The “California Surfriders” Blue Book Edition by Doc Ball is a rare gem that holds immense value and is highly sought after by surf enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs of the sport. This is the second edition published in 1978 with over 30 signatures from members of the Palos Verdes Surfing Club, including multiple signatures by Doc Ball and Tom Blake. Other luminaries have also signed such as Dale Velzy, Lorrin Harrison, Ron Drummond, LeRoy Grannis, and Pete Peterson. There is a postcard signed by Tom Blake and glued to the front cover and three other signed photographs glued to the front and back inside covers. The condition is very good with light wear and gilt title on cover and “Limited Edition by Doc Ball”. Size of the book is 7 7/8” x 11”. There is a nice inscription from surfing pioneer Mary Ann Hawkins (Midkiff) in 1990.

Size
7 7/8” x 11”

Condition
excellent

Signature
yes

Provenance
As one delves into the pages of the California Surfriders Blue Book Edition, they embark on a captivating journey through the waves and coastal landscapes of California. Doc Ball's meticulous documentation of iconic surf spots, combined with his intimate knowledge of the surf community, creates a vivid tapestry of the Golden State's surfing heritage. The Blue Book Edition, with its stunning visuals and compelling narratives, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the sport's history, culture, and the remarkable individuals who have shaped it. What elevates the value of this edition is its scarcity. The Blue Book Edition of California Surfriders is a limited release, making it highly coveted among collectors. Its rarity, coupled with its excellent condition, places it among the most prized possessions for surf enthusiasts and book collectors alike. The value of this edition extends beyond its monetary worth. It represents a tangible connection to a pivotal era in surfing, capturing the essence of a sport that has transcended boundaries and become a way of life for many. Holding this Blue Book Edition in one's hands evokes a sense of reverence for the pioneers who pushed the boundaries of what was possible on a surfboard and a deep appreciation for the rich history that continues to inspire generations of surfers. Owning this edition means possessing not only a valuable item but also a piece of surfing history that will be cherished for years to come. 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, portraits, 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