Books by Chris Santella

There's an incredible similarity between the mechanics of a fly cast and the swing of a golf club. Perhaps that's why Chris Santella, author of "Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die," can be found on the links when he's not on the stream. With "Fifty Places to Play Golf Before You Die," Santella gives voice to his other sporting passion, interviewing 50 people intimately connected to the sport about some of their favorite courses around the world. For both passionate golfers and armchair travelers, this gorgeous full-color book presents the world's greatest golf venues, the personal favorites of renowned players, course architects, and other experts in the sport. From Ballyliffin, Ireland's northernmost course, whose rumpled fairways wander along the North Sea in the shadows of Glashedy Rock, to New Zealand's Cape Kidnappers, perched atop dramatic cliffs some 500 feet above the ocean, the book's beautiful photographs capture the architecture, noteworthy holes, location, and ambiance that make these courses standouts for ardent golfers. A brief history of each course, an experiential account-filled with local color-from the person recommending the venue, and trip-planning advice provide adventurous readers with all the information they need to chip and putt their way around the globe. A close-up look at golf's top courses around the world, recommended by such experts as Nick Faldo and Christie Kerr (pro golfers), Pete Dye and Tom Doak (course architects), Brian McCallen (editor and author), and Donald Trump With breathtaking color photographs of each site, this is a great gift for avid golfers and armchair travelers alike

The book will cover three types of climbing--trad, sport, and bouldering--and will feature breathtaking venues from the North Cascades to Patagonia. Featuring insight from leading rock climbing gear companies like Petzl, professional climbers like Jon Cardwell, and outfitters like Katy Holm and Rob Hess, Fifty Places to Rock Climb Before You Die is the essential travel companion for climbers of all levels of expertise.

Thirty seven stories take readers from leaping makos near the fairways of Torrey Pines to midnight Atlantic salmon fishing on the fabled Ponoi. Santella's peripatetic lifestyle and eye for entertaining details - even those that have little to do with the act of throwing flies at fish - will make one look at fishing in a whole different way.

In Fifty Places to Camp Before You Die, Chris Santella illuminates the best destinations for exploring the great outdoors. The book features the world's top spots for sleeping under the stars and enjoying a host of outdoor recreational activities that make camping such a time-honored tradition. Featuring favorite US National Parks destinationsas well as more exotic locales in Italy, Chile, France, Botswana, Germany, and moreSantella provides helpful information and tips that will appeal to novice campers and seasoned outdoorsmen alike. Interviews with camping experts and beautiful, vibrant photography bring each location to life. Fifty Places to Camp Before You Die makes camping trips more accessible with easy-to-follow advice, enthralling anecdotes, and tips and plans for creating your own amazing outdoor memories.

Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die - the tenth book in Chris Santella's popular "Fifty Places" series - takes readers on a tour de force of some of the world's most inspiring ski/snowboard areas.