Greg Noll: The Art of the Surfboard

by Drew Kampion

One of the greatest surfers of all time, Greg Noll has built a considerable reputation as master of surfboard making, or shaping." Today, collectors and surfers alike prize his unique brand of board.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1586857762
• ISBN13: 9781586857769
• Release Date: April 2007
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith Publishers
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 10.3" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

I couldn't put this book down.

Drew Kampion captures the grit, drama, and discovery of surfing's greatest character and shaper: Greg Noll. Buy this book - you will not be disappointed!

The story behind the wave craft...

An infinitely deep look at THE quintessential legend of surfing, "Greg Noll: The Art of the Surfboard" is an honest, "no rock left unturned" retrospective of surfboard shaper/surfer/waterman Greg Noll. Leaf through the pages of this book and you're instantly captivated by a virtual kaleidescope of Noll's meticulously handcrafted, functional works of art, coupled with a treasure trove of stories well worth telling. Kampion, a "literary savant of surfing's cultural record", has chronicled just about every aspect of the sport of kings, making him a natural choice to weave this tale. Here he takes on the insurmountable task of capturing Noll's endless contributions to surfcraft with his characteristic thirst for all things water-related. The sheer amount of research that went into this book is unimaginable, and yet somehow reading it feels like you're simply talking story, Hawaiian style. The best part about this book is that it's not just a historical register: Kampion also turns his lens at Noll's son Jed, and we get a glimpse of how Greg's skills with a sander and Surform are being passed down to another generation of board builders. With every turn, "The Art of the Surfboard" is pure aloha. And no filler.

lush publication indeed!

An ambitious project, a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable read. 'Greg Noll, The Art of Surfboard' has assumed it's rightful place in my home, right smack in the middle of my coffee table! An essential part of any self respecting surfers library, even non surfers love this book......lush publication indeed! I really appreciated the way in which Kampion so astutely and interestingly captured Noll's stunning legacy whilst revealing so many vital aspects of our surfing heritage. Incredible research....simply awesome product! Alan, Rainbow Bay, Queensland, Australia.

Two Characters

Surfing is a pastime/activity/obsession/lifestyle (I can't bring myself to call it a... sport) unique in its history and characters (think renegades), and Noll is a unique character/renegade/lunatic even amongst that lot. Kampion, aside from being a character/renegade/lunatic his own self, is simply THE historian/chronicler/storyteller of the pastime/activity/obsession/lifestyle. To put it another way: If you're over 40 and surf this book is mandatory. If you're under 40 and surf: "mandatory" means you should read it.

Watermen, Craftsmen & Surfers

This book transcends art by combining a culture, a sport, a quasi-religion (at least for us Surfers) and the unique aspect of all surfboards, save the last few years, being hand made by craftsmen that placed their love of the ocean and riding its waves above the normal quest for money and power. The Nolls are true 'Royalty' of our sport. They represent many of the qualities that are becoming increasingly lost on our youth today. With their steadfast devotion to replicating boards ridden by surfing's forefathers they show their respect to the foundation of our sport. Thank you for your continued leadership in our sport. A great read, a great book.