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Product: Surfing by Raphaël Krafft & Jérémy Lemarié, with illustrations by Gazhole
Price: £14.99
Age Range: 8+
Manufacturer’s Description: With energy, color, and a sense of adventure, this vibrant volume draws young readers into the fascinating world of surfing—its history, its culture, and its irresistible spirit.
Rating: (5/5 stars) Review: This gorgeous book, originally published in French and translated into English, is a visually stunning and fascinating exploration of the history and culture of surfing. Covering everything from the world’s most famous surfers and iconic beaches to the origins of the sport and the evolution of the surfboard, it’s perfect for anyone interested in surfing. I used to live in Cornwall and went to university near some of the best surf spots in the UK, so I spent a few years sharing halls with surf-obsessed students. Although I wasn’t a surfer myself, it was impossible not to become familiar with the sport and impressed by the skill of the best surfers. Featuring gorgeous illustrations by Gazhole, every page is visually striking. The vibrant colours and intricate artwork capture beaches, surfers, boards and waves beautifully, drawing you in while complementing the informative text that fills each spread. The book is divided into three parts: The Origins, Cultures and Countercultures, and The Global Wave. Each section is packed with fascinating facts and snippets of information exploring the history, culture and worldwide impact of surfing. Part 1, The Origins, explains how waves are formed, introduces some of the earliest surfers in history, and explores how Captain Cook’s arrival in Hawaii, followed by other explorers and religious missionaries, almost led to the sport disappearing before it eventually spread to California and beyond. Part 2, Cultures and Countercultures, focuses on the surfing boom of the late 1950s and 1960s that brought the sport into the mainstream. It looks at surfing’s growing presence in popular culture, with beach films becoming increasingly popular and The Beach Boys helping to define surf music. The evolution of the surfboard is covered too, alongside the spread of surfing around the world, the invention of “pavement surfing” (better known today as skateboarding), and the rise of localism. Part 3, The Global Wave, brings the story up to the present day, covering the growth of the surfing textile industry, the development of competitive surfing, different surfing manoeuvres, cold-water surfing, and the technological innovations that continue to shape the sport. The book concludes with a world map examining the ecological impact of travelling across continents in search of the perfect wave, followed by a useful glossary of surfing terminology to help readers understand the language of the sport. Interspersed throughout all three sections are double-page spreads titled Waves and Portraits, showcasing some of the world’s most famous surfing beaches alongside many of the sport’s most influential surfers. This is a fascinating deep dive into the world of surfing, brought to life through beautiful illustrations and packed with interesting facts. Whether you’re already passionate about the sport or simply curious to learn more, there’s plenty here to enjoy.
