Life Around the Sea

Life Around the Sea explores the iconic Australian coastlines, surf, and the wave-seeking community captured through masterful photography by Russell Ord. Intimate personal stories written by Alex Workman celebrate surf culture and the indelible connection to the sea.

Life Around the Sea is an odyssey of Australia and a deep dive into some of the remarkable individuals who have been transformed by the sea’s enduring embrace. There are individuals all around the country whose hearts beat in unison with the rhythmic swells of the sea; people who have found solace in the ocean and pursue a surfing lifestyle because of their unbreakable bond with the water.

You’ll encounter people from all walks of life, from fearless big waver riders, and surfers who first felt the tender caress of a wave in their childhood, to artists drawn to the coastline to bring its ancient beauty to life, and shapers who expertly craft boards for wave seekers around the globe.

Be transported to Australian coastal villages, hinterland hideaways, remote beaches, and solitary shaping bays that form the backdrop to the unique lives of these people. Their personal stories, told by surf writer Alex Workman and captured by Russell Ord’s evocative and breathtaking photography, are a testament to the boundless beauty, mystery, and inspiration that the ocean bestows upon us all.