The Surf Companion booklets came about when Florian Hättich, a designer and illustrator, and Daniel Spes, a sports therapist and ISA II licensed surf instructor, met at a surf camp in Spain. Florian is a passionate “holiday surfer” who knows only too well how it feels to live far from the sea and only be able to spend a few weeks by the ocean. After surfing, he noted down the input on surf techniques and manoeuvres in the form of small drawings, also to document his own progress. Daniel joined in and the idea quickly arose to combine Florian’s drawings with Daniel’s knowledge all about surfing in a workbook for surfers.
The result is two booklets that surfers and anyone who wants to become one can use to expand and deepen their knowledge of surfing with detailed drawings and short, concise texts.
Surf Companion – The booklets
The Surf Companion booklets are often referred to as workbooks by their authors. They accompany you as you learn to surf and can (and should) be used actively. The Surf Companion will quickly become your best surf buddy (made of paper).
You can document your own progress or add notes on new input from the surf coach. In the Surf Companion books, you’ll find plenty of space on the pages inside the book to jot down your own thoughts and insights. There are even board log lists and completely blank pages that can help you document your surfing progress.
Because despite the detailed information in the books, the authors still recommend taking surf lessons to get feedback directly from professional surf instructors on site.
The edition for beginner surfers is available in both English and German, while the Surf Companion for intermediates is available in English. The booklets are printed on climate-neutral recycled paper and can be ordered via the Surf Companions website.
The Beginners Surf Companion
The Beginners Surf Companion picks up beginner surfers and consolidates the fundamentals of surfing. (Aspiring) surfers first find detailed information about the equipment (what do all those numbers on wetsuits actually mean?) and how to handle a surfboard and wetsuit properly. It also contains lots of important information about the different types of surf spots (beach and reef waves), how waves form and the different conditions. Even if it seems complicated at first, all this information is essential for being able to read and understand surf forecasts yourself later on.
The detailed illustrations in the book impressively demonstrate how waves are created, where and how beginner surfers should enter the water, how to handle the board so as not to injure themselves or other surfers and how best to protect themselves from other surfers, their boards or other objects in the sea while surfing.
But it’s not only this important background knowledge about surfing and the ocean that is covered – of course it also includes proper paddling techniques, your position on the board and how to nail the take-off in the whitewater. The illustrations show step by step the important techniques that will help you progress in surfing, and point out typical mistakes and how to avoid them.
The Intermediate Surf Companion
For those who already have some surfing experience, have mastered the take-off, can consciously steer the surfboard and have already surfed their first small green waves, there is “The Intermediate Surf Companion”. This booklet in the series is already in its 3rd edition.
For intermediates, too, there is first a short introduction to the different types of waves, the parts of a wave, conditions, positioning in the line-up and – very important – surf etiquette. Because while beginner surfers often stay in hip-deep whitewater, intermediate surfers of course already paddle out to the line-up and should definitely know the basic rules of conduct. That way, conflicts with more experienced surfers can be avoided from the outset.
In addition to an in-depth look at paddling technique, intermediate surfers will also find great tips in this book on how to ride the wave, how to generate speed and, above all, how to make turns and maneuvers.
The detailed drawings show the positioning on the board and the sequence of movements for both goofies and regular surfers. The step-by-step instructions make it easy to visualize and internalize the movements and practice them on dry land.
The Surf Companion – Who are the books suitable for?
The Surf Companions | Surf book is an absolute recommendation for all surfing enthusiasts and those who want to become one. Even more experienced surfers will find lots of tips and background information that is useful for everyone. The booklets are great companions for your next surf trip, no matter where it takes you. The concrete instructions, advice and insights will help you improve your skills and achieve your surfing goals. Just like real surf buddies.
Take a look around the Surf Companions website. There you will not only find the Surf Companions books but also lots of video tutorials and other super interesting offers. With our code FRESHXSURF you can save 10% on your purchase there!