Review
WL Rating
Yvon Chouinard is the legendary founder of outdoor apparel company Patagonia and climbing equipment pioneer Chouinard Equipment (now Black Diamond). His 2005 book Let My People Go Surfing is many things, but a surfing book it is not. And that’s ok. Chouinard’s book is part autobiography, part business manifesto, and a large indictment of how business, government, and people blindly or intentionally conspire to destroy the Earth. It’s obvious that the man has a deep-rooted passion for Nature, and it’s his love for the planet that has informed his actions from his early days of clean ascents at Yosemite through the rise, fall, and rise of Patagonia. Frankly, this book is beyond preachy and self-congratulatory, and Chouinard pulls no punches when he talks about how Patagonia has evolved into the model company for the world’s businesses. He covers everything about Patagonia including his theories on design, production, distribution, image, finances, etc. As far as a business book is concerned, it’s a four to five star effort. But, as it relates to being of interest to folks on this site, it’s more of a three star book. If you care about the planet and how businesses can evolve into responsible world citizens, then you’ll enjoy this book. I know I did. But, if you are looking for something a little more surfing focused, there are many other choices out there for you. (December 2010)
Let My People Go Surfing - Yvon Chouinard
