The Surfin'ary: A Dictionary of Surfing Terms and Surfspeak

by Trevor Cralle

Back by popular demand, this is the definitive reference for surf bums everywhere—or at least any gremmie who's ever pondered the semantic subtleties between bitchin', rad, and killer. Informative and often hilarious, this bible of the cult of Kahuna sports over 3,000 alphabetical entries interspersed with surfing history, international surf glossaries, and 500 of the kindest surf photographs and illustrations ever gathered in one place. You'll not only talk the talk—you'll walk the walk. Or rip the curl, as the case may be. Updated for the millennial surfer to keep you on the cutting edge of surfspeak. From aaaaahooo! to zonked, if it was said on, near, or under a surfboard, you'll find it here.

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a great book, and I'm surprised no one has written a review for it. The first edition was published in 1991. There was another newer edition published in 2001. I'm reviewing based on the 1991 version, but have owned both versions. I am also reviewing as someone who has no clue about surfing, but from videos and photos find the surfer community fascinating.

This book brings together an excellent collection of terminology far beyond the basic phrases we all may have heard on tv and in the movies. It will make you realize that surfers are a complete society of their own. Some of the terms are funny, and others a little out there, but the book as a whole is a great read, and you definitely learn some new ways of describing things even if you are not a surfer. I highly recommend this book if you can find a copy these days.