Life Around the Sea

• An essential book for anyone who lives and breathes surfing or delights in the splendor that nature - in particular, the ocean - has to offer

• Displaying full-color and black-and-white photography of breathtaking scenes from surf beaches across Australia

• Photographs are grouped together by region, providing a visual journey that begins and ends in Western Australia, the home of photographer Russell Ord

• Profiles in narrative form are scattered throughout the book, providing glimpses into people's lives - from professionals in the industry such as known legend Tom Carroll and Olympic champion Shane Gould, to everyday people who feel the call to the sea and surf for the pure love of the sport

• The book features people who live close to the water, as well as those who travel to seek the waves their hearts desire

• A key theme in Life Around the Sea is the connection shared between surfers and the ocean, and the bond surfers therefore have with each other. A sense of peace, harmony, and community is felt among surfers far and wide

• This book is a beautiful tribute to the surfing culture in Australia and the awe-inspiring waves its beaches can conjure

Life Around the Sea is an odyssey through which we can explore the existence of those whose hearts beat in unison with the rhythmic swells of the ocean. This book features stories of individuals who have discovered their true selves among the salt, sand, and surf. We encounter people from all walks of life, such as the surfer who first felt the tender caress of a wave in their childhood, the fearless and infamous big-wave riders, the artists drawn to the coastline to bring its ancient beauty to life, and the shapers who expertly craft boards for wave seekers around the globe. The power of these narratives is truly magnified by the striking images alongside them, assembled by accomplished photographer Russell Ord. His lens captures the essence of each unique individual, revealing the depth of their profound connection to the sea. His images provide another dimension to their stories, allowing us to gaze into the eyes of the ocean’s kin, feel the salt on their skin, and experience the majesty of the sea through their perspectives.