32 classic big wave surfing stories from the sport’s pioneers
John Long’s classic collection of big wave surfing stories heralds a new era in surfing literature. Revealing the tantalizing and terrifying truth about riding big waves, The Big Drop is a must for any surfer inclined to tackle large surf in thought or in fact.
The Big Drop is more than just another surfing book. Showcasing elite athletes who live to challenge the ocean’s fury, it is both an extraordinary collection of true tales and a treasure-trove of insight into the evolution of big wave surfing—with particular focus on the pioneers of the 1950s and 1960s and the skills necessary to conquer huge waves. Providing a comprehensive look at the sport’s eras, locations, and legends, with a host of stunning images and a glossary of surfing terms, this is a truly unforgettable look at the obsession of those who face down monstrous waves.
Anonymous
Posted April 6, 2009
This was a Valentines' Day gift so I cannot comment.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.NinaAnn
Posted January 11, 2009
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The Big Drop by John Long is a very adventurous, exciting, and comical surf autobiography. This book discusses some of the most historical wave riders in surfing history. Especially interesting are the stories about many the original surfers from the legendary Duke to Kelly Slater, and their legacies. Some of the hottest surf spots in the world are described, such as The North Shore, Jaws, and Mavericks. The Big Drop is such an inspiration to the surfing sport. It also recognizes the deaths of some of the most famous surfers in the world like Jose Angel. The Big Drop is one of the best surfing autobiographies out of the many one can choose from.
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Posted November 8, 2000
This is the best book I have ever read. This is one of the first books that I actually couldn't put down that never happens to me.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 24, 2000
If you're looking to read a book about life on the edge, go no further. Reading this book gave me new respect for the North Shore, and big wave watermen.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 7, 2000
I grew up at the beach in Southern California, where wave-riding is part of the culture. My friends and i didn't go to the park or play little league in the summer. ('Let's see, baseball or sun-sand-and-waves?' Duh.) We heard, read, saw films and talked about riding big waves. REALLY big waves. Back then it meant Hawaii, the north shore. We were young and inexperienced (i.e., dumb) enough to say amongst ourselves things like, 'you know, I think I could ride Pipeline on a smaller day, if it was only about 10 feet'. This even after the fear and hesitation the 'huge' six-foot Redondo Beach surf would bring. I'm older now, and still enjoy bodyboarding whenever I can, but in NO WAY hold the long-past illusion I could conquer big surf, the REAL kind of big surf. This collection of stories and essays, 'The Big Drop', explains why it is truly a sport for a very small handful of riders around the world who combine courage, calculation, skill and amazing athleticism. All of which is necessary, no, actually, those attributes are absolutely essential for survival. I was enthralled with the history: the first guys to actually go out to catch the big waves, Greg Noll, Jose Angel, George Downing, Phil Edwards; amazing stuff. 'The Big Drop' continues chronologically through the sixties, the seventies, the eighties and through the nineties and tow-in surfing. I began reading about 11 one night and didn't put it down until I finished at 4 the next morning. It's well-written, and written for normal people, none of the annoying 'whoa, dude' stuff. If you surf - or EVER surfed - this is a must-read.
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Overview
32 classic big wave surfing stories from the sport’s pioneers
John Long’s classic collection of big wave surfing stories heralds a new era in surfing literature. Revealing the tantalizing and terrifying truth about riding big waves, The Big Drop is a must for any surfer inclined to tackle large surf in thought or in fact.
The Big Drop is more than just another surfing book. Showcasing elite athletes who live to challenge the ocean’s fury, it is...