Surf Rage

On March 16, 2000, Nat got into a fight in the lineup and copped a serious beating (see picture below). It was this incident that prompted him to write and compile this book.

Refreshingly, the book isn't about only surf rage (the equivalent to driving's road rage). Each author had very enlightening incidents to share and analyzed the how's and possibly why's they occurred.

Things that are discussed included: localism, territorialism, respect, surf media intervention, the laughability of "secret" spots, surf tourism, professionalism, other waveriding vehicles, women, recent incidents in the news, Zorba of Oxnard, the Ranch, and the infamous Saltbush in Southern Australia. The very end has some silly conflict resolution and anger management tips, along with a wrap-up by Nat on things that can be done to reduce surf rage (like making artificial waves and more surf breaks).

I personally enjoyed the book. The writing delves deep into analysis and meaning of subtle surfing nuances that only a surfer will truly appreciate. Being published in Australia, it is amusingly full of Aussie-speak and spelling, something that this Hawaii boy is not totally familiar with but still enjoyed (seemed to add a bit more authenticity and flavor). Some of the writers are stronger than others, but the overall quality of penmanship is high. The Saltbush incident is like the Mad Max of surfing.

One of the best nuggets in the book was a picture of the "Tribal Laws", a surfing poster installed at Margaret River, Western Australia. There are good drawings on the poster describing laws that, if followed, would truly improve the surfing experience.

Aloha,
Neal


Raged about Purchasing   August 28, 2001
 2 out of 6 found this review helpful

Nat young took credit for writing this book! It was a bunch of stories written by others who have experienced surf rage. Nat's input was minimal and useless to draw attention to a sad situation he provoked. Sorry it happened. Most avid surfers have experienced some form of rage in the water and certainly don't need to waste time reading tale after tale of violence. Beginning surfers simply need to learn surfing in uncrowded areas and know their limitations. It is unnecessary to read this book to have that understanding. Surfers that indulge in this senseless behavior however would get a morbid kick out of this book. Upon completion I did however recall the subliminal message, avoid crowded Cali and Aussie surf. Thanks Nat, but spare me a sequel.