Tao of Surfing

Finding Depth at Low Tide

By: Michael A. Allen

Narrated by: Tadd Morgan

A New Way of Healing

“The roads I travel and the waves I search for and ride exemplify the flowing movement and continuous change of life itself.” — From the book

Internationally acclaimed and Pulitzer Prize nominated author Michael A. Allen, takes you on a journey into the recesses of your soul and explores the ontological question, "What is our underlying essence?" Mr. Allen uses the metaphor of the sea, and its ebb and flow, to describe the Tao of life's cycle. And he discovers within this unique reflection a new way to comfort and heal the Self from the trauma of death.

With a mix of vivid sensory-descriptive language, and use of metaphors and similes to evoke emotions and engage the reader's imagination, Mr. Allen effectively transports the reader to these stunning and reflective locations.

Mr. Allen’s writing style accompanied his interest in translating words to film. This brought him to write the screenplay adaptation with his brother-in-law Alex Carig, ultimately making “Tao of Surfing” into the award-winning, socially impactful, full-length feature motion picture “A Long Road to Tao.”

©1997 Michael A. Allen (P)2026 Michael A. Allen

Critic reviews

"Tao of Surfing is an inspired book and a unique reflection that will have a lasting effect on anyone who reads it."—Bob Walch, The Monterey County Herald

"Author Allen…in fine, thoughtful fashion…writes well, informally, and there is haiku in his observations…A delightful book, effortlessly wise."—The Book Reader

"From the first pages of this remarkable book I was captivated by the gently profound philosophy of riding through life with graceful balance."—Greg Ambrose, author of Surfer's Guide to Hawaii and co-author of Memories of Duke, the Legend Comes to Life