BOOK TOM BLAKE THE UNCOMMON JOURNEY OF APIONEER WATERMAN

BOOK TOM BLAKE THE UNCOMMON JOURNEY OF APIONEER WATERMAN

A softcover trade re-issue of the original hardcover version published in 2001 and now out-of-print. Meticulously researched by Gary Lynch during the last 15 years of Blake s life, and written by Lynch and Malcolm Gault-Williams, the book has continued to generate interest. Not really surprising perhaps, given what an innovator and pioneer Blake was in surfing during the early- to mid-20th century. From his friendship with Duke Kahanamoku, to his work on lighter, hollow boards, his experiments with the first surfboard fin and attempts at sailboarding, this book is a must-have item for anyone fascinated by surfing s roots and history. And this softcover issue makes it a very affordable addition to every library or bookshelf.

About the book: In surfing there are a handful of pioneers who stand out as giants for their contributions to the development and evolution of the sport. In the first half of the 20th century there are two who stand out even among the giants Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, certainly, and after him, Thomas Edward Blake. Almost anyone who enjoys the ocean unknowingly benefits from the life of Tom Blake.

“It’s easy to learn in the ocean. I learned there because you’re very close to nature. You’re in it! You’re immersed in it! You learn to wait patiently. There’s a time for everything to happen. You’ve got to learn to wait for your wave. You can’t make it come to you. It teaches you about life. There’s a pleasure to riding a wave. You’ve mastered something that’s unknown and unseen there. It’s not only the ride you get, but using your wits to win. To win! Every good ride is a win. That’s the fun in life – to win! It goes up to challenge you, and when you pull it all together you’ve got something.”