When one of the world's most recognizable surfers, Joey Buran, paddled out to the world's most famous surf spot, Banzai Pipeline, on December 17, 1984, he knew his immediate destiny lay before him. For twelve years, he'd lived and breathed one dream—winning the Pipeline Masters, the world's most prestigious surf contest. It was the Super Bowl and World Series of surfing.
An hour after paddling out, Joey emerged from the warm Hawaiian waters victorious, conquering his greatest pursuit. But where to go from here? What does a 23-year-old do when he has already achieved what he knew to be his life's purpose to that point?
Welcome to Beyond the Dream: From the King of Pipeline to a Life of Serving and Inspiring Others, the much-anticipated memoir of Joey's enthralling journey from the California Kid adored by the surfing world to a highly respected minister nationwide. Written with fast-paced, bluntly honest, riveting storytelling that mirrors his surfing style, Joey shares his career-defining victory at Pipeline, to creating the United States' first professional surfing tour—then hitting a dark and rough spell that nearly cost him his life.
He emerged to find his spiritual calling as a well-respected minister on both coasts, serving others rather than his own career goals. This included creating the popular Worship Generation movement and church in 2000, aided by future music superstars Jeremy Camp and Phil Wickham.
And Joey went surfing again. Did he ever! In 1998, he won the World Masters Championship in thunderous 15-foot surf in Puerto Escondido, Mexico. In 2009, he received the highest honor in his sport, being inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame. Eight years after that, he coached Team USA to the World Surfing Championships title.
One of the most striking aspects is the author's narrative voice—it's as if we're back on the beach with him in the 1980s, toes in the sand, Joey keeping an eye on a ball that's moving in many directions. Now, the ball bounces toward finding and giving ourselves as women, men and youth in our daily lives. He writes in a heartfelt manner about how his maturation as a man, husband, parent and grandparent, minister, and sports coach effected a deep shift from serving himself as a professional athlete to serving others. As motivational and inspiring stories go, his story illustrates what is possible when we believe in ourselves, work harder than the people around us, and place absolute faith in God to guide us along our destined path—parts of Joey's Eight Pillars of Success which will leave readers asking for more.
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Joey Buran is one of the best-known American surfers of all time. For a decade, he was the voice and face of the exploding California surfing culture and a top-ten world competitor. After winning the prestigious Pipeline Masters in 1984, he started the US Pro Tour of Surfing, and then found a purpose beyond his dream of winning Pipeline to become a highly respected minister on both coasts. Later, he returned to surfing, won the 1998 World Masters Championship, and coached Team USA to the 2017 World Surfing Championships title. Joey and his wife of 37 years, Jennifer, have four kids and nine grandchildren. They live in Southern California.
Read an article/review of Beyond the Dream and interview with Joey Buran on SURFER magazine
Read an article/review of Beyond the Dream and interview with Joey Buran on BeachGrit
Read an article about Beyond the Dream on The Coast News
Read an excerpt of Beyond the Dream on SurferToday
Best surf books of all time by SurferToday
Author interview with Max Van Rees on SurferToday
Read an interview with Joey Buran in VoyageLA
"My life has been forever impacted by Joey Buran. His sense of conviction and purpose in life are something of a contagious nature. He will inspire you to serve others, take chances, reach for excellence, achieve greatness and enjoy the journey God has set before you along the way."
—Garid Beeler, Senior Pastor, Vision City Church, Irvine, California
"The captivating story of a man whose life has influenced so many others. His constant encouragement, wisdom and life-giving words have inspired so many others to pursue their dreams. Beyond the Dream is a page turner that takes you through every high and low life has to offer and leaves you with hope that never fails."
—Susan Branch, Former General Manager, Roxy America; Former General Manager, Billabong Women's Global
"The takeaway from Beyond the Dream can be life changing! Finding purpose and focus for your life is intentionally woven throughout the book. So many life lessons and great practical advice. A 5 out of 5 stars and an inspirational read!"
—Luke Caldwell, President, Timber and Love Home Design and Real Estate; HGTV star of shows Boise Boys and Outgrown
"The beach-blond life force of Joey Buran hit me on my first visit to Hawaii back in 1978. I eyed him for the ease in which he found the tricky tubes at Rocky Point and then eventually to where our true surfing character was to be revealed down the beach . . . at Pipeline! Watching Joey win Pipeline Masters in 1984 lit a fire in me that pushed me for even greater successes in my own career. After Pipeline he just disappeared! What a blessing to now see the contributions of his life being defined and celebrated in his book Beyond the Dream. Thank you, Joey, for bringing your commitment and boundless energy to everything you do!"
—Tom Carroll, Two-time ASP World Surfing Champion; Three-time Pipeline Masters Champion
"Joey Buran is an extraordinary individual whose impact on the world of surfing and beyond is unparalleled. As a Pipeline Masters champion and World Champion surf coach of the USA Surf Team, Joey's positivity and encouragement have been a beacon of inspiration to all who know him. His dedication in guiding others to reach their fullest potential is truly remarkable. He is a true role model, embodying a life of faith, service, excellence and humility. Beyond the Dream is an inspiring read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed!"
—Greg Cruse, Former CEO, USA Surfing
"Loved the journey of this book! A reminder of the amazing ways God has used the life of Joey Buran over the decades. In Beyond the Dream, Joey takes the reader on a fascinating adventure from young local surfer to the top of professional surfing and then ultimately to a lifetime of serving God. Filled with tenacity, determination, discipline and humility, you can expect to be amazed by Joey's journey while being inspired and encouraged to discover and fulfill your own."
—Pastor Jim Gallagher, Senior Pastor, Calvary Chapel Vero Beach; Vero Beach, Florida
"It is such an honor to endorse Beyond the Dream! Joey's life and ministry have been nothing short of tried-and-true faithfulness. His steadfastness in surfing and ministry have inspired following generations to emulate his example, including my own. This book will encourage the weary while reminding all of us to pause and realize God's steadfast faithfulness throughout the highs and lows of our lives. Thank you for making such an impact on my life!"
—Sarah Hill, Executive Director, Beautifully Flawed Foundation
"Beyond the Dream is a compelling story of Joey Buran's passionate and relentless pursuit of his dream. An authentic tale of a champion that helped usher in the era of modern professional surfing which then became the meteoric growth of the sport and lifestyle billion-dollar industry. Having known Joey since he was 15, I have watched his journey in amazement. From one unimaginable dream to another, it is the ultimate ride and I am a fan! His story, accurate, honest and humble, is a completely relatable human journey filled with human struggles and unfathomable successes. This book is a page turner and one that I could not put down!"
—Bob Hurley, Founder and Former CEO, Hurley International
"Like Joey, Beyond the Dream is a rip-roaring narrative where we see the anvil of God break down the desires, ambitions, pains and dreams of his life, all the while shaping them into a magnificent work of art. The California Kid is still riding high!"
—Pancho Juarez, Senior Pastor, Ark Church Montebello
"Joey Buran's multifaceted career from California Kid to Pipeline Master to Team USA coach and Calvary Chapel pastor unfolds in Beyond the Dream. A great read."
—Jim Kempton, Author, Women on Waves; Former Publisher and Editor, Surfer magazine
"Beyond the Dream is an amazing story of God's glory through Joey's extraordinary journey. Breathtaking and life changing, this book will inspire and encourage many. A must-read book for anyone who wants to make the rest of their life the best of their life."
—Keith Randolph, President, Liberty Financial; Author, 100 Secrets to Success
"I was there on the beach the day Joey Buran won the Pipeline Masters and he was killing it! In Beyond the Dream, Joey does the surfing world as well as any sports enthusiasts a favor, giving us insight into the heart, mind and soul of a professional athlete at an elite level. Mahalo for writing with such candor and compassion, showing us the way to success on earth and in heaven!"
—Mike Stangel, Pastor Emeritus, North Shore Christian Fellowship; Former Chaplain, Hawaii Triple Crown of Surfing, Haliewa, Hawaii
"Joey teaches life lessons and that surfing isn't everything, but that friends, family, education and other things beside surfing matter."
—Kaleigh Gilchrist, Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Team USA Women's Water Polo
"In 1974, Joey Buran and I sat beside each other in the lineup at Tamarack Beach in Carlsbad. Beyond the Dream brings me to those early days. A profound adrenaline rush of Joey's journey to become the Pipe Masters champion, and his inspiring shift from surfer to pastor."
—Julie Moss, Author, Crawl of Fame; Member, International Triathlon Hall of Fame
"The mere 500 words in this column make Buran's journey seem easy. It was not. But when his unwavering determination combines with his rock-solid faith, mountains move. As well as being an adrenaline-pumping read, [Beyond the Dream] is inspiring for anyone setting aim for an unlikely dream."
—Chris Ahrens, The Coast News