Review
WL Rating
In the category of surfing books, Surf’s Up is a bit of an anomaly. While the book does provide some basic information on the history and sport of surfing, the meat of the book is focused on the surfing collectibles market. Specifically, Surf’s Up offers an extensive summary of different surfing memorabilia from the longboard era (i.e. up to around 1969). Blackburn has included a wide assortment of objects including various boards, surf movie posters, decals, surf art, books, advertisements, etc. Each item is perfectly photographed, catalogued, and includes an estimate of value. Also of note are the two life size hand prints on the inside cover from Duke Kahanamoku. Like the man and his legend, the handprints are immense. Frankly, this really isn’t a reader’s book as much as it is a book for people interested in procuring surf memorabilia. As such, it likely won’t have mass appeal. That having been said, given the amazing pictures and item descriptions, I do suspect that the book will wind up costing the history-loving reader a lot more than the initial purchase price. Don’t say I didn’t warn you if you find yourself the owner of a $10,000 ancient alaia. (September 2010)
Surf’s Up - Mark Blackburn
