The Finest Line: The Global Pursuit of Big-Wave Surfing

by Rusty Long, Greg Long (Editor), Tom Carroll (Editor)

Overview

The Finest Line explores the world of big-wave surfing and it’s dynamic evolution. Through images of hallmark days from the best big-wave locations around the world, firsthand accounts from those who dedicate their lives to chasing and riding giant waves, and expert commentary about the treacherous characteristics of each location, The Finest Line offers an unprecedented glimpse into the psychology of big-wave surfing, as well as its extreme risks and unparalleled rewards.

Big-wave surfing has long been a part of the sport, but this subculture of the surf world is now moving out of the fringes. The current generation of surfers is continually reinventing the limits, making this the most advanced, dynamic, and exciting period in big-wave surfing history.

This stunning coffee table book captures the essence of the sport through breathtaking images and stories, as well as exclusive interviews with the surfers who play the starring roles during these rare, large-swell events. Here you discover the complex logistics behind staging missions to the Cortes Bank, a phantom reef 100 miles out to sea; the mental and physical regimens of surfers such as Shane Dorian, Greg Long, and Grant “Twiggy” Baker; the psychology of living in pursuit of the world’s meanest waves; the stories behind the paddle-in renaissance that has come to define the next level of big-wave surfing; and firsthand accounts of those now-rare “tow-only” days that captivate audiences worldwide.

More than a collection of big-wave photographs, The Finest Line covers the giant, hallmark sessions from the most impressive spots around the globe, capturing the international flavor of the sport and exploring the insatiable drive of a rare breed of thrill seekers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781608874095
Publisher:	Insight Editions
Publication date:	04/14/2015
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	9.60(w) x 11.50(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Rusty Long has been fully involved in professional big-wave surfing since 2000. He has been a finalist in multiple Big Wave World Tour events, is a multiple-time nominee of the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards, and is an annual invitee to the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau contest as well as the Mavericks Invitational. He has published surf, travel, and lifestyle features in The Surfer’s Journal, Surfer, online surf-media outlets, and Men’s Journal. He lives in San Clemente, CA.

Greg Long is widely considered the foremost ambassador of the big-wave surf scene. He has won every major big-wave event, including the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau and the Mavericks Invitational, as well as multiple Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards. Additionally, he worked as both an actor and advisor on the Hollywood feature film Chasing Mavericks. His passion, drive, and accomplishments have helped carry the pursuit of big-wave surfing to new levels worldwide. He lives in San Clemente, CA.

Tom Carroll is among the most revered figures in surfing. He is a two-time ASP World Tour champion, an annual invitee to the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau contest at Waimea Bay, a three-time winner of the Pipe Masters, and an innovator of modern pow

Editorial Reviews

"History will thank Rusty Long for writing The Finest Line: The Global Pursuit of Big-Wave Surfing. If you're really passionate about surfing, then this coffee-table book will mark you forever."
—Surfer Today

“At 11.5 x 9.5” and 231 glossy pages, The Finest Line’s insightful break introductions, swell stories and interviews are sparing, rightly giving prominence to iconic images from 19 big-wave venues, from Maverick’s to Mullaghmore to Tasmania.”
—Surfline.com

"The important connection to make here is that our little sport of surfing is plugged into the very same pulse that inspired one of literature’s greatest canons: the sea narrative. In The Finest Line, Long — certainly no hack — shows just how plugged in we are. Especially those special psychos among us who pack big waves."
—Surfline

“If you’re a fan of the big-wave game, Rusty Long’s new book, The Finest Line, needs a spot on your coffee table. It’s packed full of heart-stopping photos of the planet’s fiercest waves, as well as interviews with some of big-wave surfing’s brightest stars.”
—SURFER Magazine

“Written by Rusty Long, professional surfer, journalist, photographer, and one of the biggest names in big wave surfing himself, The Finest Line takes us around the world, from one legendary wave to the next, with breathtaking images and awe-inspiring stories of hallmark sessions from such breaks as Maverick’s, Jaws, Cloudbreak, Teahupo’o, Belharra, Nazaré, Shipsterns Bluff, Dungeons, and Puerto Escondido.”
—Style of Sport

“The photography is predictably stunning, but standard big-wave angles are juxtaposed with moodier behind-the-scenes looks that add humility to all the superhuman feats. And the Q&As sprinkled throughout the book inject honest moments of fear and reflection into all the bravado.”
—Eastern Surf Magazine, May issue

"The photos alone in Rusty Long's book The Finest Line: The Global Pursuit of Big Wave Surfing are enough to give you sweaty palms. Add that to the inside stories from Long, one of the great big wave surfers, and it's enough to make you wonder, 'what are these guys thinking?' From one seven-story tall battle in the middle of the ocean to horrifying wipeouts and underwater hold-downs, The Finest Line chronicles the highs and lows of big wave surfing from an insider's perspective."
—Men's Journal

“A gorgeous, insightful chronicle of this fringe sport’s pivotal decade.”
—The City Magazine

"This month, photography publisher Insight Editions released The Finest Line, by big-wave surfer Rusty Long. The coffee table book chronicles all the best big-wave spots and surfers in the world with large, brilliant pictures by some of the top surf photographers."
—Outside

From the Publisher