Let My People Go Surfing

The Education of a Reluctant Businessman - Including 10 More Years of Business Unusual

By: Yvon Chouinard, Naomi Klein

Narrated by: Christopher Grove, Yvon Chouinard

In his long-awaited memoir, Yvon Chouinard - legendary climber, businessman, environmentalist, and founder of Patagonia, Inc. - shares the persistence and courage that have gone into being head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth. From his youth as the son of a French Canadian blacksmith to the thrilling, ambitious climbing expeditions that inspired his innovative designs for the sport's equipment, Let My People Go Surfing is the story of a man who brought doing good and having grand adventures into the heart of his business life - a book that will deeply affect entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

With a preface to the second edition, introduction, and epilogue read by the author.

©2016 Yvon Chouinard (P)2016 Penguin Audio

From the Heart

I have a lot of respect for Yvonne Chouinard. He lived an amazing life and was mindful the entire way. after listening I yearn to climb mountains, to work in such an amazing company as Patagonia, to start an organic farm, and to practice Civil Disobedience. To think about life and put your thoughts to action.

Excellent!

Chouinard delivers a message for our times that all should read. He shows us a new path.

Brilliant / insightful/ visionary/ qualitative!!

I have followed Yvon's work and books for many years .
Each book is a research mine of data and factual stories and success principles

as well as the most important asset, comment sense and environmental foundations that are for the right reason using the right technology and principles.

Principles sums up the ethics and the actual commitments that Chouinard and his teams (plural) have co created which in turn have beneficial repercussions in the ecology and economy and our future planet and sustainable lifestyle..

I am best friends with many of Yvon's best friends here in Hawaii and I see in the amm this faith that what we do has a definite impact on society in the long tern and increasingly on the environment and business evolution in the short and long term
We don't have an option to choose any other path than commitment to a multi platformed diversity of comprehensive solutions which are sustainable and economically viable

I would love to see all of Yvon's books make it to audio format.
Bravo Master!

Best book I ever read

Open my heart and mind for our world problems and difficulties.
We should all listen this book.

Very Informative

If you care about our planet and our children’s future listen to this book and make a change, even if it’s a small one.

A most listen

I have well over 100 books in my library, many of them non-fiction. This book is the best among all of them. It's message will stick with me for a long time.

Be the change

Lots of good reminders and lessons for all those in leadership positions.
Be the change you want to see.

Let's be better

As a new entrepreneur, the philosophies and principals outlined here inspire me to build a better and more sustainable world

Among the best books of founders

A window into the mind of Patagonia’s founder. Solid brand. Solid company. Pretty honest view from his perspective.

Great lessons on business and morality

I’ve always been a fan of Patagonia’s brand, so I figured I’d finally pick this one up. I honestly didn’t know anything else about the book at the time. In the end, what I found was a wonderful read on consumerism, business, morals, and responsibility.

The book starts by talking about how Patagonia got its start as well as how it operates. It’s clear that the company’s values are super solid — they've remained private all these years simply so they can focus on their mission of saving the planet (rather than focusing on the bottom line).

In the second half of the book, the author turns toward climate change and how consumerism runs in direct conflict with it. As he states, when we treat our possessions as if they can easily be discarded, it’s not long before we look at the earth in the same fashion.

Thus, much of the second half of the book features explanations on how to cut one’s carbon footprint and live in a way that's more conscious / that promotes the health of the planet. The author really calls out other companies and consumers here, saying that we need to start putting our money where our mouths are. We need to analyze where everything we buy comes from and cut out the products that are most hazardous to our planet.

Of course, the subject of climate change is a scary one, so any book that focuses on it can become something of a frightening read. Here, however, I think the author toes the line between calls for action and hysteria nicely. After reading, it’s hard to not feel called to action.

I really admire Chouinard both for this work and how he runs his company. Moreover, I recommend that just about everyone pick up this book.

-Brian Sachetta
Author of “Get Out of Your Head”