IMAGE CREDIT: Bob Barker, bobbarkerphotography.com
Top 20 surfing books: stories and guides from professional riders and surf enthusiasts
What does it take to become a pro at surfing? While grabbing a board and spending time on the waves is indeed fun, no experienced surfer is truly complete without the knowledge of surfing history, famous riders, advanced techniques, and even funny stories.
If you are looking for a gift for a man who is passionate about the surf, getting a book or a magazine is a great suggestion.
This collection of classic and newly-released books include masterpieces that both seasoned and amateur surfers will most definitely love to read!
BEST SURF BookS FOR MEN

$20-$50
AFROSURF
By Mami Wata
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: kindle and hardcover
- 320 pages
- Publication date – June 15, 2021
- Dimensions – 8.77 x 1.36 x 11.33 inches
- Explores the culture of eighteen coastal countries
- Includes over fifty essays

Explore The Power Of African Surf With This Great Surfing Book Gift Idea
This fantastic book describes how Mami Wata, a renowned surf company, explores the surfing culture in Mozambique, South Africa, and other adjacent countries.
The most famous African writers and riders tell their stories in poems and even share some hilarious pictures that deliver the exact impression of Africa’s surfing.
When reading through, you will plunge into the character of local surfing style and also learn how surfing tourism develops there. If you want to find out more about the importance of Africa surf, then this book is what you need.

Under $20
Cocaine + Surfing:
A Sordid History of Surfing’s Greatest Love Affair
By Chas Smith
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: audiobook, hardcover, paperback, MP3 CD
- 188 pages
- Publication date – July 14, 2020
- Dimensions – 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.4 inches
- Explores the negative drug impact on surfing in the 1960s-1980s
- Includes unbelievable stories of a relationship and surf culture

Learn How Drugs And Alcohol Changed Surfing With This Perfect Book Gift
While in the 60s–80s surfing might have looked like a healthy activity, the truth is that many riders of that time were addicted to alcohol and drugs. The world-famous surfing companies knew that their business was in danger, but nothing could stop the passion of teenagers.
In this book, you’ll come across a story of a relationship that is tightly connected to this deadly addiction. Endless parties, desire, fights, love, death – this is what binds together the lines in this story.

$20-$50
REMEMBERING BUTCH:
The Butch Van Artsdalen Story
By Douglas Cavanaugh
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: paperback
- 182 pages
- Publication date – March 4, 2021
- Dimensions – 8.5 x 0.43 x 11 inches
- Story of ups and downs in the life of Butch Van Artsdalen
- Surfing scene on Hawaii in the 1950s-80s
Meet Butch And Explore His Life, Loves And Friends
The main figure of this book is a famous Hawaiian surfer Butch Van Artsdalen. The significant part of this book comprises the stories and tales of Butch’s fans and friends.
As you follow through, you’ll learn a lot about his life – the way he became famous thanks to his performance at “Banzai Pipeline” in the 60s, disappointment after taking part in the shortboard revolution, working as a lifesaver in the 1970s, and his depression along with alcohol addiction.
This is a story that introduces us to how exciting life can be and how it can mean a lot to other people.

$20-$50
The Waves Between
By James Midwinter
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: hardcover
- 112 pages
- Publication date – November 16, 2021
- Dimensions – 6.8 x 0.7 x 9.1 inches
- Philosophical view on the connection between surfing and inner harmony
- Author’s idea to step away from modern life full of worries
Free Your Thoughts And Get Closer To Nature With This Surfing Book Gift
Have you ever closed your eyes while waiting for another wave just to grasp that moment and feel the space and sounds around you?
The author shares his idea on connecting your mind with nature and setting yourself free from the daily routine and modern life troubles.
In this book, you’ll find out how to achieve that serenity and integrity with the world while listening to your mind’s response to everything around you.

Under $20
The Classic Surfing Life magazine
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing magazine gift
- Formats and editions: kindle
- 28 days of free subscription
- Publication date – June 21, 2021
- Australia’s famous surfing magazine
- Written by the most experienced surfers
- Covers even the toughest topics
Keep Up To Date With Surfing Trends With This Magazine Gift
While regular books might be forgotten on the shelf or under the coffee table, no one will remain indifferent after reading this magazine.
When reading these articles, you will learn about how unique each surfer is, the importance of getting the right board for you, how technologies can take your riding to the next level, and many more.
Along with the surfing industry overview, you’ll be able to find more about the spiritual aspects of riding. By the way, all of the above is spiced with puns and humor.

$20-$50
Surf & Stay:
7 Road Trips in Europe
By Veerle Helsen
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: hardcover
- 256 pages
- Publication date – September 1, 2021
- Dimensions – 8.59 x 1.13 x 10.52 inches
- Describes 7 most famous European surfing spots
- Includes road maps, hotels, restaurants, and other recommendations for tourists
- A story from a woman who travels Europe in her camper van
Visit The Best European Spots With This Surfing Book Gift
Have you ever dreamed of visiting Europe’s most famous surfing spots? Don’t hesitate and grab your surfboard along with this book that will help you find those places. On top of that, it includes the author’s recommendations of the restaurants to visit and hotels to stay for a night.
Veerle Helsen, the writer of this book, owns an old Fiat Ducato, which makes her dreams come true. Although she faces some troubles during her trips, every journey is still exciting. Learn more about how to get prepared for any situation with this excellent guide.

Under $20
Surfing Log Book
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing log book gift
- Formats and editions: hardcover and paperback
- 119 pages
- Publication date – October 26, 2021
- Dimensions – 6 x 0.46 x 9 inches
- Allows to make records of weather, time, equipment, and more
- A journal that helps to progress in surfing

Track Your Surfing Sessions With This Log Book Gift
For those whose men love a structured approach to any task or activity, this logbook should be a valuable present. It allows surfers to write down dates, start and end session times, weather conditions, tides, and equipment they used. Thus, the book keeps all of this information organized for further examination.
The front cover boasts a wonderful picture of a perfect sunny day, while the back cover shows a peaceful and calming twilight. Overall, this helpful and beautiful journal gathers all the required info for a detailed analysis and progress tracking.

$50-$100
Big Wave Surfer:
The Greatest Rides of Our Lives
By Kai Lenny
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: hardcover
- 304 pages
- Publication date – October 26, 2021
- Dimensions – 10.34 x 1.28 x 11.67 inches
- Includes the stories from over 30 legendary surfers
- Describes the most dangerous waves and rides
Learn More About The Most Dangerous Rides With This Surfing Book Gift
Kai Lenny tells his personal stories of the riskiest rides he’d ever performed and seen. He invited over 30 famous surfers to give him an interview and share their thoughts on the most dangerous waves and trips.
The book offers the readers to feel the power of the waves through pictures and shares the tales from California, Tahiti, Portugal, and other well-known surfing places from the world. When following through these stories, you will get a bit closer to the commitment those brave guys have towards surfing.

$20-$50
Fifty Places to Surf Before You Die
Surfing Experts Share the World’s Greatest Destinations
By Chris Santella
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: hardcover and kindle
- 224 pages
- Publication date – April 9, 2019
- Dimensions – 7.55 x 1.2 x 8.5 inches
- Includes the information about the best places to surf in the world
- Interviews with surfing experts and tips for travelers
Find Your New Favorite Surfing Place With This Book Gift
Although your man might be committed to a particular place to surf, this well-structured book gathers the information that will give him an idea to try something new. From California’s shores to Alaska and from Peninsula to Portugal, it covers all the places that expert surfers recommend visiting.
As if it’s not enough, the book includes the tips and details that travelers will need to know to make their experience even better. The author gives a photo of each place so that you can feel the ambiance of the future ride.

$20-$50
Lonely Planet Guide:
Epic Surf Breaks of the World 1
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: hardcover
- 328 pages
- Publication date – September 15, 2020
- Dimensions – 8.2 x 1 x 10.5 inches
- Describes 200 epic surfing places
- Excellent for both beginners and seasoned riders
Use This Excellent Surfing Book Gift As A Guide To New And Exciting Places
Are you looking for something new for your upcoming surfing adventure? With this book, you can learn about 200 destinations around the world that both newbies and pros will adore. Each story is added with photos, and you can think of them as guides to the most famous and exciting places.
William Finnegan, Pulitzer Prize winner, along with other renowned riders shares his thoughts on the ideal surf break. The book can be complemented with a series of free online videos by Lonely Planet to give you a clear picture of the described events.

Under $20
Rockaway: Surfing Headlong into a New Life
By Diane Cardwell
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: kindle, audiobook, hardcover, paperback, audio CD
- 272 pages
- Publication date – July 7, 2020
- Dimensions – 6 x 1.07 x 9 inches
- Story of a woman learning to surf and trying to build a new life
- The idea of progressing in surfing despite the challenges in life
If You Are Looking For Inspiration, Consider This Thought-Provoking Surfing Book Gift
Life is not a fairy tale, and some events might not go as planned. However, this doesn’t stop the main character of this book, a brave woman who finds the strength to overcome many difficulties and learn how to surf.
Diane Cardwell shares a story of rebuilding a strong surfing community and culture. In this community, she finds a new home and her path through life. All in all, this is a great inspirational book for those who already enjoy surfing and those who would like to try.

Under $20
Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life
By William Finnegan
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: kindle, audiobook, hardcover, paperback, audio CD
- 464 pages
- Publication date – April 26, 2016
- Dimensions – 1.3 x 5.4 x 8.3 inches
- Story of a male friendship that is bound by surfing
- Describes the social upheavals in the 1960s in New York and San Francisco
For Those Interested In Old-School Stories, Check Out This Surfing Autobiography
Recommended by The New York Times, this autobiography by William Finnegan takes us to the New York and San Francisco coasts in the 1960s. The author travels all around the world and finds his new place and friends there.
This is a story of how surfing can change your life, how challenging the events can be, and how wonderful it is to explore our world. Sometimes dangerous, sometimes sad – this book is an old-school adventurous movie that readers are invited to watch.

$20-$50
Surf Photography of the 1960s and 1970s
By Leroy Grannis
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: hardcover
- 400 pages
- Publication date – May 28, 2018
- Dimensions – 7.24 x 1.73 x 9.8 inches
- High-quality surfing photos from the early 1960s and 70s
- Collector’s Edition personal archives
This Photo Collection Gift Will Impress Anyone Obsessed With Surf History
Do you want to see how surfing became popular? This book includes hundreds of vibrant photos of the early days in a compact format. Leroy Grannis’s photo archive features shots from the early 1960s in California and Hawaii.
Here, you can find the pictures of surf lifestyle, stomps, parties, and more! Grannis’s images are so successful because he was the first to attach his camera to a surfboard in a waterproof box. With this book, you will explore the era before celebrities even thought of buying boards.

Under $20
Surf Survival: The Surfer’s Health Handbook
by Andrew Nathanson, Clayton Everline and
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: kindle and paperback
- 360 pages
- Publication date – July 2, 2019
- Dimensions – 5.5 x 1 x 7.75 inches
- Explains how to reduce the pain after training sessions
- Includes first aid guides
Get Ready For Any Situation With This Surfer’s Health Handbook Gift
Written by experienced doctors, this practical book includes guides on how to provide first aid and how to be prepared for emergencies. Despite the place you are surfing at, these recommendations are a must-have during your trips.
Followed with informative descriptions and pictures, each chapter might prove to be useful in case something happens. Along with the medical advice, you’ll learn how to deal with the hot sun, what exercises are a must for surfers, how to prevent the pain, and more.

Under $20
Surf Shack:
Laid-Back Living by the Water
By: Nina Freudenberger, Heather Summerville, Brittany Ambridge
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: kindle and hardcover
- 272 pages
- Publication date – April 11, 2017
- Dimensions – 8.25 x 1.18 x 11.3 inches
- Vivid photos of bungalows, beach homes, and cabins from all over the world
- Inspirational surfing atmosphere in every line
Short Stories And Vivid Images Make This Surf Book A Perfect Companion For Your Trips
When surfing becomes your lifestyle, every day will excite you with meaningful events. In the pictures found in this book, you can find the bungalows, beach homes, and cabins of surfers who can’t imagine their life without this hobby.
Vivid shots from all over the world transfer the atmosphere of freedom, calmness, and endless energy. Short stories about riders entertain the readers and make them feel the presence of the described moment.
If you plan your future surfing trip, this is an ideal book to study different locations and take it with you for inspiration.

Under $20
The Critical Surf Studies Reader
By Dexter Zavalza Hough-Snee and Alexander Sotelo Eastman
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: kindle, hardcover, paperback
- 480 pages
- Publication date – September 14, 2017
- Dimensions – 6 x 0.97 x 9 inches
- Includes 18 essays on surfing history and development
- Studies surfing culture and its place among other spheres of human life
Feel The Importance Of Solving Problems Around The World Of Surfing With This Book Gift
If the word ‘surfing’ brings more associations than just those about sports activity, then you should enjoy this book. It is comprised of 18 essays that touch on history, society, politics, economics, and other aspects that are related to surfing.
The book pays special attention to the role of women, indigenous people, and multiple cultures and races in surfing. Thus, the reader can see that it is not just a lifestyle of particular riders, it becomes something bigger and more important throughout history.

$20-$50
The World Stormrider Surf Guide
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing guide book gift
- Formats and editions: hardcover
- 446 pages
- Publication date – November 20, 2018
- Dimensions – 9.84 x 12.99 inches
- Describes the most famous surfing spots along with the obscure locations
- Includes the information about local food, hazards, and weather recommendations
Discover New And Varied Locations With This Ultimate Surf Guide
The biggest and most comprehensive reference to waves and the surfing world.
When the world-famous surf-spots become dull, and you can’t get as much fun as you used to, it’s time to explore something new. This fantastic book includes a comprehensive guide to locations around the world that will impress those ‘wild’ riders.
As an added benefit, the author has added info and tips on which food you should choose, which weather is the best for your trip, potential hazards, and culture.
Many readers admit that this detailed analysis is very easy to understand and remember.

$20-$50
Fletcher: A Lifetime in Surf
Author Dibi Fletcher, Contributions by Mike Diamond and Steven Van Doren and Julian Schnabel and Kelly Slater
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: hardcover
- 240 pages
- Publication date – October 29, 2019
- Dimensions – 9.35 x 1.11 x 12.06 inches
- Story of Fletcher family – surf and skate legends
- Punk counterculture development
New Era Of Music, Art, Fashion And Lifestyle Came With The Family Described In This Surfing Book Gift
For many people, Southern California is known for its exceptional climate. But have you ever heard of the Fletcher family – guys who turned into surf and skate legends and punk icons?
They had their influence not only on the world of surfing. Music, art, and fashion also changed according to their lifestyle. Do you want to take a peek at a new colorful life that they’ve invented? Here, you can find the heritage that they’ve passed on to generations.

$20-$50
Waves: Pro Surfers and Their World
by Thom Gilbert
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: kindle, hardcover
- 240 pages
- Publication date – September 14, 2019
- Dimensions – 9.35 x 1.2 x 11.3 inches
- 300 photographs of professional surfers with Q&A section
- Shots from Spain, New York, California, and Hawaii
Add Vivid Shots To Your Collection With This Surfing Book Gift
If you wish to add more illustration books to your collation, this one is a great example that includes 300 shots from Spain, New York, California, and Hawaii. Along with common photos of people disappearing among the waves, this masterpiece has pictures of people relaxing on the beach, faces, and action shots.
For those who want to explore the culture and dive deeper into the ambiance of those places, this book is a wonderful pick. Additionally, it includes hand-written materials from well-known riders who dedicated their lives to surfing.

Under $20
Kook: What Surfing Taught Me About Love, Life, and Catching the Perfect Wave
By Peter Heller, author of The Dog Stars
Key features of this ultimate men’s surfing book gift
- Formats and editions: kindle, audiobook, paperback, audio CD
- 336 pages
- Publication date – July 13, 2010
- Dimensions – 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.44 inches
- Author’s exploration of surfing secrets and techniques
- Learns how to seek adventure in your life
Prepare Yourself For Breathtaking Adventures In This Surfing Book Gift
Well-known author, Peter Heller, describes his journey to the coasts of Mexico with his girlfriend. During that trip, they meet many experienced riders, and explore the various surfing techniques.
It takes bravery and determination to explore our mysterious world, and this is what you’ll find in this book. Both entertaining and captivating, it is a wonderful journey of a couple who dive into a maelstrom of events and life full of surfing.
Mick Adler
Sports Writer & Researcher
Mick loves hitting the fairway with friends on the weekends. He spends much of his spare time participating in his many outdoor pursuits, such as surfing, hiking and fishing.
Mick relishes trying out new sports and is often found participating in extraordinary activities like jumping out of a plane or learning to hoversurf. When he manages to fit it into his busy schedule, Mick loves sharing these passions with you.
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