Determined to get his prototypes back, he enlists the help of a professional hurricane surfer, an Alaskan oil
worker, and a French salt farmer. But he's no criminal mastermind, and they soon find themselves caught
between a growing hurricane and a surprise algae field.
Will Moro succeed? Will they beat the hurricane surfing world record? And how exactly does one farm salt?
It's a hopeful climate heist—a solarpunk blend of Ocean's Eleven, The Martian and Michael
Crichton.
“The dialogue crackles with wit and urgency throughout. The result is a highly addictive tale that
can be completed on a coast-to-coast flight. For those who are hungry for hope, action, and
innovation in the face of climate catastrophe, Medema’s debut is a gust of fresh air.”
“In a literary landscape cluttered with anxiety about the future, How to Surf a Hurricane
offers an adventure set in a more hopeful version of the near future."
"A sophisticated caper that weaves together corporate espionage, extreme sports, and environmental
activism into a story that feels both timely and timeless."
“I was fascinated by Moro's passion and stubborn determination. I recommend it to readers who love
fast-paced adventure with themes of science, high-sea sagas, and saving the world.”
“The climate science and technologies embedded into this near-future world, as well as the
resilience and teamwork of the characters, inspire hope. This novel builds a world I could
imagine—and would want to live in!”
— Jade Cooper, Climatebase Fellow
"As someone who reads a good bit of (usually pretty dark) cli-fi, Hurricane was, literally, a
breath of fresh air. Twists and turns and never a dull moment. I particularly appreciated how
science and hope intertwined with the narrative, and the trajectory from elite-savior to community
(Mondragon!) effort and innovation. Todd teaches without being pedantic. Who wouldn't want to live
in this new world of opportunity and sufficiency?"
“An electrifying fusion of climate fiction, corporate espionage, and high-octane adventure. Anchored
by a compelling protagonist and driven by real-world urgency, the novel manages to be both a
fast-paced thriller and a timely commentary on innovation, sustainability, and sacrifice.”
— Charnjit Gill, Author of Pray Tell
“An exciting tale of a high-stakes sport and technology. Written from multiple perspectives, fans
will be sure to find a character that speaks to them and plunges them into the world of high-tech
international intrigue. The pages will keep turning all the way to the thrilling conclusion!”
— Kevin Rowlett, Author of Project Outrigger
“This book is bonkers in the best way. It's like if a science nerd, a surfer, and an eco-activist
all walked into a bar and decided to steal a battery prototype during a hurricane. Sounds insane? IT
IS. And I loved every second of it.”
“Reading a debut novel like Todd Medema’s How to Surf a Hurricane offers a bit of an extra
thrill. It’s probably how people felt back in 2009 seeing Lin-Manuel Miranda’s rap about Alexander
Hamilton, which eventually flowered into the musical Hamilton. The energy is there.”
“Chaotic, clever, and surprisingly heartfelt. The story races from tense boardrooms to roaring
waves, balancing action with laugh-out-loud moments and “wait, what?!” twists.”
A fast-paced read with thoughtful themes, How to Surf a Hurricane is perfect for book clubs and
educators! In fact, there's even an official
book club discussion guide.
Want to use the book in your classroom? Contact Todd for an educational discount.