Harper Collins 2006

Wind on the Water and other surf stories is a collection of short stories, 17 to be precise, written by acclaimed surf writer, Jack Finlay. It’s about “the true art of surfing; the attitude, imagination and wider mindset of the surfer, and the riding of life’s waves,” and is complemented by photography by surf photographer Jon Frank.

Review

I didn’t finish reading this book. To be honest I didn’t even make it through one short story. It’s not that it’s not beautifully written, I just got bored. I wasn’t sure what I expected but I expected more. Having said that, it probably is a good read, and would make an excellent gift for an older surfer. Oh, and the pictures are awesome.

Editor's Note

I did read this book and found the stories somewhat bizarre. Jack Finlay certainly has a good imagination. These are not your typical surf stories but they would undoubtedly appeal to your local surfing hippy! - Ed

The good
• Nice photos
• Short stories that only take about 10 minutes each to read – pick up and put down as you like.
• Good for getting back in touch with the deeper side of surfing.

The not so good
• Pure escapism rather than anything that will expand your horizons, i.e., no hands-on stuff: this is the philosophical side of surfing.

Fact file

What Wind on the Water and other surf stories
Who Jack Finlay and Jon Frank
RRP $29.99