Books

Dr Rips Essential Beach Book: Everything You Need to Know About Surf, Sand and Rips - 2nd Edition!

Rob Brander

Published in October 2023 by UNSW Press in Australia and May 2024 by Columbia University Press in the US, Canada and UK, this updated edition takes you on a fascinating and entertaining journey to uncover how our beaches form and behave, the science of waves and currents, how beaches respond to storms and climate chnage, as well as some of the hazards to watch out for, from tsunamis to the (unlikely) event you find yourself swimming with a shark.

Whether you’re a surfer looking for the perfect wave or enjoying the beach with friends and family, this book is a must-read for all ocean lovers.

What’s new in this edition? A fantastic dedicated colour picture section with stunning new images to bring beaches, waves, and rips to life. While the book has been updated throughout, the chapter on rip currents and beach safety have had a major overhaul to match the latest science and safety advice. And I’ve added more personal stories to make it more relatable (hopefully).

The Essential Beach Book is available at all good bookstores and the Australian version can be ordered online including directly from UNSW Press.

The US/International version has a slightly different title (Dr Rip’s Essential Beach Book; Everything you need to know about surf, sand and safety’ and is available through bookstores, online and directly from Columbia University Press.

‘So good it should be compulsory reading at school and in planes flying to Australia’ - Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (‘Dr Karl’)

‘The beach is a fun, but dangerous place. Everyone who loves the surf should read this fantastic book’ - Mick Fanning, World Surfing Champion

‘Dr Rip’s knowledge of how beaches work has helped save many lives’ - Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins, Bondi Rescue

‘Dr. Rip’s Essential Beach Book provides an appealing overview of waves and beaches with a folksy tone and scientific perspective. The author covers everything the public needs to know about beach safety, with a focus on understanding, identifying, and escaping rip currents.’ - Stephen P. Leatherman (“Dr. Beach”), professor in the Department of Earth & Environment, Florida International University

‘I think everyone who likes the beach should read this book - and it’s way better than the first edition!’ - Rob Brander (author)

Dr Rips Essential Beach Book: Everything You Need to Know About Surf, Sand and Rips

Rob Brander

Many of us live near the beach and many more visit the beach on holidays. But just how much do we understand about the beach and its potential hazards? The types of waves and the way they break, tides and tsunamis, dangerous rip currents and how to spot them, and why some beaches are safer than others. Every year, hundreds of people drown and tens of thousands need to be rescued from beaches around the world, often because they don’t have basic beach knowledge and safety skills. The Essential Beach Book is a simple, entertaining and useful guide to beaches and beach safety, with a solid scientific basic. Rob Brander, aka Dr Rip, explains how beaches form, what drives waves how rip develop, and offers practical advice to show you how to get the most out of your day at the beach.

Published in October 2010 by UNSW Press, this bestselling book is now out of print (sold out!). While you can try and find hardcopies online at great expense you can still purchase an ebook version

‘So good it should be compulsory reading at school and in planes flying to Australia’ - Dr Karl Kruszelnicki (‘Dr Karl’)

‘The beach is a fun, but dangerous place. Everyone who loves the surf should read this fantastic book’ - Mick Fanning, World Surfing Champion

‘Dr Rip’s knowledge of how beaches work has helped save many lives’ - Bruce ‘Hoppo’ Hopkins, Bondi Rescue