In Search of Captain Zero: A Surfer's Road Trip Beyond the End of the Road

If you have a passion for adventure travel and surfing, I am truly convinced that you will take great delight in this book. It is an absolute must-read for those who are interested in surf literature. Among all the books of this genre, it stands out as my personal favorite.

If surfing is your primary interest, there are several other excellent books that you should definitely check out. One such book is "Dogs of Winter" by Kem Nunn. Another great choice is "Tapping the Source" also by Kem Nunn. "All for a few perfect waves" by David Rensin is yet another captivating read. And finally, "West of Jesus" by Steven Kotler offers a unique perspective on the surfing world.

These books not only provide thrilling accounts of surfing adventures but also offer valuable insights into the culture and lifestyle surrounding this exciting sport. So, whether you're a seasoned surfer or just someone who loves to read about adventure and the ocean, these books are sure to satisfy your appetite for excitement and discovery.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are stuck having a conversation with an old person that you really don't want to talk to? They just go on and on, rambling non-stop. And you can't even focus on what they are saying because all you can think about is finding an opportunity to bring the conversation to an end. Well, that's exactly what it feels like when reading this book. It's full of the typical arrogant, know-it-all attitude of an east coaster. He seems to be embellishing the stories about his life, probably in an attempt to make himself look cool. But in reality, it just comes across as annoying and tiresome. The author's constant need to show off and make himself seem better than everyone else gets old really fast. It's a real struggle to get through the book when you're constantly being bombarded with this kind of behavior.

In Search of Captain Zero is Allan C Weisbecker's second novel, distinct from his first gonzo work, Cosmic Banditos. Weisbecker was once an Internet sensation. In 1989 (ish), he wrote Cosmic Banditos, a wild tale of quantum physics and marijuana smuggling. Despite not selling well initially, it became a cult classic after being distributed to soldiers in the Gulf War and passed around.

Meanwhile, Weisbecker disappeared, seemingly disillusioned by the lack of success of his novel. This left a legion of readers desperate for another copy, with some even converting the text to HTML. The story of In Search of Captain Zero is intertwined with the mythology surrounding Weisbecker. Written as an autobiography, it fills in the years between the failure of Cosmic Banditos and his return.

I had high expectations when I opened Captain Zero. I had read Cosmic Banditos in 1991 and again in 2001. However, my first attempt at reading Captain Zero was marred by my expectations. It was nothing like Cosmic Banditos, being more serious and dealing with a mid-life crisis. But when I gave it a second chance with an open mind, I was hooked.

The book begins with a man in crisis, longing for his youth as a surfer in the 60s. His mid-life crisis leads him on a mad quest down the Mexican coastline in a ramshackle motor home to find a long lost friend. As the journey progresses, the narrative develops, introducing three strands that run throughout the book. The road trip story is detailed and provides a loving travelogue of the surf routes. There is also a detective story as he searches for Christopher, and reminiscences of their youth as professional surfers and part-time pot smugglers. These stories are hilarious and add depth to the book.

The real heart of the book, however, is about surfing. It explores the love of surfing, the different types of boards, the attitudes of different surfers, and the relationship between sport and lifestyle. I can't reveal too much of the plot without spoiling it, but suffice to say that it has all the elements that made Cosmic Banditos great, and more. It surpasses its predecessor with ease and is a truly exquisite book. It put me off reading anything else for a while because it was so good. I highly recommend it, along with Cosmic Banditos, but you might want to skip Can't You Get Along With Anyone.

Conceptually, this is a truly great book. It chronicles the author's road trip that takes him all the way from Mexico down to Costa Rica in pursuit of a long-time friend. What makes it even more captivating is the unexpected revelation about his "previous life" as a major drug smuggler in the late 70's. Reading about this aspect was extremely interesting and provided a unique perspective. However, being a hard-core surfer, the author uses a lot of wave and surfer-destiny lingo. For someone who isn't as passionate about the sport, this can get a little tiresome. Nevertheless, despite this minor drawback, it is still a great book overall. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would highly recommend it to others who are looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

A truly heartbreaking tale unfolds, revealing a life lived precariously on the very edge. The descriptions of the waves are so vivid and powerful that if you're a surfer, they may well bring you to tears. It's a story that delves deep into the essence of a life dedicated to the pursuit of the perfect wave. For any perambulating wave seeker, this is an absolute must-read. It offers a rare glimpse into the trials and tribulations, the joys and sorrows, that come with a life in the company of the ocean's mighty forces. The author's words paint a picture that is both beautiful and tragic, captivating the reader from start to finish. So, if you have a passion for the ocean and the thrill of the ride, don't miss out on this poignant and moving account.

In Search of Captain Zero: A Surfer's Road Trip Beyond the End of the Road offers a thrilling account of Weisbecker's journey.

He travels slowly from Mexico to Costa Rica in search of his vanished surfing buddy, Captain Zero. The book combines elements of Point Break and Mr Nice, with a touch of gonzo travel.

Weisbecker hasn't heard from his friend in 3 years, except for a postcard. So, he packs his things and his dog into his mobile home, La Casita Viajera, and heads down the Baja Peninsula. His only rule is to never drive away from good surf.

On his journey, he discovers remote surfing spots and simple villages with little infrastructure. He vividly describes the beauty and simplicity of these places, where life can be enjoyed with just a few things.

The book is more than a travelogue and surfing diatribe. It's also Weisbecker's memoir, filled with his colorful past as a screenwriter, fisherman, and marijuana smuggler.

For surfers, it's a passionate exploration of the allure of surfing. But even non-surfers can enjoy the poetic descriptions of surf lore and law.

In Search of Captain Zero is a high-quality book that will sweep you away. It's funny, bittersweet, mystical, and gripping, and a reminder to live life to the fullest.

I bought this book after researching books about Costa Rica in advance of a holiday there.

The author was writing about Puerto Vieja de Talamanca, which was one of the stops on our trip. However, I didn't recognize the place from his description, and it made me sad that he painted such a negative picture of the town in terms of drugs and desperation. Maybe as a tourist passing through, you just don't see it, or perhaps it's not like that anymore since the book was written a while ago?

Anyway, setting that aside, I started the book invested and interested in the prospect of his journey to find his friend Christopher, who had left 5 years ago and not returned. But his long surfing descriptions began to lose me along the way. My motivation to keep reading dipped, and I confess to scanning the middle section. However, once he got to Costa Rica, I found that I couldn't put the book down. There was an ominous feeling in this section, and I felt compelled to find out what happened. I'm not sure the book really gets under the skin of the author, maybe because he doesn't seem to know what he really wants.

One of the best surfing books I’ve read is truly a remarkable piece of literature. It takes you on an exciting journey through the world of surfing, filled with thrilling adventures and valuable insights. The author's vivid descriptions bring the waves to life, making you feel as if you are right there in the water, riding the swells.

Not only does this book offer practical tips and techniques for improving your surfing skills, but it also delves into the deeper aspects of the surfing culture and lifestyle. It explores the connection between the surfer and the ocean, and how surfing can have a profound impact on one's life.

Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics of surfing or an experienced surfer seeking to enhance your knowledge and understanding, this book is a must-read. It will inspire you to hit the waves and embrace the joy and freedom that comes with surfing.