Breaking Waves: Discovery, Healing and Inspiration in the Open Water

by Emma Simpson

A warm, reflective and uplifting memoir about healing wounds, reclaiming a voice and discovering freedom through the open water.

The open water. To the uninitiated, it represents the unknown, an expanse of mystery and uncertainty. But to those who brave the wild waters, it is so much more. A space to heal. A place of communion. A balm to quieten the mind, soothe the soul, and allow you to reconnect with the world and yourself.

Emma Simpson discovered wild swimming after a period of immense pain. Lost in grief, disillusioned with life, and feeling increasingly untethered from the world, she instinctively felt the pull of the water. There she found an unexpected source of hope and strength, a profound sense of connection, and a glorious sisterhood of women - each with their own remarkable stories to tell.

Interweaving the tales of these inspirational women with reflections on her own experiences, Emma explores themes ranging from devastating loss to birth and rebirth, and from chronic illness to body confidence. Whether describing the taste of an iceberg or a kiss from a baby whale, Breaking Waves is a love letter to womanhood and the open water. It's also a celebration of community, renewal and the power of writing your own life story. Above all else, it is a joyous celebration of going with the flow.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 28, 2026

Reviews

[Dee Hancocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breaking Waves is a story beyond the water. It’s a story about humanity, sharing and overcoming. As someone who loves the water I knew that I would enjoy this. I’ve always been intrigued by wild swimming in rivers and reading the stories of women who have braved the cold waters I felt myself there with them and uplifted. I work in mental health and reading how healing our natural world can be as we test ourselves, face fears and feel held by the open water was compelling. Water itself isn’t everything though, the importance of community support shines bright throughout this book echoing how we are never alone and the power sharing stories can have. The writing is lovely, flowing like a stream with beautiful descriptions of waters and waves. As water is essential for life how better to write a reflective memoir than to harness its power. If you find yourself adrift then this book is for you. Thank you to the publisher Icon Books for a copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

[Kelly 🌻🌞🌱 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ “Water is where I began, and it is the element that has taken me full circle. Throughout my life, I have felt exquisite pain and loss alongside side-splitting hilarity, euphoria, wonder and love. The water doesn't take away these emotions but provides me with an anchor in which to rest them, a space to lay them aside just for a moment. Water is not everything, there is no panacea, yet it helps me to notice myself and my world, and to give myself time to heal.”

Raw, beautiful, and a completely absorbing read.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most extraordinary book on loss and grief and connection and the profound joy of getting into water. I devoured it, and swam between reads. An absolute joy.

[Marzena Wrobel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! What a beautiful story of a human and water. Sisterhood of women. Support, care and conservation.