If you’re planning a surf trip to Cornwall, there’s nothing better than building excitement by diving into a great surf book. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a progressing intermediate, or simply someone who loves the ocean, the right surf book can inspire you, boost your confidence, and help you understand the rhythm of the sea before you even step onto the sand. Cornwall’s coastline is famous for its rugged beauty, consistent swell, and welcoming surf culture, and reading up beforehand makes the whole experience even more rewarding.
In this guide, we’ll share some of the best surf books to read before visiting Cornwall’s waves. These titles combine practical advice, captivating storytelling, and deep respect for the ocean. They’ll help you arrive with a stronger sense of surf safety, technique, and mindset—so you can make the most of every session.
Many surfers focus on physical preparation, but mental preparation is just as valuable. A well-chosen surf book can give you background knowledge that will make your lessons smoother and your sessions safer. Moreover, reading about the experiences of others helps you develop a deeper connection to the sea.
In addition, Cornwall’s beaches, from Summerleaze to Widemouth Bay and Polzeath, offer a wide range of surf conditions. A surf book can give you the confidence to adapt, understand the ocean’s patterns, and know what to expect on the day. It’s a simple way to arrive informed and excited for your surfing adventure.
One of the most accessible and encouraging surf books for beginners, The Surf Girl Handbook is packed with everything you need to know before hitting the waves. Covering surf fitness, equipment basics, pop-up techniques, and ocean safety, it’s a user-friendly guide that combines great visuals with step-by-step advice. Although it’s written with female surfers in mind, the information is valuable for anyone learning to surf.
This surf book is especially useful for visitors who want to understand surfboard types, surf etiquette, and how to read a beach before paddling out. It’s a perfect companion for those taking their first lessons in Cornwall.
If you prefer something more narrative-driven, William Finnegan’s Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir is an excellent choice. Barbarian Days isn’t a how-to guide; instead, it’s a beautifully written story about a lifelong obsession with waves. By following the author’s adventures around the world, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for surfing culture, determination, and the emotional pull of the ocean.
Before you visit Cornwall, this surf book will help you understand why surfing means so much to people across generations. It brings to life the passion that often begins with that very first wave.
If you want to understand how surfing developed in the UK, The Surfing Tribe is an essential surf book to read before your trip. Written by Roger Mansfield, one of the pioneers of British surfing, it traces the sport’s growth from the 1960s to the modern day. Packed with rare photographs, personal accounts, and colourful stories, it offers a fascinating look at how surfing took root on Britain’s coastline.
Before visiting Cornwall, this surf book gives you valuable context about the people, places, and moments that shaped the South West surf scene. It helps you appreciate not just the waves, but also the heritage behind them. For anyone interested in surfing history, this is a perfect pre-trip read.
For something a little lighter but full of inspiration, Eat Surf Live is an excellent companion for your Cornwall adventure. This surf book blends stunning coastal photography with practical tips for living an active, outdoor-centred lifestyle. It’s not a technical manual; instead, it celebrates the joy of simple living—good food, good waves, and time spent by the sea.
Before you visit Cornwall’s beaches, Eat Surf Live helps you embrace the relaxed, positive mindset that surfing encourages. It’s a great choice for readers who want to connect with the lifestyle surrounding surfing as much as the sport itself.
Finally, if you want a straightforward introduction to surfing, The Surfing Handbook is an excellent pick. It explains equipment, basic techniques, surf conditions, and safety in simple, friendly language. When paired with a lesson from a qualified instructor, this surf book can help you start your surfing journey with confidence.
Preparing for a surf trip doesn’t just mean checking the forecast or packing your wetsuit. It also means getting into the right mindset. A well-chosen surf book helps you arrive in Cornwall informed, inspired, and ready to make the most of the waves.
Before you head to the beach, take some time to read, learn, and immerse yourself in surf culture. Then, when you finally step into the Atlantic, you’ll feel a stronger connection to the ocean—and a deeper appreciation for every wave that comes your way.
If you’d like book recommendations tailored to your ability level or your upcoming lessons, just let us know!
