You are bidding on a rare California Surfriders Book by Doc Ball published in 1946. It is copy #11 of 510 and was personally owned by LeRoy Grannis. It is inscribed by Doc Ball “To Granny Grannis – Kama’aina , Doc Ball, Jan 14 – ‘47. Nearly 80 years old, the book is in very good condition. This book is notorious for falling apart, and as almost with all copies, has been nicely rebound. Size is 6 1/8” x 9 1/8”. It is a first edition, first printing with light rubbing to original cover, interior fine, gilt, embossed title on cover with some fading. This lot also includes two small whistle carvings by Ball, as well as his personal pocket-sized New Testament that he was purported to carry with him. The bible is signed by Doc Ball and is sized 2 7/8” x 4 3/4”. The carved whistles are 1 3/4” x 3 1/2” inches and 1” x 1”.

Size
6 1/8” x 9 1/8”, 2 7/8” x 4 3/4”, 1 3/4” x 3 1/2” inches, 1” x 1”

Condition
very good

Provenance
“California Surfriders” is not just a book; it is a timeless masterpiece that encapsulates the spirit and essence of the surfing culture in California. Authored by the legendary Doc Ball, this particular copy holds a significant place in the surfing world as it is an original edition in very good condition and carries the coveted signature and note by the author, dedicated to the esteemed surf photographer LeRoy Grannis. Within its pages, “California Surfriders” transports readers on an immersive journey, delving into the depths of the vibrant surf scene that has made California a global surfing mecca. Ball’s prose effortlessly captures the thrill, freedom, and sense of camaraderie that define the surfing lifestyle. But “California Surfriders” is not just a visual feast. Doc Ball’s narrative talent shines through as he weaves personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and insights into the culture that surrounds the sport. Readers are treated to tales of legendary surfers, awe-inspiring rides, and the ever-changing dynamics of California's coastal landscapes. Ball's intimate knowledge of the surf community and his deep connection with the ocean become palpable on every page, immersing readers in the pulsating heartbeat of the sport. The significance of this particular edition, signed by Ball himself, adds an invaluable touch of authenticity and historical weight. It serves as a tangible link to the era when the surfing world was in its formative years, capturing a time of exploration, innovation, and unadulterated passion. For surf enthusiasts and collectors alike, this rare copy of “California Surfriders” is a prized possession, representing a true piece of surfing history. A treasured artifact that combines stunning visuals, captivating storytelling, and the added allure of an original edition signed by Ball, this book stands as a testament to the indelible impact of California’s surf culture and serves as a timeless tribute to the beauty and thrill of riding the waves. The original surfing photo book, John "Doc" Ball's 108-page California Surfriders was first published in 1946, and was made up of Ball's black-and-white photographs accompanied by short captions. "The purpose of this volume," Ball wrote in the book's foreword, "is to present pictorially some of the thrills, spills, personalities and places pertinent to surfriding, which, since its importation from Hawaii in 1907, is now becoming California's favorite saltwater sport." The original press run for California Surfriders was 510, and copies of the faux-red-leather-bound book sold for the then-exorbitant price of $7.25. Ball's photographs—action shots, porraits, and candids, augmented by a few images from other photographers—are grouped by location and presented in geographic order, beginning with Pedro Point, just south of San Francisco, and ending with Windansea in San Diego County. At least a dozen of Ball's California Surfriders photographs had already been published, in Life magazine or the Los Angeles Times; eight of his Surfriders photos were featured in "Surf-Boarders Capture California," a 1944 National Geographic article. Ball sold most of the books personally, and kept a handwritten list with the name of each purchaser. Among those who bought a copy from Ball were John Severson, Bob Simmons, Tom Blake, George Downing, and Greg Noll. Ball sold his last copy in 1971. Mountain and Sea Books republished the book in 1978 as California Surfriders 1946, and a third edition, Early California Surfriders, was released in 1995 by Pacific Publishers. — Matt Warshaw's Encyclopedia of Surfing. Mary Ann Hawkins was the undisputed standout woman surfer of the 1930s, winning the women's division of the Pacific Coast Surfing Championships in 1938, 1939 and 1940. She was also attractive, prompting one surf journalist to write that she had “the figure and looks of a movie star” and was “grace personified in the water. — “Legendary Surfers,” by Malcom Gault-Williams