Chasing Dreams: A Surf-Inspired Children’s Book
Hunter Jones and Jon Pickle have released a surf-inspired children’s book titled Chasing Dreams, designed for children who have not yet discovered their personal passions. Based on the authors’ experiences growing up as surfers in the South Bay, the self-published book supports the Surfrider Foundation by donating a portion of every sale to the protection of oceans and coastlines.
How did Chasing Dreams originate?
The project began during the pandemic when Jon Pickle, an award-winning movie trailer editor, spent eight months without work. According to Pickle, he searched for surf-themed children’s books for his three-year-old son, Wolfe, and found very few options available.
Pickle and Jones, who grew up together in the South Bay, collaborated to fill this gap. They designed the artwork in-house and self-published the semi-autobiographical story.
What is Hunter Jones’s background in surfing?
Jones grew up in Westchester, in the South Bay area outside Los Angeles, and rode his first wave at age 10. He did not follow the path of a typical sponsored athlete, instead filming clips with friends and working as a lifeguard in his teens to stay near the water.
Jones later completed an internship with the World Surf League (WSL), which led to a full-time position as a social media coordinator. At age 23, he left the WSL to build a free-surfing career based on filmmaking, brand partnerships, and content creation.
How does the book support ocean conservation?
The authors partnered with the Surfrider Foundation to ensure the project benefited the environment. Jones stated that because the ocean inspired every page of the book, it felt right to give back to protect it.
The book serves as a framework for children to find their own passions, whether those interests involve surfing or other activities. It is currently available for purchase on Amazon and at chasingdreamsbook.org.
What may happen next for the authors?
Given the semi-autobiographical nature of the project, this release could be the first of several books from Jones. Future publications may further explore his unconventional path from community college to professional free-surfing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the authors of Chasing Dreams?
The book is co-authored by Hunter Jones and Jon Pickle.
Which organization receives a portion of the book’s sales?
A portion of every sale goes directly to the Surfrider Foundation to protect coastlines and oceans.
What inspired the creation of the book?
Jon Pickle noticed a lack of surf-themed children’s books for his son during the pandemic.
Do you believe sports-themed children’s books help kids discover their own passions?