his dreams and listened to the quiet whispers of his soul as if they were carried on a gentle offshore wind. It's an inspiring and thought-provoking book which may well have you returning to it again and again. You can buy the book on amazon.co.uk here.

Amazing!, July 9, 2009
I can't remember the last time I read a book that I can relate to on so many levels. Jaimal Yogis combines two of my favorite things: surfing and meditating in a heartfelt and down to earth manner. Wether or not you surf, meditate, or whatever you do this is a must read. It makes me want start reading it again as sson as I'm finished! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Describes every practical knot, what it looks like, where it comes from, and how to tie it. The book includes 4,000 knots, with all the varieties of shipboard knots as well as knots used by butchers, steeplejacks, electric linesmen, knitters, cobblers, surgeons, poachers and cowboys. ... Read more

Reviews

Not Just Knots,But A Whole Lot More, October 5, 2000
This book is a work of art and devotion. Clifford Ashley presents an encyclopedic array of knots in this book. If there's a knot you seek, you'll find it here: plain knots and fancy knots, practical knots and magical knots, beautiful and ornamental knots---they're all here. Mr.Ashley's hand drawings make these knots easy to follow. There are hundreds of beautiful pen-and-ink drawings that depict the maritime life as well:from people to places to things. Clifford Ashley's love and mastery of his subject is evident on every page. For my money, this is the best book you will ever find about the subject of knots.

The Definitive Bible of Knots, April 16, 2000
This book is the indispensable, essential, must-have book of every knot a person could ever dream. I bought three other knot books before this one, believing that Ashley's book was more than I needed. Now the other three books gather dust and this one is the only book I use. It isn't just knots, either. Ashley also tells a lot of tales and lets us know what life was like when he lived, as he collected the information to put together his book. I actually read this book sometimes just for the pleasure of reading it. You don't have to be tying knots. It would be hard to imagine a book that could improve on what Ashley has put together. Simply outstanding. I love it.

A life long companion for the knot nut - ameteur or pro, August 18, 1999
I bought my first copy of this GREAT book in 1945, in Honolulu while in the navy and have had a copy at my warm side ever since -- most books are read once, maybe twice, some even more BUT this one has been read by me almost daily for all these years -- I even keep an extra copy at my mother-in-law's house so I can be close while travelling -- someone should run down a member of the Ashley family descendants and tell him or her what a totally awesome job he did! There is no book on knots equal to his work -- A wonderful contribution to the nutty people who enjoy knots whether they be scout, sailor, cowboy, climber or the soccer mom who needs help with a simple bow!

Should be a staple in every reference library, November 17, 2004
Go to your nearest hardware store, and look at all the fasteners. There are U-bolts, swages, eye-hooks, and on, too many to count. Well, not too long ago, the metal in a bolt would have been a prohibitive cost. Instead, the jobs of all those fasteners were filled by knots.

There is a branch of mathematics called "knot theory". It deals with one-dimensional fibers crossing in 3-space, and no other dimensionality has quite the same properties. A strand, wrapped around another and holding it, is a remarkable thing.

Daily jobs in older eras touch abstract math in this book. It's a remarkable encyclopedia of practical, beautiful, and profound ways of pulling things together. Ashley shows bows, buttons, nooses, braids, knots, bights, and seemingly endless other ways to make simple strings into tools, toys, and decorations.

You will come away from this book with respect. All those different people - fishermen, sailors, weavers, surgeons, and shipping clerks - all of them had their own needs and only strings to meet those needs with. They did their jobs, and did them well, using the techniques remembered in this book. What's more, mathematicians use this book as a fundamental reference. Just about any twist in space was named here, so Ashley has become the catalog. When a mathematician refers to "Ashley #128", the structure has been specified completely.

This is history, practice, theory, and fun between the same covers. No working library can be without it.

//wiredweird

"Just look it up in Ashley's!", October 10, 2002
THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS (c.1944) by Clifford W. Ashley, is the definitive reference work on knots, splices, and ropework in general. Born in 1881 in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Clifford W. Ashley was an antique dealer and artist, who spent eleven years writing his magnum opus, THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS, and died three years after its 1944 publication.

In his pursuit of ropework, Mr. Ashley spent six months at sea on the whaling bark SUNBEAM; and six weeks on a Delaware Bay oysterman called a 'bugeye'. He interviewed tradesmen, such as: steeplejacks, cobblers, truckdrivers, butchers, electric linesmen, and boyscouts as well as sailors and sea captains to document each nuance of knot unique to its trade. He was taught a few knots by Mr. Ringling himself of circus fame; and taught a knot to Mr. DuPont, a captain of industry.

The result of Mr. Ashley's research was a significant collection of 7,000 drawings of 3,900 knots and their application in a 620 page knot tyers tome which has become a veritable bible for rope workers the world over. In just about any capacity that a rope can be utilized has found its way into THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS. Mr. Ashley has covered: netting, lashings, block & tackle, splices, hitches, and bends. He went from purely decorative knots with no practical value to knots applied to industrial use. He included a whole chapter on rope tricks and puzzles. There is an amusing catalog of small figures the author drew to rate the quality of each knot described, such as a deuce of clubs to designate 'unimportance', or an kedge anchor to indicate 'reliability'.

Equally important as the knot's description was their utilization on incidental equipment. Mr. Ashley fortuitously included a description of a rope's application on fairleads, belaying pins, H-bitts, cleats, thumb-cleats, fife rails, pin rails, pin racks, and timberheads; as well as escoteric equipment such as euphroe blocks and crows foots.

The book also includes the important distinction between the kevel (or cavil) and the quarter cleat. The glossary in the back makes another refinement by distinguishing the knot from the sinnet, splice, hitch, and bend. Thus clearing up any misassumptions in knot application (such as that Knot Theory is a branch of pure mathematics and has nothing to do with Knot Tying!) - THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS settles any disputes in nomenclature.

The only short-coming to this significant work is that the drawings are unclear and vague in some instances, making it impossible to tye a knot in the example given. The book is dated in respect to splicing modern power braids such as Liquid Crystal Polymer, Spectra, or Kevlar; and makes no mention of the type of knot or splice found in an Astronaut's tether.

Still this can be tolerated in view of the wealth of information and history on knots, splices, and rope contained within its pages. And THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS has gained a further importance in its power of verification. For when some nimrod claims to have invented a new knot or splice, immediately the universal response is: "Just look it up in Ashley's!"

knot kidding., June 12, 2000
This book has to represent the best value on the market today for anyone interested in knots, splices and fancy ropework. I worked in the Merchant Navy and have spent most of my life living on and around yachts, and I sincerely wish that I'd discovered this book 35 years ago. The Ashley Book of Knots is a treasure trove of useful information and instruction for anyone, from novice to expert, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Jim Briggs. Gold Coast, Australia.

THE Knot Reference, January 4, 2000
Simply stunning! Nearly 4,000 knots and as many illustrations fill this hefty tome.

Having said this do not assume that this book is heavy going - rather the contrary - Ashley writes in a light and interesting style, interspersed with humour.

Every type of knot is covered - from practical knots though decorative knots to trick knots. An assement of practicality of each knot for specific uses is also included.

Add to this plenty of history, and the classification of knots by use and occupation, and this makes this book a must for anyone interested in knots. It is also handy for dipping into on rainy days!

A BOOK FOR KNOTTING KNERDS, December 12, 1999
Clifford Ashley takes you to the heart and soul of knotting.

The magic of the intertwining of line was a passion to this man -- and that passion can infect you, if you're susceptible.

In the course of his descriptions of knots, he takes us through some of the history of knotting -- his references go back to the 1700's. Mainly, this art is descended from the square-rigger seafaring trade. Mr. Ashley knows the language of these sailors.

Although written in the first half of the 20th century, this is still THE authoratative book on knots.

Thousands of knots, thousands of pictures. Knots, from practical hard-working specimens, to purely decorative; to even a few useless knots. Self-illustrated with occasional bytes of humor.

This is "the" book if you have a love of knotting; if knotting is a part of who you are.

However, if all you want is to quickly learn a few knots for very practical reasons, you'd probably be better off with one of the more modern knotting books, which usually have clearer explanations for the layman, replete with pretty color photos. Newer texts would also have recently-invented knots, such as the amazing icicle knot.

Knots as objects of beauty and utility, June 30, 2001
This book is the fruit of a live passion for knot tying; it contains approximately 3900 knots, sinnets and splices accompanied with individual explanations and 7000 drawings.

The involvement of Mr. Ashley with knots began as he relates, in his early childhood when his two uncles that were whaling captains taught him the first lessons in knot tying, after this he began the gathering and practical study of every kind of knot that crossed his path. The result is this imposing book that took him 11 years to finish.

The book presents in an organized way knots of general utility, and others that are used in more particular circumstances as fishing or camping. You can find and discover scores of very interesting uses for knots from simple ornamental to practical and useful purposes. The sections that I enjoyed the most are the one about occupational knots and the section about tricks and puzzles, one can spend hours and hours navigating through the book that is so full of interesting details and curiosities.

If you are like me a beginner in knot tying, you could find some of the illustrations and directions a little difficult to follow at first, but I can assure you that if you keep trying, in a short time you will get the knack of it, and you will agree with the author when he says: "To me the simple act of tying a knot is an adventure in unlimited space."

The single best, most authoritative source, November 16, 2000
For anyone wanting to know more than the very basics, Ashley is a must: an absolute best. No one has ever done it better, and this is the standard reference work.

There are a handful of modern knots that aren't here in this edition, but that's very minor quibbling. The only people that will care about this, are people who will absolutely need Ashley's book in any case!

For the person wanting to get started, while he or she may soon find the need for Ashley's book, there is so much information that overload is bound to occur. I'd recommend "The Handbook of Knots" by Des Pawson for the beginner who doesn't want to put that much effort into it and wants a fast start. But as Ashley pointed out as his reason for having only one book, instead of also having a simplified book, the fact is that even children who were really interested in the subject proved themselves able to make even the most complex knots from his complete book, so he felt no need for a simpler book. If you have that degree of interest, then indeed you need nothing else, but if you're looking for quick, easy, yet everything you need to know to get going pretty well, then some of the smaller books are better choices (and I think the above-mentioned Pawson book is best.) ... Read more

Editorial Review

Since the publication of the widely hailed first edition in 1983, The Annapolis Book of Seamanship has set the standard by which other books on sailing are measured. Used throughout America as a textbook in sailing schools and Power Squadrons, The Annapolis Book of Seamanship thoroughly and clearly covers the fundamental and advanced skills of modern sailing. This edition of Annapolis is a major overhaul. Over half the book has been revised; old topics and features have been updated, and many new ones have been introduced. The design has been modernized, and many color illustrations have been added.

As big and detailed as Annapolis is, the wealth of technical information (including dozens of step-by-step instructions) is presented here in a way that is uniquely readable; it's both useful and easy to use. This is because John Rousmaniere and artist Mark Smith bring to Annapolis decades of experience both as sailors and as professional communicators.

Annapolis emphasizes the standard skills and proven methods that eliminate error and confusion, ensure security in emergencies, and allow every sailor more time for enjoyment on the water. Much has changed on the water since 1983 when this book was originally published. Black buoys are now green, the Global Positioning Satellite navigation system (GPS) is almost universally used, new types of anchors and sails have appeared, safety skills and gear are vastly improved, many more women are commanding boats, and catamarans and trimarans are common where only monohulls used to sail.

But for all these modern developments, the basic skills and spirit of sailing have not changed at all. Sail trimming, keeping up steerageway, maintaining the dead reckoning plot, heaving-to -- these fundamentals are as important now as ever and receive much attention here. Among the innovations in this edition are:

* Basic skills in early chapters: Fundamental sailing and boat-handling skills and gear, which are introduced in chapters 1, 2, and 3.
* "Hands On" segments: Three dozen special sections, each devoted to a particular seamanship problem and an expert solution.
* More how-to tips: Additional rules of thumb that guide a crew quickly and successfully through seamanship problems.
* New coverage of multihulls: Advice on evaluating, anchoring, and handling catamarans and trimarans under sail (including in storms).
* More on emergencies: New material on emergencies, safety, and heavy-weather sailing, including a section on preparing a docked boat for a hurricane.
* Equipment updates: Expanded coverage of the use and care of modern gear and hardware, including radar, GPS, rescue devices, and asymmetrical spinnakers.
* Terminology: Full definition and illustration of major terms when they're first introduced, with alternative language provided in parentheses.
* Gender: The use of feminine personal pronouns, which reflect the fact that more women are captaining and sailing boats than ever before.

From navigation and seamanship to boat and gear maintenance, from pleasure cruising to heavy-weather sailing, here is the definitive, state-of-the-art guide that provides systematic step-by-step techniques to see you through every situation on deck and in the cockpit. ... Read more

Reviews

If You Are A Sailor, You NEED This Book!, June 3, 2002
As a sailor on every type of floating scrap of wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum you can think of, I have sailed thousands and thousands of miles. I continually turn to this book as a source of reference and it is never out of close contact.

Even now, as I have no boat but race quite often, I pick up the book because I have questions or ideas about something. It is a wonderful source and the most complete reference I have ever seen.

This book would be especially useful to beginning sailors, but NOTHING can teach you like getting on the water. Use this book to be prepared, but get out there!

I have recommended this book even to some power boaters whom I thought I might convert. They have all enjoyed it and felt it was worth the money.

If you are on the fence, just trust me and buy the book. You will not be disappointed. Worst case scenario is that you put it on your coffee table for your guests to enjoy!

Every sailors essential guide, October 20, 2001
There are few books as excellent in explaining both basic sailing skills and advanced procedures as the Annapolis Book of Seamanship. From boat handling, equipment, and terminology to weather and emergencies, this book covers all the fundamentals of sailing in clear, easy to grasp terms. Novices will find value in that the book assumes no prior knowledge of sailing, while old salts will appreciate the book's encyclopedia-like thoroughness.

If you only have one book in your sailing library, I recommend this be the one.

This should be the number 1 book on a sailors bookshelf, February 2, 2000
This is simply the best book on sailing you can buy. The illustrations are fabulous and the writing is clear and to the point. Buy it if you don't have it. Better yet, buy two copies and give one someone starting out in sailing. If this is the only sailing book on your bookshelf, you have choosen wisely. Perfect for the beginner and essential for all sailors.

A reference book with heart!, August 16, 2000
I reviewed "Annapolis" for Good Old Boat magazine. The review, and an excerpt from the book is in the July/August issue. The book stands as the yardstick by which other sailing references must be judged. For this new edition, Rousmaniere did an excellent job of gender neutralizing the language without any awkwardness. He talks about "forehandedness", a state of being prepared for whatever the sea throws at one. This book is the best written resource to help one obtain that state. The book will be instantly accessible to the beginner. It will remain a good reference for the most experienced sea dog. Rousmaniere uses a lot of little tricks to help the reader retain the information in the book. While the book is chock full of facts, his love for sailing and the romance of the sea shows through as well. If you want to improve your sailing skills and knowledge, buy this book!

Thorough, well-written, and nicely illustrated, May 22, 1999
John Rousmaniere has created a comprehensive text on the sport of sailing and seamanship which is enjoyable to read and very authoritative. By their nature, sailors have strongly held opinions on most subjects, but virtually every sailor I know of who has read John's book holds it in very high regard. The illustrations are clear and not too busy to get in the way of showing the frequently complicated topics which are inherent in the sport. I also find that Seamanship is not just a repeat of tired old sailing methods of 30 years ago, but rather integrates the classic techniques (storm tactics, navigation) with the modern (Crew Overboard Recovery, modern anchors and electronics).

I highly recommend this book, and encourage anyone to buy it if they want to improve their sailing skills.

Wonderful all around sailing seamanship book, April 19, 2001
This updated (1999) version of The Annapolis Book of Seamanship is a wonderful volume for both the new and more experienced sailor. With clear, lucid text and wonderful illustrations, Mr. Rousmaniere and Mr. Smith have created a truly useful guide. In particular, I found the section dealing with the "physics" of the boat to be very enlightening. I also was pleased with the strong emphasis on safety throughout the book. All around, one of the best books available on the topic, and highly recommended.

Better than Chapmans!, December 17, 1999
John Rousmaniere once again sets the standard for clear, concise descriptions of a frequently complicated topic: sailing and seamanship. Technically perfect (at least I can't complain about anything), and superbly illustrated, Annapolis covers all critical topics: rigging, heavy weather, navigation, anchoring, etc. This newest version expands are several areas, and is brought up to date with recent safety at sea findings and marine trends. Highly recommended for any sailor's library (and cruising powerboaters will find helpful information as well).

Rosumaniere! Update the d**n book, October 15, 2009
Everyone who has anything positive about this book is correct.

The reason for three stars is the discussion of GPS is slightly shorter than the discussion of Loran and Radio Direction Finding; e.g. one page to each. There is no acknowledgment of the existence of a thing called the Internet.

The value of this book lies in things that don't change much - Ground tackle, Rigging, Knots, Dead Reckoning.

At one point this was the go-to book, but the growing lag in coverage of technology that has changed in the years since 1998 includes subjects that are now core to offshore sailing.

It's all you need but the boat and water!, August 19, 2004
I purchased this book feeling that Chapman's was the bible of boating. I expected the Annapolis Book of Seamanship to be a sail boat owners version of the same, covering much of the same ground with a slant toward the sailor. I now know that this is only half true! John Rousmaniere, who I have since had the honor of meeting, presents a no nonsense look at sailing and seamanship. He takes this sailing business very seriously and doesn't fudge on anything. His own sailing experience has taught him that sailing can be dangerous and that the sea or any large body of water is to be dealt with respectfully, safely and with a base of knowledge and preparedness. John knows his stuff and is unquestionably one of the country's most knowledgeable seamen. His words are like gold to every sailor.

One Hand For Yourself, One Hand For The Ship, July 27, 2006
THE ANNAPOLIS BOOK OF SEAMANSHIP by John Rousmaniere is the ur-text on sailing used by virtually every sailing school as its primary educational source. Now in its third edition, this eminently readable and well illustrated book is encyclopedic in its scope, crammed full of practical information about sailing vessels, the mechanics of sailing them, and the traditions of sailing. It's a measure of the excellence of THE ANNAPOLIS BOOK OF SEAMANSHIP how familiarly Rousmaniere presents this largely alien topic with its many very specialized terms of art.

Rousmaniere wisely eschews most of the romance of sailing in favor of much more important considerations, such as boat care, boat handling, and especially safety at sea. Sailing may be enjoyable and it may be challenging, but it is also a dangerous avocation by its very nature, and the author never lets "salty talk" befog that issue. This is NOT a quick reference book for those who want to hoist the jolly roger and give no quarter while tied to the dock; this is a bible for serious SAILORS, whether on the local lake, Puget Sound or the South China Sea

While it can't give you the hands-on experience that being before the mast confers, THE ANNAPOLIS BOOK OF SEAMANSHIP will give you the theory and information you need to make the most of that experience. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Landlubbers joke that sailors are always wanting to head off to the ends of the earth, but Chris Santella takes that life-changing desire very seriously. In this, the third installment in his immensely successful “Fifty Places” series, Santella assembles a crew of the world’s greatest championship racers and professional adventurers and persuades them to disclose their favorite destinations around the globe.

Interviewees include some of the best-known men and women in the sport: Tom Whidden and Gary Jobson (members of the winning 1987 America’s Cup crew), Jeff Johnstone (of J-Boats), award-winning sailing writer Lin Pardy, and many others. The amazingly diverse places they’ve selected range from clubby East Coast ports (Marblehead, Annapolis), to idyllic tropical refuges (Ilha Grande, Brazil; the Polynesian atoll of Mopelia), to some of the most hair-raisingly treacherous waters on earth (Cape Horn).

Coastlines around the world—even Antarctica and the Arctic—are represented, and the chosen spots include some spectacular inland waters, such as the Bras d’Or Lakes and the North Channel of Lake Huron. For each of the 50 places, the sailor recommending the venue spins an entertaining yarn about his or her experience there, and each description is accompanied by a "make you want to go there now" photograph. ... Read more

Reviews

Disappointing hotchpotch of general information, February 27, 2008
We cruise extensively in Australia and on the Med. We bought the book hoping that it would introduce us to new, exciting sailing grounds. Sadly, the book largely fails to do so.
To start with, it lists the locations in alphabetical order: California, China, Chile, Colorado etc instead of geographical grouping. The individiual sections are crammed with general information to fill the pages. Twenty percent of each section is typically dedicated to the writer's CV! Very little information is specific to sailing conditions.
For example the Antarctica section doesn't say a word about the special cruising challenges. The Fremantle/Australia section describes how the US won the America's Cup here - but not a word about the magic beaches and crystal clear waters.

Disappointing, January 6, 2008
Obviously, Chris is not a sailor and was not intending for this book to purchased by sailors. There is not much information that sailors would find of importance such as the coordinates, good anchoring spots or even the nearest harbor. I received this as a gift, I never would have purchased it for myself. Photos are great, but lacking good information.

Great Idea; Mediocre Execution, December 28, 2007
Chris Santella`s "Fifty Places to Sail Before You Die" is an interesting but ultimately disappointing book. Although the idea of a collection of unforgettable places to sail is an excellent idea, this book is one of unrealized potential.

The author contacted and interviewed famous sailors from around the world - racers, charterers, instructors, photographers, etc. - for their favorite places to sail. For each great sailing area, he wrote a 3-4 page blurb about the area, and included a small bio of the expert along with some basic information about how to travel to the area, when the best sailing season is, and information about local accommodations and charters.

Unfortunately, Santella does not sell these sailing locales. I expected a book on great sailing areas to include numerous dazzling photographs of each area, but most of the sections include only one picture from the area (some none). Too many of the write-ups focus on the history of sailing an area or other trivia instead of the reasons to sail that area now, and there are no maps to give one a flavor of the area - another must, to me, in a book about sailing locations.

Despite these drawbacks, there is still some interesting information in this book and the sailing locales are a nice sampling of different types of sailing locales. Ultimately, although this book did not give me a burning desire to travel to many of these places, this book is still a worthwhile purchase for anyone with a love of sailing.

This doesn't make the list of 50 books to read before you die., December 26, 2007
This has snipets by some of the greatest living sailors, but has some glaring omissions. Also, the editing seems to have take the life out of many of these characters. The book is arranged in alphabetic sequence. It would have been more useful to have it in sequence by continent. This would have been more interesting with stories about things that happened in these beautiful places. As it is, it's just a - here's a nice place, here's another nice place, and on and on. A cruising guide to the various regions would be a more entertaining read.

Ordinary Sailer's Review, April 7, 2008
I am an avid sailer and dream of sailing around the world or being a crew member of an America's Cup team. I thought this book sounded facinating and ordered two (2) copies: one for myself and one for my brother, another water warrier.

I was disappointed in the lack of images. How can you talk about Hong Kong Harbor and not have an image? I assumed this was a coffee-table book which I think with added imagery would make it all the more enjoyable. Reading the passages was informative, but you had to read the bio of the author fist to understand why the place they chose was important to them.

Am finding it slow to get through - and disappointing.

Good for dreaming!, March 22, 2009
We received this book as a gift after crossing the North Atlantic in our own boat. It was intended to inspire us to keep going, which we seriously plan to do. It's not intended as a sailing reference, yet it does keep the dream alive with places still on the list. What's interesting is how many of the places we've already ticked off. The brilliant aspect of this book is the choice of legendary sailors whose opinions were solicited. I only wish that I had thought of this concept. It would have been a great opportunity to meet all the folks who inspired the dream to shove off in the first place.

Dont Waste Your Money, February 22, 2009
My wife and I are avid sailors. The author of this book is not, he is a Marketing Consultant. The title sucked us in. My wife gave me this book, hoping that it would give is some out of the way anchorages. It did not Lonely planet guides have much better information.

This book has very little to no up todate information or charts. I would not buy this book again. Save your money

Worth reading, but not worth buying, April 7, 2008
Other reviews more aptly describe the disappointing aspects of this book: dreadfully small quantity of photographs, not useful/practical information to travel to said location, etc.
That said, the book has made fair bedtime reading. Just do as I did, check it out from the library instead. It's worth reading, but not owning.

Great Idea, Poor Execution, December 26, 2009
I bought this hoping for magazine sized stories about great sailing locations around the world. But the text falls woefully short. Look elsewhere for your winter sailing fix.

Fun coffee table book., July 6, 2008
We really like the book sitting on our coffee table so we can flip through it and dream of sailing in all the beautiful places. The only complaint we have is that the images are often poor, with very low resolution and some of the 50 locations don't even get an image, which is sort of ridiculous for a book like this. It's certainly not an expert guide, though it gives some great descriptions, tips, and stories of sailing, including quotes and tales from professional and competitive sailors. Overall, a fun coffee table book. ... Read more

Editorial Review

This expanded edition of the bestselling Handbook of Knots includes 16 additional pages with new photography. Clear instructions and annotated step-by-step photographs will help you learn how to tie more than 100 knots. Choose knots for fishing, camping, sailing, climbing, and for general or decorative use with the help of a quick reference guide. ... Read more

Reviews

The best of the smaller books on knots, November 16, 2000
I was truly surprised by Pawson's book. From the reviews of others, I was expecting a good deal, and hoped it would be as good as Morrow's Guide to Knots, but adding some information not included in that very good book. When the book arrived, it seemed so slim (actually 160 pages, however) and compact, I couldn't see how it could compare.

However, it's a marvel in presenting a wealth of information very clearly. I think it is considerably more informative than the Morrow book, and also gives clearer explanations and illustrations.

It has very many useful knots that Morrow and most other small books do not have, such as the Alpine Butterfly, Ashley's Bend, Buntline Hitch, and the Klemheist knot, gives good information on splicing that Morrow completely omits, and has a lot of useful tips everywhere. The illustrations are truly first rate.

I was surprised though at the omission of the tautline hitch or Tarbuck knot (either would have sufficed). Indeed there were no "ratcheting" loop knots given that slide open or closed to the degree desired, then locked -- a truly useful class of knot that shouldn't have been omitted. If another knot had to go to make room, the only two that could have gone, in my opinion, are the Jury Mast Knot and the Thief Knot. (Admittedly, the Thief Knot is interesting, and I guess that if you need the Jury Mast Knot, you REALLY need it. But that's not one person in 10,000 these days.)

Morrow's is probably more complete for the fisherman.

I highly recommended "The Handbook of Knots" as a first book on knots, and for most people it will really be all that they ever need, except for the sliding loop knot omission. But if you do need a sliding knot, the Tautline Hitch is actually a Rolling Hitch tied on its own standing part after looping around the object being hitched, so since the book gives the Rolling Hitch, if you know this relationship between the knots, then you're all set and probably won't ever really need another book.

Unless you become fascinated by the subject, in which case you'll need Ashley's book.

Overall, Pawson's book sets a new standard among the smaller, conveniently-sized, highly practical knot books.

good illustrations, but missing some important knots, June 26, 2006
Bought this book for my course library (I am a wilderness instructor for Outward Bound). Realized too late that it does not include the taut line hitch or the trucker's (wagoneer's) hitch, both of which we use a lot. I would have thought those would be included in any good knots book. Ultimately replaced it with "The Book of Knots: How to Tie 200 Practical Knots" by Budworth & Dalton. Good illustrations a better selection of knots.

A perfect introduction to knots !, January 7, 2000
For my first work, I started with Ashely's bible on knots.However, that was far and away too authoritative - with thousands ofknots at my disposal, I had no idea what the most important were.

I needed a succinct introduction.

Pawson delivers just that. A "fine little book" it is indeed - yet in this modest, superbly illustrated volume lurk about one hundred important knots - most are very useful, some are decorative, and all are rewarding.

If Ashely's work is the college of knot tying, this would be my vote for the textbook for "Knots 101 - the adventure begins !" END

A must have!, January 26, 2000
I consider this book a "must have". It is compact (travels well) and is very well illustrated. The instructions are very easy to follow. Anyone who camps, hikes or sails should have a copy. Makes a great gift (e.g. Christmas stocking stuffer).

clear instruction great photographs good book for all, October 19, 1999
This book is good for all but it is great for first timers. Has most of the knots you could want...but of course not all. I'm still looking for a knot book to compliment this one. I've been looking at a lot of knot books and this one is a very well rounded book. If your going to only have one knot book..this is the one

A Minor Correction to James Dees's Review, August 6, 2006
I wanted to let potential readers know that Dawson's book DOES include the Taut-line Hitch, though you might have to know a bit about knots going in to realize it. The Taut-line Hitch is simply the Rolling Hitch (page 82 in Dawson), with the rope turned back and tied around its own standing end rather than around a pole as Dawson shows it. Dawson probably could have made that clearer, but it is there.

It's true that it doesn't include the Trucker's Hitch. It probably should in the next edition. Dawson does include the Waggoner's Hitch (page 90), which is a slightly inferior but still serviceable knot that performs the same function as the Trucker's Hitch: allowing a line to be quickly tightened to hold a load.

Even given this minor room for improvement, I think this is one of the best books of its kind ever written. The illustrations are exceptionally clear, the selection of knots is almost ideal, the book itself is small enough to easily pack with you, and its binding is unusually tough and durable for use in the field.

I think Ashley's Book of Knots is THE knot book, still unequalled after over 60 years. Yet Ashley's book is so huge and comprehensive that in some ways it is less useful than smaller books such as Dawson's. Buy Ashley for reference, by all means. But buy Dawson's book for everday use.

All Inclusive Handbook, February 6, 2003
Des Pawson created a great manual for tying all types of knots. He successfully breaks down the various categories to include essential basics, their technical counterparts and various other useful techniques for both decorative uses and inquisitive minds.

As an avid sailor and user of all types of knots, I can't emphasize enough the importance of strongly knowing how to tie the perfect knot when needed. I've been waiting to buy a knot book for years and this one is perfect. The first time I came across his book, a fellow sailor pulled it off the shelf of his vessel to quickly show me an example. After that I was sold on the colorful pictures, simple explainations and great organization of his collection.

Pawsons book is a great guide and I find myself picking it up at various times to simply relax, practice my old knots, and learn a few new tricks.

Generally good, but frequently confusing, January 15, 2002
This is overall a good book, with some interesting knots and useful illustrations. At times, however--more frequently than is acceptable--I have found the instructions a little too telegraphic and the illustrations completely mysterious. For instance, the illustrations sometimes seem to change orientation from one step to the next with no word of warning. At other times, critical parts of the knot are obscured by a hand of the person holding it. The descriptions sometimes give me the feeling that small but crucial operations have been left out, as if they belonged to the author's unconscious "muscle memory" and he never thought to include them. For example, it seems to me that it is topologically imposible ;-) to produce the Turqouise Turtle (pg. 52) following the the instructions and illustrations. You just can't get from step 3 to 4 without some missing manipulation of the rope.

Don't know about Ashely but..., August 10, 2003
for the price the best book on knots there is & I bought (and returned them all :-)
Very complete concerning how to use the knots, and their terminology. Little pictograms in the upperhand corner show it's intended uses, and takes you through all the various types of material and how to prepare it for your work. But the real point is can you replicate the knot? And yes Pawson shows good detail both in picture and word of how to obtain that particular knot.

The cover can also be used as a bookmark so go get some string and start knotting. I always keep some on me for when I have time with nothing to do. Knotting is a cheap and easy hobby but like all else, it takes practise.
This book makes a great hobby totally affordable and fun.

Good....and simple, July 11, 2000
Not overly complex or too simplistic, this book covers the basics. Color photgraphy is good. In some areas more detail would have been appreciated. Overall, a gem! ... Read more

Editorial Review

Now in its 20th year, The Mariner's Book of Days is an ever-growing encyclopedia of nautical fact, fiction, and folklore, and has been hailed as the best, most entertaining nautical desk diary and calendar to see print. An invaluable reference, each annual edition is completely different from its predecessors, and all have become collector's items. On every right-hand page is a week of days, with the nautical significance of each briefly explored. On each left-hand page is a collection of nautical miscellany evoking the rich traditions of the sea. Entertaining and informative, illustrated with a variety of lovely etchings, engravings, sketches, and watercolors, The Mariner's Book of Days takes readers on a 365-day voyage through history. ... Read more

Reviews

Spiral bound to lay flat or wrap its front cover all the way around for ease of use, July 11, 2010
Spiral bound to lay flat or wrap its front cover all the way around for ease of use, The Mariner's Book of Days 2011 is a consumable, nautical desk diary and calendar. Each two-page spread lists a week on the right (the days include notes on the phases of the moon, famous nautical events in history, and plenty of blank space to write in) and extensive nautical history, facts, and trivia tidbits on the left. The Mariner's Book of Days 2011 is at once both a useful scheduling tool and an extraordinarily fascinating assembly of facts about life on the oceans and seas. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Reviews

Rad book about the history of surfing, April 13, 2010

A smooth ride, June 11, 2010
As a my foreign correspondent in 2005, Michael Scott Moore showed how events in Europe connected with what happened in Cambridge, Mass., and the United States in general. Before then, when he lived here -- I'm still in the Boston area, in Cambridge -- he was that guy you saw getting on the red line with a surfboard under his arm.

He would take commuter rail up the North Shore, always with a wetsuit to handle the New England chill and slushy waters of Cape Ann and a ready explanation for the curious and amused: There's surfing in Massachusetts. There's surfing just about everywhere.

It makes sense, then, that his second book, just released in hardcover by Rodale, is "Sweetness and Blood: How Surfing Spread from Hawaii and California to the Rest of the World, with Some Unexpected Results."

Indonesia, Germany, Morocco, the Gaza Strip, Japan -- he surfs them all, and more, in writing this second book (his first nonfiction; he also has a novel, "Too Much of Nothing"), but this is not a guidebook to great waves or a smirking reveal of who's wearing baggies under their burka. Moore combines travelogue, reportage, history and cultural analysis into nine smooth essays of novelty, character and insight.

Surfing in Munich, for instance, is done on the swift-flowing waters of the Eisbach canal, technically illegal and eminently dangerous, and the chapter in Germany is lightly haunted by fatality and a condemnation of fun-gesellschaft, the business of fun that floated in with U.S. culture. (Moore also rides the Severn Bore in England, a tidal surge that comes along every 12 hours -- but if you wipe out, you can drive downriver faster than the wave and try again.) The surfing in Indonesia takes place against a background of poverty and luxury resorts and Islamic extremism versus democracy, but looks also at how Indonesians can be enthusiastic surfers despite a disturbing lack of skill as swimmers.

There's also a bit of debunking going on. Readers meet the man who would be Moondoggie from "Gidget," and may not enjoy the experience, and learn why a fundamental piece of surf literature, Tom Wolfe's "The Pump House Gang," demands a reappraisal. "The number of facts Wolfe manages to flub is astonishing," Moore writes of a New Journalism icon who "liked to pose as a wise but hip writer who could saunter into any subculture and give the lowdown to the squares."

Moore doesn't need a pose. He's been surfing since he was in his teens, and he's able to dive into exotic settings around the world because he's already essentially submerged in the culture. Meaning he arrives with an appreciation for the ocean and the roots of "localism," the sometimes brutal protection of waves from "the kooks who vacation with expensive wetsuits and no instinct for waves, who bring a sense of entitlement to match their general lack of clue, who clutter up the water with slick new boards but no obvious respect for the sea -- not to mention for the locals next to them."

Having observed Moore's surfing as well as reading his work, I can testify that both are unflashy but utterly effective. He's not a Mark Occhilupo on the waves, nor a Wolfe on the printed page. He brings boards and readers to shore with a style that is sly and understated.

Part of his accomplishment is finding the right words, a precise, workaday poetry that manages to describe in a way that feels both wholly right and totally original, as in this look at why Hemingway loved Cuba:

"The weather boils away your need for luxury. His ranch south of Havana was more than a casa particular, of course. It was a walled compound with a view of Havana from its observation tower -- and a pool where Ava Gardner once swam naked -- but it would have been cheaper than a comparable estate in America in the 1940s. You might say the wealth of Cuba consists not in its sugar or rum, not in its magnificent cigars, but in the sun and clear water and hot fertile land. Cuba's brilliant yellow days promote a simple life that feels leonine."

I read that last sentence a second time just to let its perfection soak in.

His skill for observation and cutting construction comes through in his enraging but delicious takedown of Israeli security as well as in his gentler look at the corruption of California's South Bay:

"Most of the coastline was still a stretch of damp and windswept dunes where wealthy men like Henry Huntington wanted to set up resorts. 'When I studied the place, and saw its attractions, the beautiful topography it possessed, those terraces rising in harmonious degrees from the sea, I determined,' he wrote with a real estate men's instinct for anticlimax, 'that it presented such features as should make it the great resort of this region.'"

Surfers will delight in "Sweetness and Blood," but it is just as enjoyable a ride for armchair travelers and cultural surveyors, those interested in seeing how the West infiltrates the remainder of the world. In this case it maneuvers past localism -- er, nationalism -- with the exhilaration of freedom accompanying accommodation to nature, a sense of becoming part of nature even when to do so you must dodge Cuban authorities suspicious of things that float to America. Or risk being shot to get boards across the Israeli border. Or possibly drown when a riptide pulls you under and wraps your leash around rocks submerged in freezing, unfamiliar waters.

Wasn't into surfing, BUT, December 3, 2010
Neither a surfer nor interested in surfing (or so I thought). Anyway, really enjoyed this book once the initial history primer ended. It basically became a nap-sack travel novel with Moore playing the role of Paul Theroux. Very fun, interesting and quick read for me. I'd be very interested in reading whatever comes down the pike by this author.

Hang ten...or the story of surfing in nine chapters, November 29, 2010

non-surfer delights, October 5, 2010
As someone who has never been on an actual surfboard (the crack to the back of the head off a skateboard was a big deterrent...), I was very curious to learn about the History of Surfing. I did learn some history and some facts, but what I really got was a story. Michael Scott Moore's prose had a way of making me feel like I was listening to a fascinating travel adventure, not always clean and definitely not easy, but true; real. The passion for surfing has also stimulated my imagination - I very much want to be as close to flying as a human can be without a pair of wings now! I recommend this read to anyone who enjoys the darker corners of experiences had, truly a delight.

Excellent history of surfing, September 18, 2010

Surfing but much more, August 29, 2010
Thinking this book was mainly about surfing and surf culture I was surprised, happily, to find it covers much, much more. It's fascinating, enjoyable, informative and great fun to read. I would recommend it to just about everyone!

Amazing Reporting, July 7, 2010
I wrote this review for San Francisco Magazine.

The king of Morocco institutes a surf school to combat Islamic radicals. Punks in Munich dodge local police to surf urban rivers. A Cali fornian doctor sneaks surfboards into Palestine for the Gaza Surf Club. What's happening here? When you think about America's global pop-culture influence, Beyonc�, George Clooney, and Michael Jordan come to mind long before Kelly Slater. But journ alist, avid surfer, and former SF Weekly theater critic Michael Scott Moore does a fine job of arguing that surfing--yes, as in Point Break--may be our country's most influential cultural export. (The sport is Polynesian in origin, but its modern incarnation is distinctly American.) Moore travels to unlikely surf destin ations worldwide, dredging up fascinating historical tidbits and interviews, many of which debunk long-held myths: For example, the first surfers to ride waves in Indonesia were not Australian hippies in the '60s but an American couple, Bob and Louise Koke, in 1936. You don't necessarily come away from Moore's book convinced of his thesis, but his irreverent style and diligent research capture a truer--and sometimes darker--aspect of the surfer's sacred search for the perfect wave. A-

--JAIMAL YOGIS, author of Saltwater Buddha

Perfect Summer Beach Read!, June 24, 2010

Editorial Review

This dazzling book of photographs of sailboat cruising and racing by the premier sailing photographer and award-winner, Onne van der Wal. Onne van der Wal is a world-class maritime photographer whose original body of work is recognized and coveted by boat lovers worldwide. WIND AND WATER features a variety of photographs that will captivate everyone from the casual boating enthusiast to the experienced Grand Prix racer. What sets van der Wal's work apart from the rest is its artistic style: whether he climbs atop a 75-foot mast for a bird's-eye view of a sloop cutting through crystal-blue waters or crouches on the deck during a race for a brisk action shot, van der Wal delivers brilliant photographs that capture the harmonious experience of being on the water. The book contains exhilarating shots of intense yacht racing all over the world, from the America's Cup to the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. It also features dramatic photographs of sailboats cruising in exotic destinations such as the Southern Ocean (between Cape Town and New Zealand), the South Pacific, and the Arctic. ... Read more

Reviews

Awesome photographs!, January 16, 2005
If you love sailing, the sea - or anything vaguely nautical, this is a fantastic book to have around. The author is obviously someone who really loves photography, sailing and the sea - and it shows.

There are over a hundred large beautiful color images covering boats, boat races such as the Americas cup as well as some fantastic scenery shots only reachable via water.

However, if you really want to get an idea of the type and quality of the photographs in this book, it is well worth visiting the author's gallery (vanderwal.com) rather than simply trusting my written review.

Beautiful!, January 10, 2007
I bought this book for my husband, who is a sailing enthusiast. It is an absolutely beautiful book with gorgeous photos. My husband is very pleased with it. I originally saw it in the Williams Sonoma Home store, of all places, where it was selling for a much higher price.

wind and water boating photographs from around the world, January 19, 2007
This is a beautiful book. If you love boating or the water this would be a great coffee table book for you.

A beaufiful book, January 6, 2008
This is a book for sailors ,and people who love beautiful photography
these images capture the energy ,beauty,and lifestyle of sailing. I am not
a sailor myself but these images pulled me into a world I could only
dream of. A wonderful addition to any library. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Here is an entirely different kind of knot book! For the first time, here are step-by-step instructions that take full advantage of color photography to teach the art of tying knots. Unlike illustrations in other books, these pictures show every step looking over the shoulder of the tier -- the way you see the knot as you make it. And when two or more ropes are involved, they are color coded so you can clearly tell them apart.

Included in addition are a section on decorative knots, a cross-reference list of the many applications of knots, and a detailed glossary. The Morrow Guide to Knots is a reliable and essential reference tool for all sportsmen and campers, homeowners, and youngsters as well.

Reviews

A Sailing Instructor's Choice of a Knot Book, July 26, 2000
The fastest way for a crewman on a sailboat to demonstrate his or her skills to a new skipper, or to fellow crew members onboard a yacht is to teach them the correct way to tie a knot or to teach them a useful new knot. Nothing builds credibility faster onboard a boat. Long ago I decided to be better at knots than anyone else I knew. It paid big dividends. This was my first choice for a knot book. It is the book I recommend to every one of my sailing students. You will need two 6' pieces of rope, of different thicknesses, a 20' or longer section for practice coiling line. Practice knots in front of your TV set during commercials. It won't take any time out of your life and you will improve. I still carry my original practice line--a 35' piece of 6 mm line, in my life jacket, which is always useful onboard. So, learn how to tie these knots consistently, and quickly--even with your eyes closed. While you do it keep in mind anything you tie should be easy to untie. The only thing I did not like was author's method for coiling and crowning line. It is pretty, but too cumbersome to untie.

An excellent presentation of very useful knots, June 6, 2001
This is very instructive book that shows with clear photographs and concise but clear explanations how to tie mostly basic but useful knots. The sections are divided in utility knots, knots for the fisherman and decorative and applied knots. Particularly practical is the section of knots for the fisherman, with knots that will solve any fisherman emergency from knots for eye hooks to knots used to join two pieces of line.

Beginning with an explanation of how to take care of the ropes and some interesting behavioral facts about knots like: that a knot uniting two ropes reduces the strength of the unit to about half that of the weaker rope. The authors present each knot with a short description and practical recommendations for their use.

The instructive value of this book is shown in the simple fact that when for tying a knot there is more than one rope involved each rope has a different color avoiding in this way any possible confusion.

I really enjoyed the book, without any doubt this book would be of invaluable help and necessary reference for any camper, fisherman or sailing enthusiast. So just practice, and become an expert in those four or five knots that will let you overcome any emergency, remembering that a knot must be an element of safety rather than a dangerous complication.

Excellent general knot book for climbing, hiking, & sailing, March 21, 2002
Like many people, I just want to learn to tie a dozen or so knots that will be useful to know in particular situations. I do a lot of hiking and I own horses, so getting to know some good knots beside the "double granny" would be a useful thing. I first checked my university library and checked out several books including Ashley and Eric Fry among others. Ashley is a great book but a bit too much information and not the book for learning HOW to tie knots. Fry's book is similar to the format of this book, but a good majority of the "knots" are actually splices and eyes (unwinding fiber rope to form an eye onto itself or splicing 2 lines together) and decorative-type knots for macrame - neither thing I need to know right now.

The Morrow book is a good, general knot book for climbing, camping and sailing. Often there are several different ways shown to tie the same knot depending on the situation (line under strain, two handed, one handed, around a post, dropped on a post) or differently by another method. Illustrations are step-by-step and easy to follow with color coded rope. Inexplicably, some knots are shown tied with green and red rope, so color-blind people beware. Also, upon preliminary examination I noted that the tautline hitch (invaluable to keep a tent guyline taut) is missing. But between this book and some web resources, you will be all set. So, grab about 10 ft of a couple different diameter 6mm or smaller scraps (if no scraps, they are about a buck each) from your local outdoor store, keep them handy, and practice, practice, practice!

A great book, knot kidding., October 29, 2002
I have seen many different knot books over the years and I have not seen a book that covers so many different kinds of knots with such complete descriptions of how to tie the knots. The pictures are very clear, the step by step instructions are helpful and easy to follow and there is an interesting description of the use of and history behind each knot. Most other books lack one or more of these aspects and takes away a great deal from what the book is trying to help you accomplish.

I recommend this book for anyone that is interested or involved in sailing, fishing, camping, climbing or scouting. I have found The Morrow Guide to Knots to be the helpful, comprehensive and interesting. Whether you are looking for a book to help guide you through knots you need to know, or you just want to learn how to tie new knots, this book will be with you every step of the way.

The Morrow Guide to Knots, June 17, 2000
This is the best book on knots I have seen. Convenient in size, 4in. x 6in., it is easily stowed on board. There are several pictures of each knot as you are guided through the intricacies of tying it. Outstanding color photographs, with two colors utilized when the book illustrates the uniting of two different lines. Wonderful for teaching youngsters, and an excellent reference work for the experienced sailor. Makes a special trophy award for the boat race winner. I own a lot of books on knots, but this is absolutely the best.

Excellent and practical basic knot book, November 10, 2000
This book makes an excellent selection of knots. Four stopper knots, including ways of making them in series; eight hitches, including very thorough coverage of various ways to tie the clove hitch including under tension; eight loops; four running knots; eight bends; seven knots for eye hooks; five knots for flatted hooks; two bends and a stopper knot for fishing line; two fishing line loops; two swivel hitches, and quite a few decorative knots.

So this is not 70 knots for the sailor, since quite a few are for fishing, but it's a really solid core of knots for sailing. I'm not well able to judge its broadness for the fisherman but it certainly seems to cover the bases.

The pictures are good, the instructions are good... you really couldn't want anything more except for the book to stay open more easily. But, there's no way they could have accomplished that while giving you so many pages (254) in a compact book you can easily take with you. This book is an excellent buy.

A survey of knot books, November 1, 2009
Just as there is no perfect knot, there is no perfect knot book. All have deficiencies of one sort or another. One common deficiency seems to be misleading or just plain wrong directions for tying a knot. Another deficiency is a failure to tell the reader when to use a particular, or more important, when not to use it. All the books suffer these deficiencies to one degree or another.

Another deficiency is too many knots! But how could this be a deficiency, one might ask. Isn't more better? The answer is that the beginner needs to know the most useful knots that have the widest application. If the book contains knots that don't have wide application but doesn't tell the reader which ones are widely used and which ones aren't, how is the reader to know which ones to learn? Therefore, for a beginner, careful selection by the author is essential.

Budworth, The Complete Book of Knots

Of all the books, this is my pick as the best for a beginner.

What I like about this book is that it contains large, clear line drawings, and for the most part, the layout is pleasing to the eye. Drawings are superior, in my opinion, to photographs. One drawback of drawings is that the cordage you're trying to knot never lies as smoothly and gracefully as the one in the drawings. (This tends to be true of photographs, too, however.) But if you view the drawings more as a blueprint, then you get a conceptual understanding of how the knot is to be tied, and drawings allow a clearer conceptual understanding than photographs in most cases.

Another plus to this book is that most of the knots Budworth picked for inclusion are useful and often "best of breed" knots. On pages 6 and 7, there is a "directory of knots" that shows the best or most popular use of each knot. In addition, for each knot, there is a summary called "applications," and occasionally a warning when not to use a knot.

A minus is that some of the drawings are wrong or misleading. For example, in the drawing for the double bowline (figure 8 on page 37), the arrow to show how the working end is rove (threaded) through the loops would have the working end going from the top of the loops to the bottom when it should be the reverse. After some frustration and referring to other sources, I was able to tie the knot. (Google is your friend.)

A bigger minus is the terseness of the descriptions. In a number of instances, the author assumes you should be able to figure out the process from fewer drawings than I think necessary. I would like it if each and every step in tying the knots were shown. With some effort, I was able to figure out each knot that I tried to tie even though some drawings included several steps in one drawing. But why make the reader work? A book for beginners should make it easy.

When I was starting with this book, I thought that it would be helpful if the author included pictures of the finished knot. After about a week, I realized that he did! But they are murky pictures that are either in a small space at the top of the page, above the name of the knot, or serve as a background for the entire page. There is no excuse for such bad pictures, which mar an otherwise excellent layout. Instead of putting some trivia about the history of the knot in a circle on each page, a clear monochromatic photo in the circle would serve the reader better.

The book does not include decorative knots (Budworth having written a separate book on decorative knots).

Because of the terseness of the descriptions, the lack of clear photographs of the finished knots, and the occasional errors, I downgraded this book from five stars to four.

Pawson, Handbook of Knots (expanded edition)

This book contains very clear color photographs, and the layout is quite pleasing to the eye. The problem with photographs is that it can be hard sometimes to discern when one cord is on top of another or below, and sometimes the hand can be hiding some important information. Compounding this is the fact that the book is small in format, and when you have four or five photographs on one page, each photograph ends up being small (say, 1.5" by 2.5"), too small sometimes.

Although the book is soft-cover, the binding is stitched, and the book can be opened flat without breaking the binding. I found that it would stay open without much difficulty.

Pawson, like Budworth, is a founding member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers. But his choice of knots puzzles me. For example, he has a number of stopper knots but does not include Ashley's stopper knot, which many consider the most important stopper knot. He also does not include any grip-and-hold knot (such as the midshipman's hitch, taut-line hitch, or the Tarbuck knot). This is peculiar in that a grip-and-hold knot can be quite useful. I almost had the feeling that Pawson had decided that he would avoid (when he could) duplicating what Budworth had done. Quite gentlemanly, but not what I want in a book for beginners.

On the plus side, Pawson includes a number of lashings, plaits and sennits, and splices, which Budworth does not.

For what it's worth, I was unable to tie the Turquoise Turtle knot following Pawson's description until I watched a video on the internet.

Based on the fact that this book uses photographs instead of drawings (particularly in a small format book), the sometimes odd choice of knots, and lack of warnings about certain knot uses, I downgraded this book from five stars to three.

The Morrow Guide to Knots

This book contains very clear color photographs, and the pictures are larger than in the Pawson book which is helpful. But layout is off-putting. There are typically several pictures on a page, but the picture on the top of the page is not the starting picture; it's the one on the bottom of the page to the left.

Like the Pawson book, the book is soft-cover, the binding is stitched, and the book can be opened flat without breaking the binding. I found that it would stay open without much difficulty.

I found the choice of knots to be satisfactory in that most of the basic knots are covered. A plus is that several ways of tying a knot is shown for several of the knots. That is always helpful. Another plus is that it covers decorative knots, such as plaits and sennits.

This book's depiction of the climber's method of tying the bowline knot took me an hour to figure out because two steps were (inexcusably) combined into one picture without an explanation.

A minus is that the book is outdated. This comment would have come as a surprise to me before I started studying knots inasmuch as many knots are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. But a number of improvements in knots have been made in the last twenty years, and these improved knots can't be found in a book published in 1981. Moreover, for the Tarbuck knot, the book states that the knot is used by climbers, but climbers have avoided this knot for decades because it tends to damage the kernmantel type of rope used in climbing.

Another minus is the paucity of information about the use and misuse of knots.

Based on the fact that this book uses photographs instead of drawings (particularly in a small format book), the odd layout, the lack of warnings about knot uses, and the dated nature of the information, I downgraded this book from five stars to three.

Budworth, The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework

This book contains very clear color photographs, and the layout is quite pleasing to the eye.

Of all the books that use photographs to depict the tying of knots, this is my pick as the best. Although the pictures are small, it's much more step-by-step than the others. In particular, it doesn't suffer from the terseness of Budworth's The Complete Book of Knots, and it shows a large picture of the finished knot. (It also correctly depicts the double bowline.)

An important plus of this book, given its claim to encyclopedic coverage, is the inclusion of decorative knots. There are far more knots in this book than any beginner would need, and there is a paucity of information about the use and misuse of knots.

My copy has an update date of 2002, making it the most recent edition of all my knot books.

This book coupled with Budworth's The Complete Book of Knots would make a complete library for any beginner. But this book is too much, in my opinion, for the ordinary reader who just wants to learn a few useful knots.

The fact that this book uses photographs would normally make me downgrade it, but number of step-by-step pictures for each knot offset that. Based on the fact that this book is intended as an encyclopedia and it fulfills that function very well, I give this book five stars. If this book were intended for a beginner, however, I would downgrade it to four stars because of the sheer number of knots, the lack of guidance to beginners as to which ones to learn, and the lack of warnings about knot uses (and misuses). The number of ste-by-step pictures keeps it from going to three stars.

The Ashley Book of Knots

As an encyclopedic work, The Ashley Book of Knots is not suitable for beginners. For knot aficionados, it's a must-have.

Based on the fact that this book is intended as an encyclopedia and it is in fact the standard reference work for knots, I give it five stars. If this book were intended for a beginner, however, I would downgrade it to three stars because of the sheer number of knots and the fact that it was published in 1944, which means that it does not satisfactorily address modern synthetic ropes.

Conclusion

For the beginner, that is, for the reader who simply wants to learn a few of the most useful knots, my pick is Budworth, The Complete Book of Knots. For an encyclopedia of knots, my pick is Budworth, The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework. For the knot hobbyist or public library, The Ashley Book of Knots is a must-have.

One of the most comprehensive books on Knots anywhere!, August 23, 1998
Mario Bigon and Guido Regazzoni have put together one of the finest collections of knots in print. The many color photos, and use of different colored ropes illustrating the methods used to tie the knots are impressive. Overall, I would classify this book as one of the most comprehensive books on Knots anywhere!

Great book, lots of pictures, February 21, 2007
This is a great book for those learning knots or looking for instructions on how to make many different knots. Each knot has several pictures with text to help you learn the knot. It is a very handy book for the Scoutmaster.

My only wish was that the book would have been spiral bound so that it would lay flat. So I took the book and had a spiral binding put on it!

Very helpful and easy to read., August 30, 2005
This book has excellent illustrations to help learn knots. There is a brief text instruction for every knot in the book. I think the text instructions are somewhat lacking, but the fine illustrations more than make up for it. The text also gives some information on what each knot would typically be used for, which is very helpful. The book goes into great detail on fishing knots (ie tying a very large hook to a rope) which I find annoying, but could be very helpful for a deep sea fisherman. ... Read more

Editorial Review

See how to achieve stronger starts, more explosive turns, and faster times! Swimming Anatomy will show you how to improve your performance by increasing muscle strength and optimizing the efficiency of every stroke.

Swimming Anatomy includes 74 of the most effective swimming exercises, each with step-by-step descriptions and full-color anatomical illustrations highlighting the primary muscles in action.

Swimming Anatomy goes beyond exercises by placing you on the starting block, in the water, and into the throes of competition. Illustrations of the active muscles for starts, turns, and the four competitive strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke) show you how each exercise is fundamentally linked to swimming performance.

You'll also learn how exercises can be modified to target specific areas, improve your form in the water, and minimize common swimming injuries. Best of all, you'll learn how to put it all together to develop a training program based on your individual needs and goals.

Whether you are training for a 50-meter freestyle race or the open-water stage of a triathlon, Swimming Anatomy will ensure you enter the water prepared to achieve every performance goal. ... Read more

Reviews

Swimming Anatomy Review, November 18, 2009
This book is a gem for swimmers, coaches, and parents. The illustrations and descriptions are well done and easy to understand. The exercises can be done by swimmers at all levels, from age groupers through masters. A great introduction to dry land training.

Must have for coaches, trainers, and swimmers!, March 16, 2010
Ok swim coaches, go ahead and buy this book. The description of the exercises is good, the anatomical diagrams of the muscles worked in each exercise, and how it relates to swimming is worth every dime this book costs.

I've read weight lifting books for swimmers, and they are usually generic in content, or they are written by coaches who don't explain the "why's".

I've got a former swimmer who consults this book before every session in the gym; her personal trainer saw the book and ordered one for his center. Use the "Look Inside" feature here on Amazon, and the content will impress you.

Coaches should coach, and by that they should be able to explain the "why's" of what they want the kids to do, too many coaches abdicate that role of teacher. If you get the athlete to buy into what they are doing and why they are doing it, they have longer term success. This book will help take a step towards that goal of being a better coach.

Great illustrations!, November 10, 2009
Flat out the best book on swimming you'll find. The illustrations are attractive and cover exercises to improve freestyle, breaststroke, butterfly, and backstroke. It's great for coaches and swimmers alike.

Great strength and conditioning and/or rehabilitation resource for swimmers, January 3, 2010
Ian McLeod's "Swimming Anatomy" provides a comprehensive guide to dry-land and weight room exercises which will benefit swimmers of all ages. This book is a user-friendly resource for swimmers looking to increase their strength, power, and speed. It will also be helpful for anyone who helps train swimming athletes - swim coaches, strength coaches, athletic trainers or physical therapists. Broken down by body part, "Swimming Anatomy" describes each exercise in step-by-step, easy to understand instructions. Readers will learn which exercises are important for developing each stroke and/or starts and turns. Drawing on his background as an experienced athletic trainer working with world class and Olympic swimmers, McLeod provides important information on injury prevention and exercise modification for injured swimmers. He also describes exercise progression for swimmers of all ages.

Visually Describes the motion of the muscles, December 26, 2009
This book is an answered prayer! I have been using a specific dryland program which I designed based on my knowledge of human anatomy, but could not find a resource to corroborate my ideas...until THIS WONDERFUL BOOK ARRIVED! Each muscle group has several exercises with a drawing of the portion of the muscular system which the exercise works, the exercises for this specific muscle group and some alternative ways of performing the exercises. Excellent resource. My only complaint is the binding should be spiral so I can lay the book out flat, or even fold it in half.

Fabulous addition to dry land training for all levels of swimmers, May 14, 2010
As a U.S. Master swimmer, I'm always looking for ways to improve my times. This book is awesome with the examples of dry land training to accompany your swim workouts. I even bought one for my favorite coach! It lists the exact muscles used for each stroke and suggestions for dry land training to strengthen those muscles and the opposing muscles for balance too. It is a must for all swimmers.

Excellent Swimming Book, February 21, 2010
I highly recommend this book for fitness and competitive swimmers. It is well laid out covering each part of the body and different strokes/start & turns. The "variation" for most dryland exercise allows you to use tubes, weights or physioball - going to a "gym" or expensive equipment is optional.

This is a good book for the injury prone swimmer. The dryland exercises in the book will keep you swimming.

Packs in color exercises and drills perfect for swimmers, January 15, 2010
Ian McLeod's SWIMMING ANATOMY packs in color exercises and drills perfect for swimmers seeking to strengthen their performance. Over seventy of the most effective swimming exercises are illustrated in color and offer insights into competition with illustrations of active muscles for starts, turns and the four competitive strokes.

Swimming Anatomy, June 17, 2010
It is a great book,as for beginners as for elite swimmers. Excellent pictures and perfect explanations provide great possibilities to schedule and plan workouts not only at gym, but also at any dryland activities

excellent book for allSwimming, April 28, 2010
Swimming Anatomy is well written and easy to follow for me, a physical therapist, and the clients I work with. There are sections that cover all strokes, specific strokes, and general information. Of the most help, are sections that point out where cheating can occur for the swimmer. These have been helpful for me to share with my son, a swimmer, to help him be his best. In summary, well worth it for the swimmer and professionals. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The boatowner's foremost troubleshooting guide, now better than ever

If it's on a boat and it has screws, wires, or moving parts, it's covered in Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual. When you leave the dock with this book aboard, you have at your fingertips the best and most comprehensive advice on:

• Battery technologies
• 12- and 24-volt DC systems
• Corrosion, bonding, and lightning protection
• Generators, inverters, and battery chargers
• Electric motors and electric lights
• Marine electronics, antennas, and RFI
• Diesel engines
• Transmissions, shaft brakes, and propellers
• Refrigeration and air-conditioning
• Tanks, plumbing, and through-hulls
• Pumps and watermakers
• Steering, autopilots, and wind vanes
• Stoves and heaters
• Winches, windlasses, and bow thrusters
• Spars, rigging, and roller reefing

"If you had to choose a single book to help you assess and maintain your boat gear, this would be it."—Practical Sailor

"A truly remarkable bible. . . . This book is the best of its kind."—WoodenBoat

"A major achievement. . . . It would be hard to imagine anything going wrong on a boat that couldn't be figured out with this book."—Sailing World

"The world's best technical reference and troubleshooting book."—Sailing Inland and Offshore

"This manual will be of lasting interest to anyone who wants to know how their boat works, what has gone wrong when it doesn't, and how it could be fixed."—Classic Boat

"Without becoming too complex, the book covers almost every imaginable mechanical or electrical matter in the marine environment."—Work Boat World

"Calder lives what he writes, . . . [and] what he offers . . . is practical solutions to problems associated with increasingly complex marine systems. . . . [A] bargain for anyone in the construction and repair side of the boat business."—Professional Boatbuilder ... Read more

Reviews

BUY IT, March 29, 1999
I don't give out many 5 star reviews. But this one definitely qualifies. If you have an electrical or mechanical problem start here. Lots of good, well explained information for those of use who are not experts. This book was a great help in redoing my electrical system, as well as helping me understand numerous systems on my boat. Calder covers how things work, limitations, purchase and design considerations, integration with other systems and practical pros and cons. Would I buy this again? ABSOLUTELY-I can recommend this book with no limitations.

The Bible for Novices, November 1, 2001
I bought this book as a sailer who was getting ready to take a two-year hiatus with my new wife crewing aboard an 80 ft motorsailer. The boat was absolute mechanical and electrical madness compared to my 26 ft Pearson and I needed help in a BIG way. This book was the answer.

The book explained everything very simply and thoroughly. I am not sure if experienced mechanics (diesel) and electricians would find it useful, except as a resource, but if you are even a little unsure of your abilities you cannot go wrong with this book. As a result of reaading the book several times as needed, and receiving a bit of instruction from the knowledgeable captain, I am now fairly competent.

Pick up this book and keep it handy. You will use it.

Besides my Bible, this is the most valuable book I own., September 29, 1998
I recently bought a 29 sportfish boat. I knew it had some problems but after owning it for a few weeks the list of problems was longer than I am tall. The initial estimate from the marina to fix these items was $14,000! I intially choked at the thought of spending $49 for this book but i knew I couldn't afford the marina. Now 4 months later and only $4,000 invested, I have completed the repairs of every item on the list. My book is now dog-eared and oil stained but it has a permanent place onboard. The best investment I made in my boat.

A Must Have for Boaters, March 11, 2001
When electrical or mechanical systems go wrong on a boat afloat, you have a crisis. An uneducated repair can be costly. This book needs to be handy.

The book devotes 113 pages to aspects of the electrical system, then addresses auxiliary sources of power, electric generators and motors, marine electronics, diesel engines, transmissions, refrigeration and air conditioning, toilet systems, pumps, steering systems, stoves, heaters, lights, rigging, deck rigging and hardware. Its a gold mine.

Its guidance in the toilet repair and generator troubleshooting has been a great help to us.

The big book of boat systems, September 9, 2005
This book nominally covers everything there is to do on a boat of an electrical or mechanical nature including diesel engines. But the vast majority of the book is on electrical equipment. After all, most of the things on the boat sooner or later wind up being part of the electrical system.

Many boats have two electrical systems in parallel. There's the basic DC system, usually 12 volt, sometimes 24. Then there's an entirely separate circuit for 115 volt AC power used when the boat is docked at appropriate places. This book covers it all. The first chapters are on the battery itself and the circuitry around the boat. Then it gets into battery chargers, inverters, wind and water generators, solar cells, everything you ever wanted to know. There are chapters on corrosion, lightning protection, radios and antennas and on and on. About half the book is on purely electrical devices.

The remaining half has chapters on engines, toilets, air conditioning and so on, but this also includes a lot of electrical devices such as autopilots, bow thrusters, and so on that may require electrical power.

Basically this is the bible on how to fix things on the boat. You'll save a fortune on repair bills, and even more if you're halfway across the ocean.

The one book every sailor should have onboard, March 27, 1999
I use to carry four different books, that together did not come close to covering what this one book does. This is one of the few books that I consider absolutely essential. I consider this book as important as my charts.

Indespensible boat manual, July 23, 2006
I'm not talking about yachting type books. I have owned and operated commercial fishing boats in Alaska, for over 30 years. And this book demystifies bonding, grounding, AC boat wiring, lightning protection, a whole chapter just on batteries, and that's just the electrical part of the book. If your unsure about some aspect of your boat's electrical system or machinery, and are walking the docks trying to find out something about them, GET THIS BOOK. Some of that BS one hears on the dock can sink you.

The owner's manual they forgot to give, December 16, 1997
My wife and I recently purchased a 1978 36 ft. trawler. Absolutely no documentation for any system was provided. This book thoroughly explains various systems, and gives comprehensive technique for repair and evaluation. At first reading the information almost overwhelmed. Subsequent reading made the information seem to unfold before me. This is the kind of book that empowers! Having this book aboard is like having the expert mechanical "dock" friend" we all wish were tied next to us. As a favor to yourself, your insecurities, your wallet -- put this book on board.

BUY THIS BOOK!, November 2, 1998
If you own any type of boat and plan on doing any repair or maintennance yourself, this is the indespensible book. Covers almost everything that can break on a boat. Starting with an explanation of the system, what can go wrong, what you can do to prevent against failure and finally how to repair it when it does. There is no better book.

RV Repair Guide too., April 5, 2004
This is a very good book. Too many books only explain what is wrong and then instruct to perform a service without explaining specifically how. This book shows how with lots of illustrative photos and test data and detailed instructions for using test equipment. Practically everything in this book also applies to maintaining RV vehicles and trailers as well. I use it for my boat and RV. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Triathletes who hope to improve their swimming too often mix and match workouts or workout segments with no particular goal. The workouts in this set provide a handy, compact, inspiring — and waterproof — program. Written by an elite-level triathlon and cycling coach, and a former U.S. National Team swimming coach, the book comprises seven workout categories: Anaerobic Endurance Speed, Anaerobic Endurance Form, Force Speed, Force Form, Muscular Endurance Speed, Muscular Endurance Form, and Muscular Endurance Distance. The variety of workouts included and their ease of use keep the process engaging and allow users to more easily achieve elusive swimming goals. Workouts in a Binder can easily be used in conjunction with triathlon training manuals such as Training Plans for Multisport Athletes or The Triathlete’s Training Bible, or as stand-alone workouts for swimmers. Illustrated throughout, a bound set of waterproof workout cards for triathletes at all levels is also included. ... Read more

Reviews

I can't wait to get in the pool again!, February 12, 2003
Swim Workouts in a Binder for Triathletes is my new "Most Valuable Tool" for training this season. Bernhardt begins the book by making a concise case for sound, purposeful training. No more meaningless laps or jumping in the pool and developing "a plan" on the spot. You can use the workouts, enough to keep you interested for a long time, on their own as you wish. Alternatively, you can truly maximize this nugget by developing your own plan for the season. She provides a 12 week program, assuming 3-4 swims per week, to save you planning time and/or to give you a general structure. The plan is adaptable and flexible and I see no difficulty in adjusting it to my own training needs. In order to accomodate new and seasoned athletes, and those training for shorter courses and iron distance, each workout has two distance options. Your first workout will be a test so you have a reference tool (time) that keeps you training at your own pace instead of some speedier (or slower) swimmer a lane over. Bernhardt makes purposeful training so understandable that you'll wonder why you even bothered "just getting in for a swim" in the past. I have the Triathletes Training Bible (Friel) and Training Plans for Multisport Athletes (Bernhardt), and this book is a great addition. While the other two books have helped me understand what I want to do in order to train well, Swim Workouts in a Binder has saved me hours of time in my season planning and given me a renewed excitement for pool training.

The book is the perfect size to sit at the edge of the pool for mid-workout reference, and the sturdy spiral binding keeps your page in place. It will get absolutely soaking, and that's okay.

Anything negative? No negatives, only an understanding of what it is not meant to contain. For instance, the only drills she brings into the workouts are finger drags, one-arm swimming, and catch up. It is clear that any other drill could (and should) be added or switched in according to personal needs. For a guide to swimming technique you have to look elsewhere. Expect just what the title of the book indicates. It's perfect.

A good tool, but with one serious flaw.., February 24, 2004
The workouts and the book overall are good, and for the self-coached athlete, much better than trying to think up a workout every day. There are two main sets for each workout, one longer than the other, but they could use more differentiation - one may be 2600 meters and the other 2300 meters. It should be more like 2600 and 1900. Or slip a third option in the middle. Of course, if you are reasonably experienced, it's not had to extrapolate whatever distance you plan to do for the day.

But....the flaw...once you get it wet, it's nearly impossible to get it dry again!

The pages are waterproof, but they stick together and even a little splash seems to get every page wet. Unless you stand it up and open as many pages as you can, rotating this every couple hours for several days, you just can't get it dry before it starts to mildew and stink. I evn tried putting it in the dryer (on that removable non-rotating shelf) but unless you get those pages open, it won't dry.

Two solutions I've found- (1) take off the spiral binding, hole punch the pages (not easy, since the pages are plastic), but it into a binder, and just take a single page for the day's workout to the pool, or (2) keep the whole thing in a big ziploc bag, turning to the page you want first, then zipping it in for the pool. This work pretty well, and keeps you from owning "Stinky Workouts in a Binder".

Good variety for your workouts, August 26, 2006
I've been fitness swimming for several decades which usually means go to pool, swim a mile. I recently started working through the workouts in this book with some triathlon friends. Still manage to get my mile but every day takes a different focus, my swimming has improved and I enjoy it more. Each page is something fresh and different. While the pages are waterproof, you do need to spend a few minutes and wipe EVERY page dry when you get home, not a big deal. Or stick the book in a ziplock bag and avoid the wet pages problem in the first place.

While it doesn't matter if you swim in metres or yards, the book is written for a short course 25 metre/yard pool. If you're like me and have the luxury of a 50m pool, you'll find that some of the drills don't convert nicely to the long course.

Try The Waterproof Coach, February 13, 2004
This book appears to be similar to the Waterproof Coach: The Waterproof Workout Book for Fitness Swimmers and Triathletes published several years ago. The Waterproof Coach has more versatility because it's interior workout pages can be rearranged to create thousands of combinations of workouts.

Fantastic Book!!, April 25, 2007
A friend of mine had this book at the pool doing their workout, and bought it for me as a gift. Prior to getting the book, I was trying to come up with my own workout. This book provides me with much bettered structured workouts, and I am working out harder and better than ever before.

The two levels are good, as some days I do the shorter workouts, and time permitting I can attempt the longer ones. And of course, I can always add/subtract from those.

I am not having problems yet with the book getting wet. The pages seem to stay dry for me, but I put a towel on the deck, and then stand the book up on a towel.

I highly recommend this book if you are trying to workout on your own.

People ask if I swim in college..., August 14, 2010
I was on the swim team as a little kid. I mean little. Never learned how to do a flip-turn. At 32 I decided to try swimming as a way to stay fit. After a few months in the pool, I was losing weight, but getting bored. I bought this book just for variety in my workouts. A mere three months later, other swimmers are stopping me and asking if I competed in college, how many triathalons I have competed in (zero!), and I even had someone's coach tell me I had great form. I attribute my development into a speedy, flip-turning, bilateral breather 100% to this book. The workouts based on form and muscle endurance are my favorites and have helped me the most. The workouts are long - I just set a timer for one hour and do what I can....lately, I have started finishing the sets before my timer goes off. The book is freestyle only, and I look forward to trying the book with all four strokes. I recommend the book to anyone who asks me how they can become a better swimmer!

Good Resource for swimmers, January 8, 2008
I've had the book for 6-8 months now and it has proved to be very useful. It provides you with many,many,many choices for your workout needs in the pool.

The distances are probably a bit daunting for beginners or for the self-titled "not-so-good-at-swimming' individual. Average swim distances run from 2200-2800 mts for the workouts. This isn't too bad if you have some fairly decent swimming experience.

While this workout booklet is a strong product on it's own it is geared towards the triathlon peeps. This has been a very useful tool that is used in conjunction with the Training Plans for Multisport Athletes: Your Essential Guide to Triathlon, Duathlon, XTERRA, Ironman, and Endurance Racing book.

One of the main complaints seen in the comments is that the book doesn't dry...this true but it's not that big of a deal (in my opinion at least). Besides it's great having this plastic wonder by your lane while some folks leave once used soggy swim workout papers by the pool side.

One last thing to consider is that if you don't own swim paddles, a kick board or a pull buoy, you may want to think of purchasing these items as they are part of some of the workouts.

Overall an excellent guide for those seeking routines in the pool that are challenging and can help you towards improved performance.

Very pleased, August 14, 2007
What a great product. I use it every time I go to the pool. It takes the guesswork out of training and mixes things up. It's like having a silent trainer.

Great Training Tool, February 24, 2006
I have been using this book now for 2 months and I have enjoyed the variations in the works that I get each time I go to the pool, it can not replace the value of a coach, but as a training tool it can't be beat.

As far as the one reviewer who said the pages never dry, I have not had this problem at all. I take it from the pool, throw it in my bag, and it seems to be dry again ready for use two days later.

Great Workouts, April 18, 2010
Love the book and the workouts but waterproof is a bit of a stretch. If you want to keep it in book form for years to come, place it in a zip baggie before heading to the pool! ... Read more