Bluewater Gold Rush: The Odyssey of a California Sea Urchin Diver

Writer is an amateur and this isn’t written with amazing prose or style but it’s a solid story and writing is engaging and fun. I enjoyed it. Author connects with reader quickly and stories from diving days are interesting and go down easy.

After reading excerpts in The Surfer's Journal and hearing friends in the West Coast water world rave about this gem of a book, I bought it and devoured it a weekend. This is a terrific read, at once an honest, deeply personal memoir and an entertaining swash-buckling tale of adventure. Kendrick writes in a clear, deceptively easy style that grabs you off the dock on the first page and the next thing you know, you're down 85 feet deep on a big money dive in the gin clear waters of a virgin reef by the Channel Islands. And it doesn't let up.Kendrick was a member of the Santa Barbara, California-based sea urchin divers who pioneered this offbeat fishery, reaping its rewards and facing lethal dangers, opening new waters in Northern California, even--and this is insane--harvesting urchins at the Farallon Islands, the stalking ground of the Great White Shark. There are some great stories here, moments of danger and reward, death and laughter, all told with great insight. This is a memorable book that deserves to be in the book collection of anyone who loves the ocean and the lore of the sea.Rumor has it that the author has been hired to write a screenplay adaptation. This book is an absolute natural for the big screen. Highest recommendation.John Grissim, author, Pure Stoke and The Lost Treasure of the Concepcion

I was one of the last commercial abalone divers in California in the 70’s. I chose not to dive for urchins but I knew a number of the guys in this book.It is a wonderful and accurate insight into the world of commercial urchin divers and the madness therein.I have reread it a couple of times.

I hardly ever write reviews, but I wanted to offer my two cents on Tom Kendrick's memoir of fishing, friendship, and family on the California coast. From the unforgettable opening scene, the author invites you into the world of sea urchin divers, a group of miscreant adventurers whose chosen trade seems to necessitate an intimate relationship with danger.I have nothing to do with this industry; I've never gone diving. But my interest in food and eating local led me to an interest in California fisheries; of these, the sea urchin fishery seems to be the newest and most idiosyncratic. From this book, I learned that each sea urchin must be foraged and harvested by hand by a diver who faces rough seas, strong currents, poor visibility, stiff competition, and the occasional harrowing Great White attack.Kendrick is a natural storyteller and this book--with its short chapters, sharp details, and almost Dickensian character portrayals--was a thoroughly enjoyable and quick read. It honors divers and skippers without sentimentalizing them.Upon finishing the book, I visited my local sushi bar and ordered some uni. Knowing its story made each mouthful even sweeter.

Bought three copies for friends

As an avid So Cal diver, I'm familiar with California's important urchin fishery. I've also lived and traveled over much of the state. As such, this was an interesting read.That said, the book is very simply written, occasionally repetitive, and could have been more tightly edited. The book is somewhat autobiographical, and was a bit slower as a result. However, the author's Farallone experience and tales of Ron Elliot were standouts.If I had the option, I would've given the book 3 1/2 stars, 4 was generous. I'd say if you're particularly interested in the subject matter, you'll probably enjoy this book. Otherwise, it's not the most compelling read. I'd recommend The Devil's Teeth by Susan Casey.

Being a boater in this great cruising grounds I had particular interest in this story. I found the writer to be an excellent story teller who did a great job of helping the reader to vicariously experience the thrills and the fears and sacrifices of these adventurous entrepreneurs who plied the waters of the California Coast during this exciting period. I learned a great deal about a subject matter that I knew little about. This is an excellent summer read and an educational lesson for those who want to better understand the amazing spirit of capitalism that has powered Americas success in the world since our founding.

I never would have expected to enjoy a story about surfer-boy who grows up. This book is full of wonderful characters, excellent settings, great dialogue, and it tells the story of an intriguing time in California history. Read it even if you have never dived, never surfed and never even been on a boat. Tom can reach you with his exquisite prose.