Life Around the Sea
Capturing the Heart of Australian Surf Culture
Alex Workman author Russell Ord author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Images Publishing Group Pty Ltd
Published:19th Mar '25
£60.00
Available to order, but very limited on stock - if we have issues obtaining a copy, we will let you know.

"Russell Ord’s photographic odyssey through Australia’s coastal landscape explores this unique culture by portraying the people whose lives pulsate in time with the rhythmic swells of the ocean." — HOOM
"Life Around the Sea is more than a book—it’s a tribute, a meditation, and a love letter to the ocean and the people who live in harmony with its eternal rhythm." — Ninu Ninu
"... 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 of the ocean." —The Guardian
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; those whose hearts beat in unison with the rhythmic swells of the sea. In this beautiful publication, you’ll encounter people from all walks of life, from fearless big wave 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.
"""Along Australia's windswept coastline, photographer Russell Ord has captured the essence of the country's unique surf culture. In the masterpiece Life Around the Sea, his powerful photographs are combined with Alex Workman's poignant stories of the people who have shaped their lives around the sea. We at HOOM have delved into a book full of absolutely magical images."" ""Russell Ord’s photographic odyssey through Australia’s coastal landscape explores this unique culture by portraying the people whose lives pulsate in time with the rhythmic swells of the ocean.""" - HOOM
"""Life Around the Sea is more than a book—it’s a tribute, a meditation, and a love letter to the ocean and the people who live in harmony with its eternal rhythm."" ""Written by surf journalist Alex Workman and brought vividly to life through the lens of celebrated photographer Russell Ord, Life Around the Sea profiles an extraordinary cast of characters, big wave riders, board shapers, coastal artists, and everyday ocean lovers—whose lives have been forever shaped by the sea."" ""...the result is an immersive exploration of surf culture that feels intimate, raw, and poetic. From Western Australia’s solitary shaping bays to the vibrant communities of Byron Bay, each page transports the reader through the coastline’s emotional and geographical terrain."" ""What sets this book apart is its structure—stories and images grouped by region—making the reading experience feel like a visual pilgrimage across the vast and varied Australian seaboard.""" - Ninu Ninu
"""Ord’s full-color and black-and-white photography celebrates the unique lives of surfers who share a strong bond with the ocean, and with each other."" ""The book includes profiles and stories ranging from professional surfers Tom Carroll and Claire Bevilacqua and Olympic swimmer Shane Gould, to board shapers, photographers, and artists to everyday people of all ages—surf-loving families, mums, grommets, fishermen, and more.""" - Australian Photography
"Life Around the Sea is an odyssey around Australia and an exploration of remarkable individuals who have been transformed by the sea. This book will transport you to coastal villages, hinterland hideaways, remote beaches and solitary bays that form the backdrop to these unique lives. 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 of the ocean." - The Guardian
"A tapestry of characters and images shaped by the sea – and defining Australian surf culture – is presented in a new book by Alex Workman and Russell Ord." - Carve Magazine
"...beautiful new book..." - Australian Newspaper
ISBN: 9781864709520
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 2858g
312 pages