Saltwater in the Blood: Surfing, Natural Cycles and the Sea's Power to Heal

Easkey Britton is a surfer, scientist, and social activist who explores the sea's role in the wellness of people and the planet. She offers a powerful female perspective on the sea and surfing, explaining what it's like to be a woman in a man's world and how she promoted the sport to women in Iran. She also discusses the taboo around entering the water while menstruating and how she has come to celebrate her own bodily cycles. Britton believes that understanding the influence of cycles becomes even more important in a society that rewards busyness. She explores the mental toughness needed in big-wave surfing and presents surfing as an embodied mindfulness practice. She stresses the need to recognize the ocean as our most powerful ally when addressing the climate crisis and believes that we must meet life and evolve with it rather than seeking to control it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: Watkins Media

This captivating essay delves into the profound connection between humans and the ocean, penned by Easkey Britton, a remarkable surfer, scientist, and social activist. Through her powerful female lens, she explores the intricacies of being a woman in a predominantly male-dominated world, while also advocating for the inclusion of women in the sport of surfing in Iran. Britton candidly discusses the taboo surrounding menstruation and how she has embraced her own bodily cycles, celebrating them as a source of strength and empowerment.

She has developed her unique approach to surfing, harmonizing with the natural rhythms of her body, the moon, and the seasons. In a society often driven by productivity, Britton emphasizes the significance of understanding the influence of cycles, recognizing their presence in both men and women. For her, the ocean serves as a profound source of mental and physical well-being, offering a space for mindfulness and connection with the dynamic movement of waves.

Britton also delves into the mental toughness required for big-wave surfing, portraying it as an embodied practice that fosters flow and a deep connection with the ocean's energy. She stresses the importance of recognizing the ocean as our most powerful ally in addressing the urgent climate crisis, urging us to embrace a harmonious relationship with our planet rather than seeking to control it.

Through her profound connection with the sea, Britton has learned the invaluable lesson of adapting and evolving alongside life's currents. Her wisdom resonates deeply, offering a beacon of hope for a sustainable future where our planet can thrive and survive. This essay serves as a testament to the power of the ocean, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of embracing our interconnectedness with the natural world.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 136 x 215 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786785558
Edition number: New ed