Big waves are the most important part of a surfer's life, but food has to come next. In her first published cookbook, "Surf Food: The Ultimate Surfer's Cookbook," Nava Young has compiled an assortment of recipes favored by some of the world's greatest surfers. As the daughter of legendary surfer and book author Nat Young, Nava had a leg up on her project.
"I wanted to enjoy my children's successes while I'm alive, and see them live their dreams," Nat said an interview.
The 25-year old Australian native, raised in a surfing family, has been coming to Sun Valley her entire life. She is also an accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist and, of course, a professional surfer. She said the process of making "Surf Food" was a big learning curve, especially from a business perspective.
"I graduated from Southern Cross in Australia with a degree in arts and a double major in creative writing and international studies and tried to put off getting a real job as long as possible," Nava said.
Twenty-five world-champion surfers, both men and women who surf short and long boards, are featured in the book. The 136-page hardcover book has over 180 photos, and includes entertaining information about some of the world's best surfers.
"I think a lot of surfers are pretty healthy and their recipes are not complicated," she said. "You don't need to be a master chef."
The cookbook includes smoothie recipes from professional surfer Kelly Slater and favorites from Laird Hamilton.
"People who are into surfing, the outdoors and this type of lifestyle will love it," Nava said. "I would like to donate a percentage of the profits from the book to a surfing charity."
Nava will be present for a book signing on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 4-6 p.m. at Iconoclast Books in Ketchum.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Nava Young is a professional surfer and has self-published her first book, “Surf Food: The Ultimate Surfer’s Cookbook.” Photo by
