Dale Velzy is Hawk Hardcover – August 26, 2006

As a second cousin of Dale's but about 14 years younger, he was a frequent part of our family gatherings and I saw him pretty often when I lived in Southern California; the photo of his family shows several of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., with him. My mom took me to his shop in Manhattan Beach just above the pier, and to his shop in Malibu, where I watched him shape for awhile. He and my dad, who was born in Hermosa Beach, used to surf the outflow from the Edison Electric plant there in winter. I would run across him from time to time when I lived at the beaches there, and folks used to tell me stories, too, so I knew quite a bit about him.But not nearly so much as is in this book, and his full history is mind blowing. He was/is a legend in his own time, living free on the beaches under lifeguard boats, riding horses on the beach, downtown, all over; doing what Dale loved, and that was a lot.The entire, complete, fantastic story is laid out in this book in a fashion that only someone with Paul Holmes' background as a highly respected surfer/writer/editor of surfing stories, surfing magazines, and friend of Dale's could have done, and I am thankful to him for having done so. His background and credentials clearly got him the history and the stories from those who lived it, and he tells the story as only a polished professional can do.Nice to see, too, is that this biography was put together by surfers who created the sport. There are several out that, while glossy, read far more like just another publicity release from just another publicity agent. This book runs over with truth and honesty in depicting not just the man, Dale Velzy, but the California that only existed in one time and place is now, sadly, only history.My hat is off to Paul Holmes and this great work. And any time you want, Paul, you can call me and talk about Dale. If you're not still here, then I'll wait to see if we met on the other side.

I wanted to learn more about the origins of surfing and how it came to be in California. I don't even surf! I was intrigued about how surfing and the hot rod scene blended together. It's a long read. I had to read it in several setting just because of the content of the book. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn aboutthe history of surfing, the evolution of surf board construction and the different personalities who became the pioneers in the surf board industry.

Excellent Book, well written and covers the early history of surfing. Dale Velzy was instrumental in surfboard making and its history from its early infancy.This book tells and shows how Dale Velzy brought surfing on solid wood surfboards through to his influences on current designs.It tells and shows how the Hawk liked to roll with his own style and and class and with an awsome skill for making surfboards.The history of surfing started in Hawaii, the word spread by the Duke then Tom Blake then Velzy

This is a great look into the history and enduring characters of our sport. Well researched, well written, and so interesting to get inside looks and stories from and about the people who surfed for the love of surfing.

Outstanding book for my library...and signed by Dale!

This is a wonderful fun easy to read book .It flows like the perfect wave .. If you love surfing or want to learn about the history of surfing, this is the book for you ........!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of photos and great stories...of the,, Master Shaper ,Super Surfer and a heart as big and pure as California gold... Hard to put down .. The good news is ,you know you will pick it up again and again,,!Dale Velzy, is the WHO'S WHO of surfing..Where would surfing be with out him ? Find out .. you will be glad ya did.. No library should be with out it..This book is a "must have",,Mahalo