Book: Surf Odyssey

Cold-water surfing, the most remote surf spots, spectacular photography, illustrations, and custom boards: Surf Odyssey documents the modern cult of surfing as its own subculture and way of life.

There’s much more to surfing than palm trees and beach boy clichés. Beyond mainstream surfing lies an uncharted sea of creativity, community, and independence that celebrates the true nature of surfing. Surf Odyssey depicts this contemporary surf culture: the adrenaline-rush of cold-water surfing, the daunting treks through the terrain of Africa balanced by the welcoming Temple of Enthusiasm in Bali, the quest to find nature in its purest form, and the reward of finding oneself. Stunning images from pioneering outdoor photographers and poignant portraits of movers and shakers within the scene narrate a tale of wave-riding that steps away from social norms and into aquatic swells of adventure. 

Revealing surfers to be multifaceted spirits, Surf Odyssey underlines the natural connections between environmental responsibility and the thrill of embracing an unbroken wall of water whilst showcasing the products and places that comprise this unique community.

Multitalented graphic artist, Andrew Groves, is also a passionate surfer and deeply involved in the surfing scene. The designer has a special focus on surfing and outdoor lifestyles; his illustrations have graced the pages of publications like the New York Times, Huck Magazine, the New Yorker, GQ, Wired, and the Guardian. In 2011, he founded Miscellaneous Adventures, a project for which he hand-carves practical objects from wood.