Cortes Bank | Chris Dixon

Ghost Wave: The Discovery of Cortes Bank and the Biggest Wave on Earth
By Chris Dixon
(Chronicle Books, $25)

Just as Ishmael has Moby Dick, surfers have Cortes Bank — an underwater mountain 100 miles off the coast of San Clemente, Calif., that causes a wave scientists believe is capable of reaching 1,000 feet or higher. In Ghost Wave, surfing journalist Chris Dixon explores the titular wave’s legend and lore, which started claiming fascination — and lives — as far back as the 1400s. Starting with the first recorded sightings of the wave and ending with the surfers who take on the wave’s challenge today, Ghost Wave is an information-packed homage to those who dare to try.