Helen Plum Library

The best and newest big-wave surfing stories from the sport's insiders More than a decade ago, John Long published his now classic “The Big Drop”, an unprecedented look at the larger-than-life frontier of big wave surfing. Since then, the sport has exploded in popularity. The big wave bar keeps rising as extreme surfers continue to seek out, surf, and survive a ride on the elusive 100-foot wave. The incredible stories of a new generation of thrill-seeking,...

Surfing has evolved from a relatively obscure pastime to one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Today, there are millions of surfers across the globe. The Art of Surfing was the first book of its kind to avail participants, both beginner and advanced, with the same training and coaching principles of the more established and traditional sports. It has empowered both recreational and competitive surfers to prepare for and catch the best waves....

Captain Joshua Slocum's solo voyage around the world in the 37-foot sloop the Spray in 1895 undoubtedly stands as one of the greatest sea adventures of all time. His classic narrative of this 46,000-mile circumnavigation of the globe continues to enjoy immense popularity throughout the world.

Harvard University coach and acclaimed rowing author, Dan Boyne, tells a humorous story of his first year of freshman crew, including a sub plot of personal redemption against an insufferable football player who has bullied him throughout high school. After being accepted at Trinity College in Hartford, CT, Boyne decides to take up rowing, the only sport that takes place far off campus, on the adventurous waters of The Connecticut River. There, he...

This tale of exploration and adventure is a warm account of the people and places around the waters of Southern Massachusetts.

Southern Florida is a paddler's paradise, from sandy keys, to mazes of mangroves, and sparkling aquamarine water in between. This guide includes more than 50 trips that are a perfect introduction to exploring the waterways and coasts of Southern Florida. Nigel Foster offers expert insider tips on how to manage tides and changeable weather, alerts readers to potential hazards on the routes, and includes fun anecdotes of his experiences with the area...

The Girl's Guide to Surfing delivers all a girl needs to score the wave of her choice. The surfing population has recently exploded, and women are in the water more than ever. For all these hearty souls, author Andrea McCloud delivers down-to-earth instruction and indispensable advice. Find out what kind of surf equipment is specifically right for women and how to get it. Learn how to read local breaks and tides for catching the right wave at the...

This exciting and demanding sport is much different than its flat-water sibling, with different equipment and techniques, all of which are covered in “Basic Illustrated Sea Kayaking”. Full-color images cover the many sea kayak models and accessories, as well as important information on tides and currents, packing and loading tips for comfort and safety, and a glossary chock-full of helpful terminology. You'll discover how to perfect your paddle...

Yoga for Paddling is a visual, instructional guide designed to walk readers through 30-35 yoga poses that are effective in stretching the muscles that paddlers use most, and strengthening the muscles that they use least. The book includes chapters on anatomy and alignment principles specific to the movements of paddling for kayakers, canoeists, and SUPers, and includes tips on proper paddling technique, performance focus, relaxation, and short stories...

This book is for the young and young-at-heart, who yearn for adventure. It is, written for those women considering a life-changing direction and those seeking a career at sea. It is not an instruction book, but you will learn from the experience of other blue water women what you need to know to have your own adventures. Interviewed within are other blue water sailing women. Shared advice and experiences show you how to make the most of your adventure...