Tao of Surfing

Finding Depth at Low Tide

by Michael A. Allen

Formats

Hardcover

$22.95

Softcover

$12.95

E-Book

$6.00

Hardcover

$22.95

Book Details

Language : English

Publication Date : 11/9/2007

Format : Hardcover

Dimensions : 6x9

Page Count : 108

ISBN : 9780595711727

Format : Softcover

Dimensions : 6x9

Page Count : 108

ISBN : 9780595475698

Format : E-Book

Dimensions : N/A

Page Count : 108

ISBN : 9780595918348

About the Book

A New Way of Healing Tao of Surfing is an inspired book and a unique reflection that will have a lasting effect on anyone who reads it." -Bob Walch, The Monterey County Herald The roads I travel and the waves I search for and ride exemplify the flowing movement and continuous change of life itself. - From the book "Author Allen in fine, thoughtful fashion writes well, informally, and there is haiku in his observations A delightful book, effortlessly wise." -The Book Reader "From the first pages of this remarkable book I was captivated by the gently profound philosophy of riding through life with graceful balance." -Greg Ambrose, author of Surfer's Guide to Hawaii and co-author of Memories of Duke, the Legend Comes to Life Internationally acclaimed and Pulitzer Prize nominated author Michael A. Allen, takes you on a journey into the recesses of your soul and explores the ontological question, "What is our underlying essence?" Mr. Allen uses the metaphor of the sea, and its ebb and flow, to describe the Tao of life's cycle. And he discovers within this unique reflection a new way to comfort and heal the Self from the trauma of death. His long time interest in film brought him to write the screenplay adaptation with his brother in law Alex Carig in order to make Tao of Surfing into a full-length feature motion picture. Mr. Allen was initially inspired to write Tao of Surfing after his brother-his surfing partner-died from the complication

About the Author

Internationally acclaimed and Pulitzer Prize nominated author Michael A. Allen holds a Master's degree in philosophy and Certificate in Asian Studies from California State University at Long Beach, and is a member of the Phi Sigma Tau Philosophy Honor Society. While serving as President of the Student Philosophy Association, he chaired a Medical Ethics session for a seminar on Applied Ethics. He also presented The Application of Taoist Principles in Everyday Living at University of Hawaii's International Society for Chinese Philosophy conference. His long time interest in film brought him to write the screenplay adaptation with his brother in law Alex Carig in order to make Tao of Surfing into a full-length feature motion picture. Mr. Allen was initially inspired to write Tao of Surfing after his brother, his surfing partner died from the complication of AIDS. Michael, his wife, and their children live along the Central Coast of California. He has been surfing for over 30 years.

Customer Reviews

This was a quick and moving read. The author articulates his journey very powerfully. Anyone who has experience grief should have this book on their shelf. There is a fundamental outline for enduring grief with grace and growth.

MK
The Tao of Surfing - Finding Depth at Low Tide, by Michael A. Allen, is a masterfully written and beautifully illustrated book that tells an amazing and powerful story of life, death, brotherhood, and personal transformation. Set in California and New Mexico in the 1980s, the book is about the author and his best friend Rick who bond almost as brothers from an early age through the sport of surfing. Then, later in life and inexplicably, Rick disappears without a trace, only to emerge years later with a terrible secret he refuses to share. This leads the author to track down his friend in New Mexico where the secret is revealed: Rick is gay, dying of AIDS, and contemplating assisted suicide. The trauma of this revelation and Rick’s eventual death completely transforms the author and takes him on a journey of acceptance that melds Taoism with the endless and powerful cycles of nature that are such an integral part of every surfer’s life. In addition to describing these natural cycles beautifully, Allen makes the basic principles and beliefs of the Taoist philosophy accessible and understandable, not an easy thing to do. I highly recommend this book. It is inspiring and still highly relevant today, as the LGBTQ community continues to struggle for understanding and acceptance. And I am very happy to note that the book is being made into a feature film entitled “A Long Road to Tao”, which is scheduled for release in the fall of 2023 and will bring this important story to a wider audience. Buy the book and go see the movie when it comes out! You won’t be disappointed. M. Clancy

Mike Clancy
A powerful, detailed and inspiring book that helps explain Taoism through the metaphors of water, friendship, heartbreak and the author's love of the ocean. A must read for anyone seeking peace and serenity in their lives.

Humberto Castro
As a lifelong surfer and follower of Taoist principles, this book hit the intersection of two of my loves so deeply. Whether you have experience in either or not, this book is a great read for anyone curious. I loved the way the author connected the Eastern principles that we could use so much more of in our society with the love and dedication of surfing. Additionally, his personal story of friendship, death and grief is incredibly touching and illuminates a common thread we all have or will deal with in our journey as human beings. A wonderful and easy read that I would recommend to anyone.

Jason Bernardo

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