The history of surfing is a subject of great interest to many, especially here in Hawaii. What is not as often showcased in surfing history is what makes surfing possible in the first place: the surfboard.
“Surf Craft: Design and the Culture of Board Riding,” by Richard Kenvin and edited by Christine Knoke, does a phenomenal job of examining the very origins and evolution of the device that has been used by millions to experience the unique joy that surfing brings.
Written in a manner respectful to the artistry and talent (and genius) that spawned the surfboard, “Surf Craft” honors those who made surfing possible to the world, with phrases such as these throughout its fascinating pages:
“If you took all the genius that allowed us to put a man on the moon and applied it to an understanding of the ocean, what you would get is Polynesia.”
But what “Surf Craft” also focused on is the importance and necessity of the artistry of “handcraft,” which allowed surfboards to take the many forms that we know today.
In its numerous glossy pages, we are treated to both replicas and original surfboards that have existed over the centuries, photographed by Ryan Field in vivid detail presented in gallery form against a lush black background. The colors, shapes, contours and textures of each of these historic boards are incredibly beautiful to look upon, and reveal to even the most casual viewer the work of art that each of these truly are.
From no fins to multi-fins to everything in-between, “Surf Craft” treats the subject like no other we have seen before.
In its large, hardcover form, it makes a fantastic coffee-table book. And best of all (considering the superb quality), “Surf Craft” has a low price point that can’t be beat!
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Cynthia Lynn and Ed Justus are owners of The Bookstore in Hanapepe.
