No Bad Waves: Talking Story with Mickey Munoz

This is an interesting book from the standpoint of learning the history of surfing as Mickey was in the thick of it. From the beginning when he was a kid, to the later part of his life he was always involved in some kind of ocean endeavor. He tells his story his way and it's a down to earth read from beginning to end. I enjoyed reading his tales of surfing and sailing as I grew up very close to the same era (12 years younger than Mickey) and his generation was a step ahead of mine. I live in the Dana Point area and still surf and I can tell you that Mickey still enjoys the stoke of riding a board at 80 because he was in the line up with me a couple of weeks ago on his SUP paddling into some really nice waves at Doheny Beach!

At first I thought I would be disppointed after reading Gerry Lopez's "Surf Is Where You Find It ". "No Bad Waves" started slow and eventually arced into a hopeful, inspirational and warm story of Mr. Munoz's adventures on and in the water.I wasn't interested in reading about someone's youthful pranks and coming of age. I wanted tips and tricks for an older wanna be surfer. However, Mr. Munoz aged beautifully, as I turned the pages, showing a maturity that comes only with years of expereince all the while retaining his exuberance for whatever he found himself doing. He reminded me of what a life well lived could be like while doing something one loves to do. That if there's a way to do it can be done. The lesson struck me as needing to be presnt to the moment we're all in and not off in a far corner of our minds. (A lesson also in Mr. Lopez's "Surf is Where You Find It".)By the way, there's plenty of advice, tips and things to be aware of. I also liked that he pointed out the idea of being part of the ocean no matter if on a surfboard, a boat or paddle board. The imporatnt thing is just being there.

I missed a lecture that Mickey gave recently to the Dana Point historical society. So I bought this book to learn more about a true legend in surfing culture. Since I spend a lot of time in Dana Point, I was interested in how this little town 60 miles from L.A. in Orange County became the epicenter of the surf "business" with Hobie Alter, John Severson and Bruce Brown all being based here.Mickey's stories are highly entertaining, from his days in Malibu working on the "Gidget" movies to his time with Hobie sailing catamarans. My only criticism about a otherwise excellent book is the lack of date information on the photos. Sometimes you can get an idea of the year from the cars in the background, but that is not always the case. Also, Orange County folks will know where "Poche" is (Capistrano Beach) but for folks elsewhere it might be helpful to say where it's at.All in all, a great read! I finished it in one sitting. Thank you Mickey Munoz for sharing your life experiences, and I wish I had a fraction of your skill and daring.

Somewhat simplistic, somewhat self indulgent, but I feel like I know Mickey better than I did before the book. Additionally, I wished he would have described his surfing adventures in as much detail as he did his sailing adventures. I loved the early Hawaii stories

I've always looked up to Mickey Munoz. He was one of the guys I followed when I started surfing back in 1962. This book really shows his thinking and what he accomplished. His innovation to surfboard design, and catamaran design have are instrumental. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It brought back my early days of surfing.

This is a great read about Mickey's lifetime of epic adventures and contributions. Of all the surfer bios I've read this ranks among my favorites. Where a lot of the greats moved on from surfing for one reason or another Mickey continues to embrace the lifestyle going on his 8th decade, and that is inspiring. The stories are all great and you almost get the feeling you were there.

Great short stories about a fantastic life. I had no idea one could pack this much in, but Micky Munoz did!

Really good story about how it used to be and how it will never be again. When surfers get together this is what they talk about!

An interesting look back at a time before surfing sold it's soul. I would have given it 5 stars except for the fact that there are very few dates to place the events in a timeframe context. A vague reference like ' some years ago' means nothing. However this is one man who lived life to the full and his stories are well worth telling.

Superb book. Excellent insight into a legend and also some thioughts on his shaping etc. I was very impressed and entertained.

GOAT is not a term I relish or use, some say it’s Kelly Slater, then Kai Lenny comes along but Mickey Munoz encapsulates our Surfer Stoke & talkin’ story. Duke Kahanamoku would be proud because Mickey had the most fun doing what he loves: Surfing. “Goodonya Mate, Aloha Amigo & thanks for sharing your ride” JN👣🇦🇺 (John Nielsen, President Gold Coast Surf City)