The Kook's Guide to Surfing

The most practical and approachable instructional surfing book available, recommended by the United States Surfing Federation as essential reading for every beginning surfer. Jason Borte covers everything a new surfer needs to know: choosing the right board, understanding waves and currents, proper paddling technique, the pop-up, riding etiquette, and staying safe in the ocean.

Why Start Here

Borte writes from years of experience teaching complete beginners at his New Jersey surf school. That teaching background shows on every page. He knows where new surfers get confused, what scares them, and which skills need to be learned in which order. The book follows a natural progression from dry land to whitewater to catching real waves, with each chapter building on what came before.

The illustrations by Matt Brown add humor and clarity, making wave anatomy, board positioning, and lineup etiquette easy to visualize. Borte also gives serious attention to the social side of surfing, covering the unwritten rules that prevent conflicts in the water.

What to Expect

A 192-page guide with a casual, encouraging tone. You can read it before your first lesson and return to it as your skills develop. Borte is honest about the difficulty of surfing without making it seem impossible. The book covers gear, technique, safety, and culture in a well-organized package that leaves you feeling prepared rather than overwhelmed.