Review
WL Rating
Every so often I come across a book that reminds me why I love surfing. Some Like It Cold is one of those books. It’s got everything I like: surfing, stoke, camaraderie, danger, tragedy, hope, and redemption. What makes this book truly unique, however, is the surfing location—Sheboygan Wisconsin. Remember those two guys in Dana Brown’s movie Step Into Liquid? Well, their names are Lee and Larry Williams, and there’s a lot more to them than the film portrayed. As young boys, the Williams brothers caught the surfing bug, fueled by local surf clubs and The Endless Summer. After working furiously to get a board, the brothers dedicated themselves to the sport and never looked back. The book’s author, William Povletich, draws upon extensive interviews with the brothers and their friends, delving deeply into their personal lives. The funny thing about this book is that the Williams brothers’ tale could have been set in any surfing location, it’s that universal of a story. The fact that it’s in the middle of the country just makes it that much more fascinating and enjoyable. Most surprising to me was the size and deadly nature of the waves on the Great Lakes. A combination of double overhead short period waves, cold water, and crazy currents would challenge just about any big wave hero you know. But the best part is that the brothers keep it all in perspective, just doing their thing for all the right reasons. If this doesn’t make you want to hop on a plane and head to Sheboygan, then there’s something wrong with you. This is a fast, easy, wonderful read. For me, it’s a WL Essential. (June 2010)
Some Like It Cold - William Povletich
