Still Sideways: Riding the Edge Again after Losing My Sight

by Devon Raney, Tom Burt (Foreword), Jeff Hawe (Foreword)

Before a surfing accident caused thirty-three-year-old Devon Raney to lose all but 15 percent of his vision, he had already lived an extraordinary life. Time and again he’d gone against the grain to maximize time for his passions―surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding―bringing him into the direct path of colorful characters, unexpected adventures, and even the occasional brush with death. Through it all, Devon’s commitment to outdoor adventure never wavered. If anything, he learned to approach the other commitments he would make in life―as a husband and as a father―with the same passion and dedication he’d applied to board sports. So when facing a devastating mid-life challenge, Devon once again went against the grain -- sideways. Instead of retreating into a life made smaller by the things he could no longer do―drive, build houses, read to his young daughter―Devon resolved to keep his commitments to the same passions that had defined and sustained him. Using his remaining peripheral vision, he developed a style of tandem snowboarding, figured out how to read the waves, and carried himself through his daily life in such a way that few people other than his close friends and family were aware of his vision loss. Still Sideways  makes the case for the sustaining power of nature for a new generation of outdoor the late Gen X / early millennial generation that has one foot firmly in adulthood and the other foot buckled into a binding. Readers will relate to Devon’s stubborn refusal to organize his life around convention and will be inspired by how his dogged devotion to shredding brings him salvation, not comeuppance, when it all hits the fan. A must-read for any mid-life adventurer, Still Sideways  intersperses a gripping narrative of Devon’s incredible decade and flashbacks of formative experiences from his youth and young adulthood with humor, candor, and authenticity.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published February 4, 2020

Reviews

[Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story and glimpse into the life of Devon and his family & friends. This book resonated with me in many ways but most of all it speaks to the good in people. Be it friends or family it goes to show what humans are capable of when loyalty and dedication are prioritized in ones life. While the Raney family experienced hurdle after hurdle the perseverance remains a constant. You have to go to know! Thanks for sharing your incredible journey, I hope to run into you guys sometime at Baker or Bainbridge!

[Jessica Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very honest depiction of what it means to lose your independence but want to fiercely retain it as well. While I appreciated that, I didn’t really enjoy the writing style as it was way too conversational. It ended up sounding a bit too narrative which made his story less impactful to me as a reader.

[THOMAS HIXSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay...all I can say is this. We are in the middle of the Covid pandemic and people are losing their minds over having to wear a mask or not go here or not do this etc. Devon lost his eyesight and has dealt with things so much better than most are dealing with their current “hardships”. Devon didn’t just choose to get by...he chose to push forward with the same passion that he had when he had his full eyesight. Inspiring book..read it!

[Gino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with passion and authenticity, Still Sideways will leave you laughing, crying, and at the edge of your seat after each chapter. Whether you're a surfer, skater, snowboarder, mother, or father, everyone can relate to the stories told by Devon Raney! His story is a testament to the power of love and perseverance.

[Tobias · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many emotions packed into this. Being a snowboarder and surfer myself this is very hard to read without being absolutely touched by the events and friendships described here.

[Tyrean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

[Joshua Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest and relatable book about preserving in life no matter the setbacks and how this is possible if you have a foundation of great friends and family. Although I’ve never skateboarded, surfed, and am just beginning to learn to snowboard, this book goes beyond the sports and focuses more on how to deal with challenges and the whole concept of “you won’t know unless you go”.

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still Sideways by Devon Raney is a book I will not soon forget. Devon had a successful construction business, and was an accomplished skateboarder and surfer until one day an accident resulted in him losing all but 15% of his sight. How he met his new challenges, the strength of his spirit and his commitment to continuing his life is inspirational. He did not do this without the support of his wife Rebecca and daughter Madrona, along with a wonderful and dedicated group of friends. I loved every page of this book and the beautiful pictures throughout. Enjoy.

[Zoran Forgiarini · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an action sports enthusiast, I was enthralled with this story. I have imagined having something like this happening to me and how I would respond. Having a family and doing the same sports as Devon, it would be beyond challenging. It was great to hear the honest and humorous way Devon deals with these set backs. Was fortunate enough to hear him speak in our school district. Would have been cool to surf with him that morning. Excellent book.

[Kerry Dashnaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this book down! I was sorry when I finished this amazing book. It was inspiring, humorous, and touching . Devon has triumphed over adversity. I was touched by his marriage and deep commitment to his family.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!
Devon has such an incredible out look on life and we all could benefit from reading his story.
An easy read and very well written!