Where to Start with Doug Werner
Doug Werner is the author of fifteen books on sports and fitness, best known for his Start-Up Sports series published by Tracks Publishing. Each book in the series takes a sport that looks intimidating from the outside and breaks it into approachable steps for absolute beginners. His titles cover surfing, longboarding, snowboarding, boxing, and several other disciplines, all following the same philosophy: assume the reader knows nothing, explain the fundamentals clearly, and make the whole thing feel like a conversation rather than a lecture. His surfing book, Surfer’s Start-Up, has been recommended by the United States Surfing Federation and remains one of the most widely read beginner guides in the sport.
Start here
Surfer's Start-Up
Doug Werner · 128 pages · 1999 · Easy
Themes: beginner technique, safety, gear, surf history, etiquette
A compact, no-nonsense beginner guide that the United States Surfing Federation recommends as essential reading for new surfers. Doug Werner covers gear, conditions, safety, etiquette, and basic technique in a relaxed, conversational style that makes surfing feel approachable from the very first page.
Why Start Here
Werner’s Start-Up Sports series follows a proven formula: respect the reader’s time, assume no prior knowledge, and deliver practical information without filler. Surfer’s Start-Up applies this formula to surfing with strong results. At 128 pages, it covers board selection, wave reading basics, paddling, the pop-up, wipeout recovery, and ocean safety without ever feeling rushed or incomplete.
Werner spends real time on the fears that stop most people from trying surfing: getting held underwater, dealing with rip currents, and handling crowded lineups. He treats these topics honestly rather than minimizing them, which builds genuine confidence in the reader.
What to Expect
A short, practical book you can finish in an afternoon. The photographs illustrate key techniques clearly, and Werner’s writing is friendly and direct. If you want a quick but thorough overview before your first surf lesson, this is the most efficient way to prepare.