Review
WL Rating
Among the general surfing public, Rusty Long is probably best known as Greg Long’s brother, that is if he’s known at all. Among big wave surfers, however, Rusty Long is what the mob would call a “Made Man.” Having surfed heavy waves alongside luminaries like Twiggy, Shane Dorian, Mike Parsons, and of course Greg Long, Rusty not only has an unmatched level of access to big wave surfers, but more importantly he has firsthand understanding of what it’s like to put yourself into the pit on a massive, bone crushing wave. As a result, The Finest Line is hands down the best big wave book I’ve read in ages. In the book, Long marches across the globe describing in words and pictures today’s global pursuit of big wave surfing. From Maverick’s to Shippies to Cow Bombie to Nazaré, Long does a solid job of explaining the intricacies of each spot, while giving due respect to the unsung locals that call those breaks home. For me, the best parts of the book are the interviews with key surfers from each break. Their descriptions of a particularly stellar ride, or horrific wipeout, provide a first person narrative that’s authentic and riveting. This is an excellent book that’s worth owning. A Waterman’s Library Essential. (June 2015)
The Finest Line - Rusty Long
