Waves and Beaches: The Powerful Dynamics of Sea and Coast

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 110 ratings

Price: 18.8

Last update: 01-02-2025


About this item

The bestselling classic updated for surfers, sailors, oceanographers, climate activists, and those who love the sea

First published in 1963 and updated in 1979, this classic is an essential handbook for anyone who studies, surfs, protects, or is fascinated by the ocean. Willard Bascom was a master of the subject and included a wealth of information based on theory and statistics, but also anecdotal observation and personal experience. It brought to the general public understanding of the awesome and complex power of the waves.

This revision from Kim McCoy adds recent facts and anecdotes to update the book's relevance in the time of climate change. One of the most significant effects of global warming will be sea-level rise. What will this mean to waves and beaches, and what effects are we already seeing? New text covers events such as the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, Hurricane Katrina flooding of 2005, and the 2011 earthquake and resulting devastation in Fukushima.

As well as students, surfers, and the general public, this updated edition of a beloved classic is an essential handbook for climate scientists and ocean activists, providing clear explanations and detailed resources.


Top reviews from the United States

  • EcoR
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterful Update to an Oceanographic Classic
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
    As an oceanographer, I have read my fair share of textbooks and research articles, but this book is something special. It has it all: super informative, incredibly easy to get into, and updated with all the latest knowledge related to wave dynamics and physical oceanography. When you compare the original 1st Edition with this book, it's amazing to see the volumes of new knowledge that was generated over the last few decades. You can literally see the progress made in this field.

    The 3rd Edition brings a fresh twist to Bascom’s classic, throwing in new research and modern challenges like climate change. McCoy has done a fantastic job of keeping it real—mixing hardcore science with stories and examples that actually make you want to keep reading.

    What I love most is how the book makes complex topics accessible without dumbing things down. It's great for pros but won’t scare off beach lovers just looking to dive deeper into what makes waves tick or why beaches are shaped the way they are.

    Whether you’re in the field, studying marine science, or just have a thing for the ocean, this book is a treasure trove of insights and a heck of a lot of fun to read. It’s like having a chat with a really smart friend who knows everything about the sea. Definitely a keeper on my shelf!
  • J. Nieling
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cool book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2024
    Bought this as a present for our son. He loves the ocean, surfing, etc. I read a chapter or two and thought it was pretty good. He seems to like it quite a bit. I think he will enjoy it. Pleased with the purchase. (Warning ... it is kind of a textbook ... not a novel, or documentary as such ... but very well done.)
  • WN
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for the wave geek or ocean enthusiast
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2022
    I bought this book for my husband, who is an avid wave studier whenever we're at the beach. He is fascinated by ocean waves, patterns and what drives them. I saw the book in a co-op in San Diego and made a mental note to look into it on Amazon. I was so happy to find it, and the description sounded like exactly something he'd be interested in. Sure enough, he hasn't put it down since I gave it to him. He LOVES it, and that's saying a lot, as he's not that much of a book reader. He says: "I am a wave GEEK, and most every chapter is enthralling. I appreciated a lot of the mathematical models, as well as the anecdotal stories and journal entries." He was afraid it might be a little heavy-handed or "browbeating" regarding climate issues but he said it wasn't at all. He finds it calming and relaxing to read in the middle of stressful times, or before bed.
  • Martina Volpp
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative, great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2021
    Although this book may initially seem like it is best suited to those with specialized interests in oceanography or those who interact with the coastal region on a regular basis. In reality I think this book would appeal to anyone with a general curiosity as to the mechanics of our coastal environment.
    It provides the reader with a broad and comprehensive assessment of the evolution of the natural forces at work which ultimately define our coasts as we know them today.
    In addition to the fact that this publication addresses a diverse range of scientific and historical disciplines, I found that it was both well written and surprisingly engaging on many levels.
    Ih short this book facilitates a profound understanding of our knowledge of the interaction between the sea and the land, which I feel most of us tend to take for granted.
  • Ralph of the beach
    5.0 out of 5 stars Update to Waves and Beaches
    Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2024
    Excellent update to a classic book.
  • Ted Fryberger
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, very informative
    Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2021
    This book is about 1/3 Oceanography, or Coastal Engineering textbook, and about 2/3 general scientific information about the ocean for anyone who does any of the many, many things we all love to do in, on, under, or around the ocean. Only read the first couple of chapters so far, but have skimmed the entire book.
  • Sofia Cajelli
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazon book
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2023
    Amazing book!
  • Pedro Pablo Velasquez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2021
    An amazing book for those looking to understand how waves emerge and their impact on beaches. It's a bit technical at times, but really easy to follow. I would recommend it even just for the great pictures it has inside. It was a great gift to a friend who surfs and loves the sea. :)
    Customer image
    Pedro Pablo Velasquez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2021
    An amazing book for those looking to understand how waves emerge and their impact on beaches. It's a bit technical at times, but really easy to follow. I would recommend it even just for the great pictures it has inside. It was a great gift to a friend who surfs and loves the sea. :)
    Images in this review
    Customer image

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