The Average Surfer's Guide: To Travel, Waves and Progression

by Simon Short

“ Heart warming read that discusses depression, radical life change, and muses on the plight of the lifelong intermediate… grab a copy on Amazon ” – David Lee Scales, Surf Splendor Podcast “ I can recommend this book for non-surfers as much as surfers. It goes a long way towards explaining the hook that keeps people addicted to surfing and provides some personal lessons that can be applied to all walks of life ” – Charlie Spurr – The Museum of British Surfing “ Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The writing is wonderful and Simon really nails it when he defines what an average surfer is and how surfing affects us al l” – Imi Barneaud, The Ocean Riders Podcast “ Short uses the term “average” not as in mediocre, but to make it relatable to the masses of surfers who are not professionals, and not beginners, but the wave-riders in between. He teaches life lessons with every chapter. You can be scared, intimidated, proud and brave, all in one session ” – The Orange County Register From the author of “A Story about Surfing, Identity and Depression” comes the #1 New Release ‘The Average Surfer's Guide ’ The Average Surfer's Guide to Travel, Waves and Progression is a book about surfing as much as it is about mental health, life balance and prioritizing one’s passions. The author explores the metaphysical effects of surfing, the biological effects of surfing and how the sport, percolated into a lifestyle opens us up to travel, adventure, community and a true belonging and identity. The book takes us into situations that many are familiar with, but few of us speak of. Short bravely shares details from his darker days fighting a severe depression before learning some valuable life lessons. “ Simon Short sat at the end of a Newport Beach rock jetty in the darkness, clutching a gun and ready to end his life as his depression hit an all-time low. For years, Short thought he was on the right track. The surfer from England moved to California after visiting for a surf trip in his early 20s, met a girl who became his wife and had a career as a police officer near Palm Springs. This was what he was supposed to do, right? When it all came crashing down a few years later, he found himself staring out into the ocean, the place that had been his one constant source of solace since he was a teen .”
Feb 2019 – The OC Register The Average Surfer’s Guide takes a unique approach by forgetting the glamour of professional surfing and telling honest, humorous and engaging stories from a true, every-day, average surfer. The book teaches us how to progress away from complacency, both in our surfing and our everyday lives. In the end, this book will make you a better surfer. Not through technique but through teaching a new mindset and outlook towards life and surfing. The Average Surfer's Guide takes us on a journey from dark to light and teaches us how to live a true, balanced life that is authentic to who we are and what makes us happy. In this case, surfing.

147 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2018

Reviews

[Jono Burkín · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean this is it. The reality of being a bang average surfer stuck in a big city coupled with some serious life lessons communicated in simple, easy language. If I ever leave the corporate world, this book probably inspired it.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good combination of advice and travel stories. Given some ideas for surf trips and understanding surf culture. Not much practical advice, more inspirational but I think that's the point. Good read for any surfer or future surfer.

[David Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surfing book full of honesty, realism and sense

Simon shirt has truly written a book for the average surfer. Okay, he's a higher echelon of average surfer than me but so much of what he writes still resonates, both about why we love surfing - which is a pointless but beautiful activity - and how our ego can stop us getting better at it.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting perspective on surfing

This book was a fun read, with a unique focus on the average surfer, i.e., me. I enjoyed reading it, but I think it would have benefits from some additional editing; the writing felt juvenile in many places. I really loved the authors perspective and vibe.

[Marcus Mckeag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really lovely read. Whilst there is a focus on surfing it plays into themes on how to deal with life's struggles and how to progress.

It's nice and short and I recommend it to anybody going on a short holiday or has an interest in surfing.

[Rob Baker]

It's average.