Pipe Dreams: A Surfer's Journey

In all honesty, I didn't expect to enjoy this book. After all--what do I, a gal scientist, have in common with a surf legend who trumps his peers to float somewhere up there with Kwan, Woods, and Jordan? Instead, I found myself unable to put it down. Well written and wonderfully candid, it promised everything that goes into a unforgettable biography--and then some. Slater imbues his writing with gut-wrenching, broad-appeal emotion--a notable accomplishment in crafting a story around a sport and way of life not accessible to most of the world. By the end, I felt like I could play a round of golf or have a beer with Slater and relate to him on a level that surpasses lines of class and celebrity--one that is simply, human. My only complaint? I would've liked captions for the photos. I hated to say goodbye at the end. That should say it all.

Seven Times World Champion. An incredible comeback. Numerous professional surfing records, a stint on Baywatch- Kelly Slater is recognized as the greatest competitive surfer of all time- living or dead. For anyone wanting to know more about Kelly Slater as a person, and as a surfer, and how he got to where he is- this book is for you. Kelly is one of the smartest surfers on tour, and this is part of the reason he's won as much as he has. He has literally reinvented modern day surfing through his own self analysis as a surfer and a human. Kelly hasn't won seven world titles on sheer ability alone. Well- maybe. He is such a great athlete, because he is constantly looking to improve on his weaknesses. He was critically analyzed everything about himself and his surfing. I've been fascinated with Kelly because I started surfing on the east coast, and there was always alot of talk about him. Alot people say Kelly comes across selfish and conceited in this book, but I think Kelly is just trying to be honest. That's the way his personality is. He thinks rationally. He would truly be the last person to brag or boast. People like Kelly are going to have alot of good things to say about themselves. Although he is the greatest surfer of all time, he is human just like the rest of us. I've listened to Kelly speak in person, and he is one of the most rational, down to earth, considerate surfers I've ever seen. After he won his 7th title, the first thing he did was look for Andy- to thank. So what more could we want to know? Kelly Slater has lead an incredible life. The man is a freak. Basically the book, chronicles his every competitive win and accomplishment as an athlete-down to the latest tenth of second in his 4th heat in round 3. Well not quite, but close. Kelly doesn't hold back about other things as well. He talks about the death of his father, and how that affected him powerfully, his relationship with Pamela Anderson, and his daughter Taylor. Kelly talks about his relationship with people who have helped him along the way. I enjoyed reading about his rivalries on the tour, and how he dealt with that. He talks about his influences in surfing, and in real life, and his childhood in Cocoa Beach. There is alot of information to be taken in, and at the end of the book, you can safely come to the conclusion that Kelly is a competitive machine. And he knows this, and that is why he is so damn good. He has focus, determination, discipline, and the mind to realize all this. There are alot of never before seen black and white photos throughout the book, as well as color photos. An entertaining, fascinating, and introspective read. Recommended.

I never was interested in surfing until recently. And if you don't like surfing, give it a go. Pipe dreams: A surfer's journey is a powerful and touching and now Kelly is my new idol. This book shows you that everything is possible. He tells us all about his life story and holds nothing back. Everyone should read this book, the most beautiful book of the year... Kelly... I admire you.

I have surfed for years and watched many of the pros come and go, but Kelly is definitely different. His story is one that other sports can only fabricate for their stars. This book is written at a level where anyone can enjoy it, a hard task these days. I would recommend it to everyone, especially parents who have an aspiring grommet.

i picked this book up on a whim, because it had a neat looking cover. after reading of kelly's exploits and a behind the scenes look at the world of surfing, i'm planning a trip to florida to learn where kelly learned. kelly tells his story in an easy, straightforward manner, but what a life!