Very nice book. Pretty comprehensive on the subject. Focused on SUP surfing, though. Lack of photos is another glitch, but overall a very good book.

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Learning to SUP or surf is no easy task. It's very helpful to have both a written AND visual resource to see the advice in action. On the other hand a DVD cannot possible go into the detail required; for that you need a good book. Although I owned a number of SUP DVD's I found most of them simplistic, with one exception: Stand Up Paddle Surfing Hawaiin Style. Volume 1 will get you to the surf and small waves, and you can buy Volume 2 for more advanced SUP surfing. However good, I needed more explanation and more advice as you can only get from a good instruction manual. I bought The Stand UP Paddle Book by Nate Burgoyne based on its table of contents, but you never know until you actually receive the book. When I received it, I could be no more pleased. This book is comprehensive from establishing the sport, choosing a board (for both men and women), paddles, fins and so much more. Where DVD's don't have the time to cover needed detail, this book does, and does it well. It explains so much of what I saw, and how and why, and in what order you do things. There are so many tips in this book that none of my DVD's cover. Example: how different fins work, and how to set the center fin properly for cruising and for surfing. Why what you think is a straight stroke really isn't. How to first adjust to your board and overcome your fear of falling. When to use long strokes vs short strokes. Paddle construction and the difference betweeen paddle shapes, angles and flexibility. Practicing wave takeoffs in flat water. I could go on. A great resource that fills in the gaps and then some. My opinion: buy this book and Volume 1 of Stand Up Paddling Hawaiian Style and use them together as the perfect combination of written detail and visual observation and learning. Great book by a gentleman who has been there.