WL Rating

Not to be confused with Rabbit Bartholomew’s autobiography of the same name, Shaun Tomson’s book was published in conjunction with the recently released movie Bustin Down the Door. Not surprisingly, all three cover the topic of the momentous changes that occurred on the North Shore in 1975 when a group of Australians and South Africans pushed to radically change the way surfing was conducted on the world’s largest stage.  While Tomson’s book features a lot of familiar Merkel imagery from the period, the best parts of the book are the essays from Rabbit, Ian Cairns, Mark Richards, Peter Townend and Mike Tomson. Each covers their motivation, excitement, concerns and ultimate joy at having had a hand in the shift from the soulful Lopez/Russell surfing of the time, to the rip, tear and lacerate approach that (whether you like it or not) survives to this day.  At about a foot in height and beautifully art directed, this book is definitely coffee table worthy. (October 2008)

Review

Bustin’ Down the  Door - Shaun Tomson

Details

Category: Non-Fiction

Reading Style: Easy

Pages: 176

Pub Date: 2008

Tags: Surfing