Let My People Go Surfing

By: Yvon Chouinard, Naomi Klein

Narrated by: Christopher Grove, Yvon Chouinard

Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's Summary

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.

Good presentation, though a little preachy

I respect Patagonia and the fact that the company stands behind its values. I was hoping for more on the overall management of the company, not so much on this is what is wrong with the planet and let me give you a ton of statistics to back it up.

A great look at how business can be used for good

A great read that I would recommend to any and every business owner, or entrepreneur, that gives a damn about the world they operate in. It is both a good adventure in how Patagonia came to be and a insightful journey about the founder Yvon and his deep rooted values that shape the company. This book will force you to critically examine your business and the impacts that it has on the world as a whole. There are also some very insightful ideas that can be applied to any business that desires to operate in a more "sustainable" manner. Yvon is an inspiring figure whom makes no excuses when critically examining his own company and holding it accountable for any impact that it has, both positive and negative. Patagonia is a role model that all businesses should look to aspire to. Yvon and this book have definitely inspired me personally and I think it will for you as well if you give it a chance.

Must Read

A personal, yet totally relatable (and usable) manifesto on business, adventure, environment, and just being human. This book will help you see more clearly the right path forward in whatever it is you're doing.

Half and half not

The first half of this book was insightful, however the second half was too specific to clothing manufacturing or restatements of previous points.

Stands out from other memoirs

Where does Let My People Go Surfing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the better audiobooks I've listened to. There was a nice mix of storytelling and advice and wisdom. Not too dry.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Yvon Chouinard (the author and one of the only real characters in the book)

Have you listened to any of Christopher Grove and Yvon Chouinard ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book inspired me to try and be a more environmentally conscious person over all. It made me want to cut down on my consumption and rethink and reevaluate the way I look at clothing and the outdoors.

Any additional comments?

Great read, not just for people who want to learn about business or Yvon Chouinard.

one of the most eye opening books I've ever read

I work in an entrepreneurship college, where every day I see co-workers, students, and business owners succomb to the pitfalls chouinard references. If I took one thing away from this book, it's that simplicity really will likely be our greatest innovation. "Turn around and take a step forward"

amazingly inspiring

Thanks for shinning the way for us in order to work TOGETHER for a better world!

Rethink, Reuse, Reniew

In the first five minutes of listening to this book I knew it was going to change the way I think. Actually it took me back to thinking the way I did in the 1980s. Somehow through consumerism I developed a hopelessness for the environment, but this book has restored hope and belief that I can make a difference.

This book was absolutely fantastic.

I appreciated the unique perspective this book offered. The authenticity and honesty throughout the entire book was refreshing and insightful. This book changed my life and my habits.

Highly recommended

In a world where many people are naive enough to think that life's goal is the accumulation of wealth at the expense of all else, Yvonne provides a working example of how we will be measured, not by our bank balance but by the lack of impact our actions have on the planet.
A brilliant book form end to end.
Highly recommended.
Read it, then live it.

Buy the book

Great book. loved the environment section. I would prefer to read the paper book though.

Patagonia leading to do environmental business

Next time you buy anything, ask yourself "who made it," "where was it made" and does this company care about the environment and the labour staff. This is a great book which provides insight into the how a company made mistakes and what actions it took as soon as it realised that their product was toxic.

Do you plan to let your people go surfing?

An insipration on knowing what your purpose is when setting up a business and knowing the role the business plays both in society and in relationship to the planet

inspirational

beautifully written book, inspirational and profound. packed with so much information and insight I'll be reading this over and over again.

The future of business

Thought provoking and insightful in equal measure, this is a rallying cry to business to challenge the convention of hierarchical, command and control consumer driven enterprise and pursue the creation of a new type of commercial organisation motivated by its purpose and it conscience rather than just money.

Inspiring

The environmental crisis is real and terrifying, and this book does an excellent job of explaining where we are and how we got here. it also explains real, tangible ways we, and more to the point, businesses, can change behaviour to set us on the path to a more sustainable way of life. Essential listening for anyone who cares.

Truly inspiring book

As a long time admirer of Patagonia it was great to get an in depth understanding of business ethics and the long term growth without compromising principles.

Now to start my Patagonia.

Must read for every conscious business owner

An extremely honest and inspiring story of how doing well by doing good is possible. how doing nothing is actually evil and why we need activism approach encouraged in corporations.

Inspirational

I’ve been a Patagonia Pro for 20 years and their message, their causes and their methods hold so much value and truth. The book is an inspiration and speaks of so much that should be taken note of, should be actioned and instilled in our daily lives.
Read it and take action to save the planet you live on, not for your sake, but for the future generations, for our children.