California Surf Museum's Jim Kempton Releases 'Women on Waves'

OCEANSIDE, CA — There are few people in Oceanside or even around the world that know as much about the history of surfing as Jim Kempton. That may explain why Jim's much-anticipated new book is already making waves in the publishing world by selling out the 1st edition even before today's official release date.

'Women on Waves, A Cultural History of Surfing: From Ancient Goddesses and Hawaiian Queens to Malibu Movie Stars and Millennial Champions', is Jim's 3rd book. His first two books were 'First We Surf, Then We Eat' and 'Surfing: The Manual'.

The new book spans over 200 years of women in surfing from 17th-century Hawaii, where the world’s oldest known surfboard belonged to a Polynesian princess to little-known surfing stories about well-known people. From mystery author Agatha Christie, who was an avid surfer to Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe, who “were regulars in the surf.”

Kempton's book also takes a deep dive into the competitive surfing scene around the world and the challenges that women still face for gender equality. Layne Beachley is one of the 120 women Jim interviewed for his book. Layne is a 7x World Champion surfer and chair of Surfing Australia. She jokingly told Jim to call the book, "The Surf's Shit, Send Out The Girls". To which Jim replied, "That's perfect because it sums up how women in surfing were treated for many years and the kinds of struggles they faced". Jim says that's a key part of what he attempts to highlight in the book.

While the book did not officially launch until today, the reviews illustrate why the first edition has already sold out.

"Fascinating and spectacular. The detailed history easily bobs along thanks to Kempton’s riveting narration. This is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in the sport."
– Publishers Weekly (Starred)

“This is going to be the Gold Standard for women’s surfing history around the world. The visual story telling interwoven with historical facts is stunning.”
– Shannon Aikman, Co-Founder, Women’s International Surfing Association

“I believe in the power of personal narrative, in the voices not first heard. Women on Waves is a rare gem. The sheer number of stories, from competitive triumphs to personal struggles makes this fascinating history of women's surfing more than just comprehensive. It is, in effect, the entire sweep of surfing culture—told for the first time through the lens of women’s experiences."
– Samantha Dunn, author of NOT BY ACCIDENT and special projects editor at the Southern California News Group

“I love being part of women’s surfing right now! There are so many girls rocking it and pushing hard. It’s so awesome to see and inspires me to push hard too. I can’t wait to see what women’s surfing will be like when I’m an oldie!”
– Bethany Hamilton

“A sublime, heavily researched, well-written, labor of love.”
– David Rensin, author of the New York Times best-seller "Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In"

“An engaging, inclusive history of surfing, full of unforgettable women and their stories. Kempton has a smooth narrative voice and a talent for uncovering the hidden heroines of the beautiful, dangerous, always enthralling sport... An outstanding choice for sports and surfing aficionados.”
– Library Journal

"Readers will learn about women surfers in each decade whose achievements were ignored by the surfing media and who battled issues of gender inequality while creating opportunities for the next generation. Kempton presents a comprehensive and important group portrait and an enriching contribution to women’s sports history that honors influential wave riders and celebrates surfing sisterhood."
– Booklist

When he's not writing books about surfing, Kempton keeps busy as the President of the California Surf Museum. He was also the former award-winning editor-in-chief of SURFER magazine. Jim lives in San Clemente, CA.

Don't miss your chance to get an autographed copy of Women on Waves from Jim Kempton.

Upcoming Books Signings for Women on Waves

July 10: Brawner Boards Surf Shop in San Clemente

July 14: California Surf Museum in Oceanside (4pm-6pm)

July 17: Girl in the Curl Surf Shop in Dana Point (4pm-6pm)

July 25: Rising Co in Oceanside

Read more reviews and order the book at Simon and Schuster Books

Take an insider look at the California Surf Museum collections with Jim Kempton in this article from May - Catch Some Wave Science, Art & Legends At California Surf Museum

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