7 New Surfing Books Reshaping the Sport in 2025

Discover Surfing Books by Kelly Slater, Joey Buran, Chas Smith, and more, offering fresh insights and expert perspectives in 2025.

Updated on June 26, 2025
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The Surfing landscape changed dramatically in 2024, with fresh voices and perspectives reshaping how enthusiasts engage with the sport. Whether through intimate biographies, cultural explorations, or therapeutic applications, the newest books of 2025 capture a dynamic sport in evolution. These works don't just celebrate surfing’s physical thrill but also deepen our understanding of its cultural, mental, and social dimensions.

Written by authors deeply embedded in surfing’s fabric—champions like Kelly Slater, cultural analysts such as Chas Smith, and pioneers in surf therapy like Cash Lambert—these books offer authoritative, forward-thinking insights. Their perspectives illuminate surfing’s past, present, and emerging trends, providing readers with a nuanced view of this extreme sport's multifaceted nature.

While these cutting-edge books provide the latest insights, readers seeking the newest content tailored to their specific Surfing goals might consider creating a personalized Surfing book that builds on these emerging trends. This approach ensures your learning stays as fluid and responsive as the waves themselves.

Best for surf culture enthusiasts
Kelly Slater: A Life of Waves offers a rare glimpse into the world of one of surfing's most celebrated figures through Todd Glaser's rich photographic archive. This book immerses you in fifteen years of Slater's journeys across renowned surf spots, blending high-energy wave action with personal moments narrated by Slater himself. It's a vivid tribute to the ocean's power and the culture surrounding surfing, perfect for those seeking both inspiration and deeper appreciation of the sport's lifestyle and artistry.
Kelly Slater: A Life of Waves book cover

by Kelly Slater, Todd Glaser, Eddie Vedder·You?

2024·240 pages·Surfing, Sports Photography, Athlete Biography, Ocean Exploration, Surf Culture

Kelly Slater's decades as an 11-time world surfing champion shape this vivid photographic journey through his life on and off the waves. Todd Glaser's extensive archive captures not only Slater's mastery in iconic surf locations worldwide but also intimate moments that reveal his personal side, like morning routines and music sessions. You gain a unique perspective on the physicality, environment, and culture that define elite surfing, illustrated with vibrant images and Slater's own narration. This book suits anyone fascinated by surfing's art and lifestyle, offering visual inspiration more than technical instruction.

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Best for athlete mindset insights
Beyond the Dream offers a unique glimpse into surfing’s most iconic moments through Joey Buran's eyes, capturing the energy and challenges of the Pipeline Masters alongside his evolution from champion surfer to spiritual mentor. This memoir traces his pioneering role in establishing the US professional surfing tour and his impact as a coach and minister, blending thrilling surf tales with reflections on purpose and service. If you want to understand what lies beyond competitive glory in surfing and how one athlete redefined success on his own terms, this book delivers both the thrill and the thoughtful depth.
2024·244 pages·Surfing, Sports, Personal Development, Motivation, Coaching

Joey Buran's decades of competitive surfing and spiritual leadership led to this candid memoir that intertwines athletic triumph with personal transformation. You gain insight into the mindset required to conquer the legendary Pipeline Masters and the emotional journey beyond victory, including Buran's transition to ministry and mentorship. Chapters vividly recount his championship wins, the founding of the US professional surfing tour, and his later coaching career, revealing how purpose evolves after reaching pinnacle success. This book suits anyone drawn to the human side of extreme sports and personal reinvention, offering a narrative that moves from adrenaline-fueled competition to meaningful service.

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Best for custom surf tech plans
This AI-created book on surfing technology is designed to match your unique background and goals. You share the areas of surfing innovation you're curious about, your current experience level, and what you hope to achieve. Then, the book is crafted to focus exclusively on the freshest developments and gear that matter most to you, making your exploration of surfing's future both efficient and deeply relevant.
2025·50-300 pages·Surfing, Surfing Innovations, Board Technology, Wave Analysis, Training Techniques

This tailored book explores the cutting-edge techniques and innovative gear transforming surfing in 2025. It delves into the latest discoveries reshaping wave riding, from advanced board designs to emerging digital technologies, offering a thorough examination tailored to your interests and background. By focusing on your specific goals, the book reveals how new surf equipment and training methods are influencing performance and experience on the water. It also examines the evolving culture around surfing technology, providing a personalized journey through the sport's most exciting developments. This approach allows you to engage deeply with the future of surfing, gaining insights that match your unique learning path.

Tailored Guide
Surf Technology Insights
3,000+ Books Created
Best for surf culture history buffs
Chas Smith’s exploration in "Cocaine + Surfing" reveals an untold side of surf culture, focusing on the rise of cocaine use and its deep ties to the industry and community. This book uncovers the gap between surfing’s polished public image and its wild, often dangerous private reality. It navigates through the 1980s transformation where surf brands gained billions while the sport’s soul tangled with a drug-fueled underground. Those intrigued by surf culture’s complexities and its influence on lifestyle and business will find this examination both revealing and thought-provoking.
2024·226 pages·Surfing, Cocaine Use, Surf Industry, Cultural History, Drug Culture

Chas Smith's years immersed in surf culture led him to unravel a lesser-known chapter in surfing’s evolution: its complex relationship with cocaine. You learn how surf culture shifted from carefree beach parties to a hidden world marked by excess and risk, revealing the tension between the sport's public image and private realities. Through vivid anecdotes and cultural analysis, Smith exposes how surf industry dynamics and drug culture intertwined in the 1980s and beyond. This book suits those curious about surfing's social undercurrents and industry insiders seeking context for surf culture’s contradictions.

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This guide by Adventure Ink Publications offers a fresh take on beginner surfing by focusing on the top 10 beginner-friendly destinations worldwide. It captures the latest travel and surf insights, highlighting easy waves and the cultural atmosphere each location offers. Whether you’re a solo traveler or planning a family adventure, this book helps you select ideal spots to safely learn and advance your surfing skills. It serves as a practical starting point to inspire your surf journey without overwhelming you with exhaustive details, making it especially useful for those ready to catch their first waves in beautiful, approachable settings.
2024·56 pages·Surfing, Travel, Beginner Guides, Wave Selection, Local Culture

After compiling extensive travel and surf data, Adventure Ink Publications created this guide to match new surfers with the most welcoming waves worldwide. You’ll learn where beginner-friendly breaks are located, what local conditions to expect, and how to navigate each destination’s culture and accommodations. For instance, each chapter offers insights into the best seasons to visit and what lodging options suit novices. This book benefits aspiring surfers eager to combine travel with learning, providing a clear roadmap for starting your surf journey in safe, scenic spots. It’s less about exhaustive detail and more about inspiring your first real steps into surfing abroad.

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Best for therapy and wellness seekers
Surf Therapy: The Evidence-Based Science for Physical, Mental & Emotional Well-Being offers a fresh perspective on how surfing transcends sport to become a powerful therapeutic tool. By weaving interviews with pioneering surf therapists and data from emerging studies, Cash Lambert highlights this growing movement's impact on conditions like anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. The book sheds light on specialized programs helping diverse groups—from children with autism to women recovering from abuse—demonstrating surf therapy’s expanding reach. This thoughtful examination opens new pathways for understanding how physical activity and nature combine to foster healing and resilience in challenging circumstances.
2024·256 pages·Surfing, Therapy, Mental Health, Physical Rehabilitation, PTSD Treatment

After analyzing numerous case studies and interviews with leading practitioners, Cash Lambert developed a compelling exploration of surf therapy’s role in mental, emotional, and physical healing. You’ll learn how surfing is being harnessed to aid conditions ranging from PTSD to addiction recovery, backed by evidence and real-world applications. Lambert’s approach reveals the transformative potential of combining physical activity with natural environments, particularly for vulnerable populations like at-risk youth and trauma survivors. This book suits anyone interested in innovative therapeutic techniques or the evolving intersection of extreme sports and wellness. It offers concrete examples, such as programs for spinal cord injuries and social development in inner-city children, making it a practical read for therapists and advocates alike.

Winner of the 2024 Surf Park Summit Democratization & Accessibility Award
Published by Hatherleigh Press
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Best for custom surfing plans
This AI-created book on surfing planning is tailored to your experience level and personal interests. You share which surfing topics and future trends excite you most, along with your goals, and this book is created specifically to guide your next steps. Instead of generic advice, it focuses on the discoveries and innovations that matter to you. That way, you can prepare effectively for the future waves and challenges you’ll face.
2025·50-300 pages·Surfing, Surfing Fundamentals, Wave Dynamics, Board Technology, Climate Impact

This tailored book explores the evolving world of surfing by examining the latest developments and discoveries shaping the sport in 2025 and beyond. It delves into emerging trends and innovative techniques, focusing on your unique interests and skill level to deliver a personalized learning journey. By integrating cutting-edge insights and future-oriented knowledge, the book reveals how to anticipate and prepare for upcoming waves and surfing conditions. This tailored guide matches your background and addresses your specific goals, offering a focused exploration of surfing’s dynamic future. It encourages forward-thinking planning to help you stay ahead in an ever-changing surfing landscape.

Tailored Handbook
Future Surf Insights
3,000+ Books Created
Best for visual storytelling lovers
What happens when a passionate photographer immerses himself in one of California's iconic surf spots? JM Reily’s "Book of Surfing Photos: Session #1" captures the raw energy and nuanced beauty of Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz through 130 pages of striking imagery. His work focuses on the intersection of athletic skill and the ocean's dynamic environment, offering an intimate glimpse into the culture and excitement of surfing. This collection is a visual exploration crafted for anyone eager to experience surfing's thrill beyond words, providing both inspiration and a deepened appreciation for this extreme sport.
2024·130 pages·Surfing, Photography, Coastal Culture, Athleticism, Wave Riding

When JM Reily set out to document a day at Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz, he transformed surfing photography into a vivid narrative of athleticism and natural beauty. This collection immerses you in the intensity of wave riding and the coastal environment, offering detailed visual insights into surfer techniques and ocean conditions. You’ll find yourself appreciating not just the skill of the athletes but the unique ambiance of California's surf culture. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a surfer, or simply someone drawn to the sea, this volume provides a focused look at a singular moment in surfing history, captured through Reily's attentive eye.

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Best for Sri Lanka surf explorers
Sri Lanka’s surf scene unfolds through this focused guide by Mr. Praba Rajah, providing you with an up-to-date look at the island’s best waves, surf camps, and beaches. It covers everything from seasonal swell patterns to selecting spots that match your skill level, making it a practical tool for both beginners and experienced surfers. The book also goes beyond the surfboard, offering insights into local culture, sustainable travel practices, and logistical tips to streamline your adventure. If you’re aiming to explore Sri Lanka’s vibrant surf landscape with confidence, this guide serves as a clear roadmap for your journey.
2024·38 pages·Surfing, Travel, Outdoor Sports, Skill Development, Wave Riding

What started as a personal passion for Sri Lanka's waves led Mr. Praba Rajah to craft this focused guide that serves both novices and seasoned surfers. You’ll gain detailed knowledge about the island’s varied surf breaks, seasonal swell patterns, and ideal spots tailored to your skill level, from gentle beginner coves to challenging barrels at Arugam Bay. Beyond surfing, the book offers practical advice on visas, local travel, and sustainable tourism, enriching your planning process with cultural insights. Whether you want to catch your first wave or chase epic barrels, this book equips you with clear, location-specific guidance to navigate Sri Lanka’s surf scene confidently.

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Conclusion

Together, these seven new Surfing books reveal three clear themes shaping the sport’s future: the intimate connection between athlete and ocean, the complex cultural currents beneath the waves, and the growing recognition of surfing’s therapeutic potential. If you want to stay ahead of trends or the latest research, start with Kelly Slater’s photographic journey and Cash Lambert’s exploration of surf therapy.

For cutting-edge implementation, combine the travel insights from "Top 10 Beginner Surf Destinations in the World" with the local expertise found in "Surfing Sri Lanka" to plan your next surf adventure with confidence. Meanwhile, "Cocaine + Surfing" offers a critical look at the sport’s social undercurrents, enriching your cultural understanding.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Surfing book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Kelly Slater" for a vivid look at surfing culture through a champion's eyes. It sets a rich context before exploring more specialized topics like therapy or travel.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Surfing?

Not at all. "Top 10 Beginner Surf Destinations in the World" offers accessible guidance perfect for newcomers, while others deepen knowledge as you grow.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with cultural and inspirational books like "Kelly Slater" and "Beyond the Dream," then explore practical guides and thematic works such as "Surf Therapy" and "Surfing Sri Lanka."

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

These are all recent releases offering fresh perspectives. Starting with any provides current insights relevant to 2025’s surfing scene.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Surf Therapy" combines evidence-based theory with real-world programs, while "Top 10 Beginner Surf Destinations" and "Surfing Sri Lanka" offer practical travel and surfing advice.

Can I get surfing knowledge tailored specifically to my goals?

Yes! While these expert books provide strong foundations, you can create a personalized Surfing book that adapts insights to your experience, interests, and objectives for the most relevant learning.

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