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Saltwater in the Blood: Surfing, Natural Cycles and the Sea's Power to Heal
Powerful feminist nature writing by the pioneer of women's big-wave surfing in Ireland. Easkey Britton provides a rare female perspective on surfing, exploring the mental skills it fosters, and the need to recognize the value of the ocean and of nature's cycles in our lives.This is an incredibly inspiring exploration of the sea's role in the wellness of people and the planet, beautifully written by Easkey Britton – surfer, scientist and social activist. 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, surfing while wearing a hijab. She speaks of the undiscussed taboo around entering the water while menstruating – and of how she has come to celebrate her own bodily cycles. She has developed her own approach to surfing, which instead of seeking to dominate the waves, works in tune with the natural cycles of her body, the moon and the seasons. In a society that rewards busyness, she believes that understanding the influence of cycles becomes even more important – and we all have them, men and women. For Easkey, the sea is a source of mental and physical wellbeing. She explores the mental toughness needed in big-wave surfing, and presents surfing as an embodied mindfulness practice in which we can find flow and connect with the movement of the waves. She stresses the need to recognize the ocean as our most powerful ally when addressing our greatest global the climate crisis. Above all, Easkey’s relationship to the sea has taught her about the need to meet life and evolve with it, rather than seeking to control it. By such wisdom our planet might just survive and thrive.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2021
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445 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 8, 2022
There is something mesmerising about the sea and Easkey Britton’s story shares her physical and intellectual pursuit of it, her mindful practice in relation to it, eventually learning how to awaken to the more feminine element of her psyche in her relation to it with others.
The Irish Coast and Big Wave Surfing
Saltwater in the Blood is an account of her lifelong relationship with the sea, surfing and the rugged coastline of Ireland’s western coast. Complimented by her beautiful illustrations, as on the cover, it is perhaps the nearest thing to experiencing surfing without getting in the water!
She writes about surfing, her connection with the sea and the Irish coast, natural cycles, the ebb and flow of life and learning to let go.
Right from her early school days, if the tide was out far enough the seafront provided a shortcut to school. Her father surfed and painted and she joined the boys in the water, learning to surf at a young age and becoming a pro champion surfer who toured the world catching waves.
In the first part of the book she shares how she focused on surfing, following a well trodden path, overcoming fear, learning to read the signs, pushing her physical and mental limits as each level of difficulty was conquered, trying to stay grounded and safe, while riding and being tossed by the waves.
Connect Not Conquer
However, over time, she learned to regard the sea in a different way and began the process of letting go of the need to compete and the heightened awareness that being one of the only girls in the water carried with it. She began the process of moving away from competition towards collaboration (a process that Riane Eisler writes about in Nurturing Our Humanity: How Domination and Partnership Shape Our Brains, Lives, and Future).
Though she recalls the excitement of learning to tow-surf (pulled behind a jet ski in order to access big waves a paddle surfer can’t get to) and the thrill of surfing the giant waves nearby at Mullaghmore (see Conor Maguire riding a 60-foot Monster Wave), an invitation to travel to far flung places to write about surfing in countries and cultures where it is little known, provides her an opportunity to learn more from what the sea offers, and the unique experience of being in the company of women and their shared relationship to the sea.
Surfing in Iran
One of the most interesting chapters in book for me, was the time she spent in Sistan-Baluchistan in Iran.
The first trip was captured in a short film by her travelling companion, French filmmaker Marion Poizeau, an effort that she eventually published on YouTube having failed to find a production or TV company to share it. It went viral – MISSION “SURF EN IRAN”! and was the beginning of their adventure, the second time, the story became about connecting with and teaching a local group of Baluch women to surf.
Before climbing on the surfboards, they would do what in effect were warm up exercises, but not of the traditional sportsman type, they would play in the waves and get a feel for the swell and the breakers, preparing themselves by sensing the sea’s mood, harmonising with each other.
This change of direction, firstly away from the competitive purpose of surfing and even away from the act of discovery and exploration, towards a meaningful exchange, capable of contributing something meaningful to each others lives, is what I was most impressed by, particularly thinking about that in the context of what today is about, empowering women through sharing knowledge.
Joined by Mona Seraji, a snowboarder and Shahla Yasini, a swimmer and diver, this experience would result in the award winning documentary Into The Sea. Through the eyes of these three women, the viewer experiences the journey from a unique and unusual perspective, full of heart and emotion.
Protect the Ocean
The book ends with a message about looking after the ocean and the responsibility we all have to protect our local water sources.
I also enjoyed that there were so many familiar references to other books I’ve read about the sea or the environment, like Rachel Carson’s The Sea Around Us, botanist Robin Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, Anne Morrow Lindbherg’s classic Gift from the Sea and many more.
If you like reading books about the sea and particularly from a woman’s perspective, add this one to your list!
The Irish Coast and Big Wave Surfing
Saltwater in the Blood is an account of her lifelong relationship with the sea, surfing and the rugged coastline of Ireland’s western coast. Complimented by her beautiful illustrations, as on the cover, it is perhaps the nearest thing to experiencing surfing without getting in the water!
She writes about surfing, her connection with the sea and the Irish coast, natural cycles, the ebb and flow of life and learning to let go.
Right from her early school days, if the tide was out far enough the seafront provided a shortcut to school. Her father surfed and painted and she joined the boys in the water, learning to surf at a young age and becoming a pro champion surfer who toured the world catching waves.
In the first part of the book she shares how she focused on surfing, following a well trodden path, overcoming fear, learning to read the signs, pushing her physical and mental limits as each level of difficulty was conquered, trying to stay grounded and safe, while riding and being tossed by the waves.
Connect Not Conquer
However, over time, she learned to regard the sea in a different way and began the process of letting go of the need to compete and the heightened awareness that being one of the only girls in the water carried with it. She began the process of moving away from competition towards collaboration (a process that Riane Eisler writes about in Nurturing Our Humanity: How Domination and Partnership Shape Our Brains, Lives, and Future).
Though she recalls the excitement of learning to tow-surf (pulled behind a jet ski in order to access big waves a paddle surfer can’t get to) and the thrill of surfing the giant waves nearby at Mullaghmore (see Conor Maguire riding a 60-foot Monster Wave), an invitation to travel to far flung places to write about surfing in countries and cultures where it is little known, provides her an opportunity to learn more from what the sea offers, and the unique experience of being in the company of women and their shared relationship to the sea.
Surfing in Iran
One of the most interesting chapters in book for me, was the time she spent in Sistan-Baluchistan in Iran.
It was a land not known for its surf-exposed coastline. A short stretch of coast, about 60 to 80 kilometres, lies in a narrow swell window between Pakistan and the coast of Oman, exposed for a few months of the year during Indian monsoon season. This was a part of Iran that didn’t feature in any travel guides, let alone surf magazines…At first, it was primarily about the waves, like all surf trips -the discovery of waves that maybe no one else had surfed before. But it soon became something much more.
The first trip was captured in a short film by her travelling companion, French filmmaker Marion Poizeau, an effort that she eventually published on YouTube having failed to find a production or TV company to share it. It went viral – MISSION “SURF EN IRAN”! and was the beginning of their adventure, the second time, the story became about connecting with and teaching a local group of Baluch women to surf.
I wanted to understand the challenges and opportunities of being able to do it and how this compared to our notion of surfing as a pursuit that offers a sense of freedom, flow and escapism and how that was translated in the context of somewhere like Iran.
Before climbing on the surfboards, they would do what in effect were warm up exercises, but not of the traditional sportsman type, they would play in the waves and get a feel for the swell and the breakers, preparing themselves by sensing the sea’s mood, harmonising with each other.
This change of direction, firstly away from the competitive purpose of surfing and even away from the act of discovery and exploration, towards a meaningful exchange, capable of contributing something meaningful to each others lives, is what I was most impressed by, particularly thinking about that in the context of what today is about, empowering women through sharing knowledge.
It was a breakthrough moment for me personally in terms of how my relationship with surfing and my body truly altered and I realized how much more drawn I was to the connective rather than competitive aspects of surfing and the sea.
Joined by Mona Seraji, a snowboarder and Shahla Yasini, a swimmer and diver, this experience would result in the award winning documentary Into The Sea. Through the eyes of these three women, the viewer experiences the journey from a unique and unusual perspective, full of heart and emotion.
Protect the Ocean
The book ends with a message about looking after the ocean and the responsibility we all have to protect our local water sources.
I also enjoyed that there were so many familiar references to other books I’ve read about the sea or the environment, like Rachel Carson’s The Sea Around Us, botanist Robin Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, Anne Morrow Lindbherg’s classic Gift from the Sea and many more.
If you like reading books about the sea and particularly from a woman’s perspective, add this one to your list!
October 18, 2021
It honestly does not matter if you surf or not, if you have a relationship with the ocean already or if it terrifies you, male or female; I truly believe as many people as possible should read this book. There are so many lessons to be learned from Saltwater in the Blood, and each reader will gain something different but equally valuable from reading it. It is beautifully written by an incredible woman, full of knowledge that would benefit anyone who reads it. It is incredibly intimate, open and honest. Easkey really opened up every aspect of her life to tell this story, and I can only hope that I get to read more of her work in the future if she decides to write more.
October 19, 2021
This book brings you on a flowing journey that keeps you engaged at every turn. There is something for everyone here. Something that will touch your heart and speak to your soul, reminding you of those most important connections in your life. You do not need to be an avid surfer or water lover to enjoy this book thoroughly but you may feel the urge to dive into your nearest body of water by the time you’re finished!
December 5, 2021
First book in years that I couldn’t even finish. Not my cup of tea … little bit cringy even.
June 21, 2024
This book really felt like such a journey, it was truthful and beautifully written. Definitely feeling inspired.
April 2, 2024
4.75 ⭐
This was an incredible book.
Easkey Britton perfectly articulates the feelings and experience of embracing water and the healing power of the sea. I've never read such an accurate description of catching a wave and being washing machined before. She is an incredible woman and an amazing writer.
I really enjoyed fresh perspectives on climate change and our movement away from nature and the environment. How our lack of connection to nature and the sea is both a result of capitalism and the patriarchy. The book is also rich with stories from other countries and cultures, describing connections to the sea all over the world. Incredible perspectives on what surfing can do for women all over the world and oppressed women and children in parts of the world.
I didn't 'get' the references to natural cycles as much. That is likely down to my own lack of education on the topic. But every other aspect I enjoyed completely.
**added** The illustrations were also brilliant.
This was an incredible book.
Easkey Britton perfectly articulates the feelings and experience of embracing water and the healing power of the sea. I've never read such an accurate description of catching a wave and being washing machined before. She is an incredible woman and an amazing writer.
I really enjoyed fresh perspectives on climate change and our movement away from nature and the environment. How our lack of connection to nature and the sea is both a result of capitalism and the patriarchy. The book is also rich with stories from other countries and cultures, describing connections to the sea all over the world. Incredible perspectives on what surfing can do for women all over the world and oppressed women and children in parts of the world.
I didn't 'get' the references to natural cycles as much. That is likely down to my own lack of education on the topic. But every other aspect I enjoyed completely.
**added** The illustrations were also brilliant.
September 1, 2021
Easkey Britton is an Irishwoman who learned to surf in the cold, wild water off the coast of Donegal. Both her parents and extended family had been in love with surfing for decades and it never occurred to Easkey that surfing was considered a male sport. As a child she became fascinated with all experiences inspired by the sea - the poetic and artistic, the physical and psychological connection, and the scientific study of the water itself and the creatures that live within it.
Britton earned a PhD in marine studies and participated in many research projects. But beyond her academic exploration of the ocean, the author remained captured by her early sense of oneness with the sea. She began to equate its cycles with those in her own body, and her spirituality became attuned to the rhythms of the tides.
Barron began to travel in search of more challenging and larger waves to surf, beginning with a trip to Hawaii at age thirteen with her mother. She eventually surfed in California, Newfoundland, Iran, and many other countries. She has surfed competitively, even taking on giant waves that require being towed out by a jet ski beyond the surfline.
Dr. Britton is an artist, an athlete, a scholar, and a student of all expressions of the feminine in nature and in humanity. This is a marvelous book that should appeal to a wide variety of readers.
Britton earned a PhD in marine studies and participated in many research projects. But beyond her academic exploration of the ocean, the author remained captured by her early sense of oneness with the sea. She began to equate its cycles with those in her own body, and her spirituality became attuned to the rhythms of the tides.
Barron began to travel in search of more challenging and larger waves to surf, beginning with a trip to Hawaii at age thirteen with her mother. She eventually surfed in California, Newfoundland, Iran, and many other countries. She has surfed competitively, even taking on giant waves that require being towed out by a jet ski beyond the surfline.
Dr. Britton is an artist, an athlete, a scholar, and a student of all expressions of the feminine in nature and in humanity. This is a marvelous book that should appeal to a wide variety of readers.
February 15, 2022
firstly, I am incredibly impressed by Easkey Britton, particularly her involvement with charities/causes, such as with child victims of the chernobyl disaster when she was so young. I think it is very impressive to have had that level of empathy with others from a different part of the world at such a young age, and then act on those feelings with so much energy. I am similarly impressed by her work with women in Iran and would like to watch the film that was made about her.
I found 'Saltwater in the blood' to be a meditation of sorts. I picked it up throughout the day, reading a few pages at a time. the topics covered included relationship with the sea, with our bodies, different perceptions of watet/the sea, how different people/cultures relate to the sea. I did find the themes of the book quite repetative so it didnt maintain my interest throughout, but as a meditation, the repetition was just a part of this particular meditation.
Very new to writing reviews, so this is a v basic one to begin.
I found 'Saltwater in the blood' to be a meditation of sorts. I picked it up throughout the day, reading a few pages at a time. the topics covered included relationship with the sea, with our bodies, different perceptions of watet/the sea, how different people/cultures relate to the sea. I did find the themes of the book quite repetative so it didnt maintain my interest throughout, but as a meditation, the repetition was just a part of this particular meditation.
Very new to writing reviews, so this is a v basic one to begin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2023
Easkey seems like a remarkable and wonderful human being and I am fascinated by her connection to the sea, her contribution to the world of surfing and marine science, and her family's special history with surfing in Ireland. Unfortunately, I was unable to engage with these interesting topics in any meaningful way as this is one of the most messily written books I have ever read. Overly descriptive prose, constant repetition of themes and a DESPERATE need for a good editor with a full box of red pens on hand. From the very first two lines I was lost on what the author was trying to say. Each paragraph is practically unconnected to the one before, a series of stream of consciousness, overly poetic nonsense completely burying the fascinating story to be told. A total and complete disappointment and an effort to finish. I would read an edited version of Easkey's story in a heartbeat but this was a painful read.
June 30, 2022
I enjoyed this book so much. It is about a womans journey surfing from competitive to big waves to just a love for the waves and her connection with the waters. Traveling around the world and teaching other women to surf was so inspiring. She was not afraid to talk about women's menstruation and the connection it has with the moon and the sexism she recieved from it.
Subjects of art and creativity were discussed and contains some beautiful sketches in chapters.
I learned alot about the reality of how behind even now women are in the sports world in particularly with watersports and how negative an impact that is. More women die in tsunamis than men, a scary fact.
The sea is a place of spiritual connection with yourself and not a place to be afraid and this author beautifully explains why.
Subjects of art and creativity were discussed and contains some beautiful sketches in chapters.
I learned alot about the reality of how behind even now women are in the sports world in particularly with watersports and how negative an impact that is. More women die in tsunamis than men, a scary fact.
The sea is a place of spiritual connection with yourself and not a place to be afraid and this author beautifully explains why.
June 25, 2023
I came to this book, not knowing what to expect. It’s not normally a topic that I would be drawn to. My relationship with the sea to date is probably best described as cold, distant and reluctant. However, armed with a recommendation from a friend and a looming triathlon giving me the impetus to address this urgently, I gave it a go.
The title goes so much further than a description of the author’s feelings. It describes humanity’s relationship with the sea, whether we know it or not. The wisdom contained in the pages of this book is ancient and meaningful. The stories affect every aspect of a life well lives - from introducing surfing to Iran to finding meaning in the ebb and flow of the tide and our bodies, it is something I already know I will read time and again. It left me with the feeling that I can continue to discover meaning in life - not bad for a book (and yes, the swimming lessons are in the diary).
Bonus tip: the audiobook is read by the author; the Donegal accent really sets the mood. I’ll probably buy the hard copy too though.
The title goes so much further than a description of the author’s feelings. It describes humanity’s relationship with the sea, whether we know it or not. The wisdom contained in the pages of this book is ancient and meaningful. The stories affect every aspect of a life well lives - from introducing surfing to Iran to finding meaning in the ebb and flow of the tide and our bodies, it is something I already know I will read time and again. It left me with the feeling that I can continue to discover meaning in life - not bad for a book (and yes, the swimming lessons are in the diary).
Bonus tip: the audiobook is read by the author; the Donegal accent really sets the mood. I’ll probably buy the hard copy too though.
June 28, 2021
I was interested in Saltwater in the Blood: Surfing, Natural Cycles and the Sea’s Power to Heal, by Easkey Britton, after watching the surfers in Hawaii.
Saltwater In The Blood is an interesting ramble of the author’s personal experiences, all connected to surfing and the sea, almost like the reader’s struck u a chat with a surfer at the beach. Easkey Britton talks about the physical and mental challenges of surfing, but mostly about how this activity connects her to the ocean and its seasons and cycles. These are accessible, enjoyable vignettes even if you’re not a surfer. If you’ve ever enjoyed a swim in the sea or watched waves or looked at all the cool little creatures in a tidepool, you’ll be able to relate to these experiences. And if you’ve ever felt inexplicably better near the ocean, you’ll know just what she’s talking about.
Saltwater In The Blood is an interesting ramble of the author’s personal experiences, all connected to surfing and the sea, almost like the reader’s struck u a chat with a surfer at the beach. Easkey Britton talks about the physical and mental challenges of surfing, but mostly about how this activity connects her to the ocean and its seasons and cycles. These are accessible, enjoyable vignettes even if you’re not a surfer. If you’ve ever enjoyed a swim in the sea or watched waves or looked at all the cool little creatures in a tidepool, you’ll be able to relate to these experiences. And if you’ve ever felt inexplicably better near the ocean, you’ll know just what she’s talking about.
July 16, 2022
Highly recommend.
"Beginning to pay attention to my own inner ebb and flow has made me more sensitive to imbalances. It reveals the high cost of being always active in a society that fosters a toxic relationship with time, demanding a constant push towards an always out-of-reach fixed point or outcome on the horizon. Today's society puts a high price on productivity. It values consistency and stasis, not fluctuations of ebb and flow. To do nothing is shameful. So is bleeding. We're not just disconnected from each other and our environment, but from our own bodies. The equally important need for stillness and reflection gets lost."
"You can do anything you want. But you can't do everything."
"Beginning to pay attention to my own inner ebb and flow has made me more sensitive to imbalances. It reveals the high cost of being always active in a society that fosters a toxic relationship with time, demanding a constant push towards an always out-of-reach fixed point or outcome on the horizon. Today's society puts a high price on productivity. It values consistency and stasis, not fluctuations of ebb and flow. To do nothing is shameful. So is bleeding. We're not just disconnected from each other and our environment, but from our own bodies. The equally important need for stillness and reflection gets lost."
"You can do anything you want. But you can't do everything."
July 18, 2023
I picked this book up and put it down so many times because life got in the way of my reading. But I really enjoyed this book! Easkey’s writing is very insightful and she offers some really unique viewpoints on the power and importance of the ocean. She has some great stories to tell from her travelling and surfing experiences. I’ll definitely carry some of her messages with me to my next trip to the coast :)
September 30, 2023
This book was fascinating and a great insight into how a woman can connect to the natural world, especially the ocean. Irish big wave surfer Easkey Britton takes you in a journey through Iran, Ireland, Papa New Guinea, the World Surf Tour and discusses the issues around climate change and the politics that effect everyone’s lives.
It’s a very personal book and I felt like an outsider at times, but that’s how male readers need to feel in order to learn from a woman’s perspective.
It’s a very personal book and I felt like an outsider at times, but that’s how male readers need to feel in order to learn from a woman’s perspective.
April 20, 2024
Wowowowow
This book was so beautiful the way the author tells her story and the lessons she's learned in life. It reminded me of and taught me of the importance of the ocean and our connection to it as humans, and how we can learn so many things abt how to live and look after ourselves.
Such an inspirational story that has left me with a special feeling since finishing it like a week ago. Craving to be in the ocean rn and explore my connection to it.
Also inspired me to start surfing hehe
This book was so beautiful the way the author tells her story and the lessons she's learned in life. It reminded me of and taught me of the importance of the ocean and our connection to it as humans, and how we can learn so many things abt how to live and look after ourselves.
Such an inspirational story that has left me with a special feeling since finishing it like a week ago. Craving to be in the ocean rn and explore my connection to it.
Also inspired me to start surfing hehe
November 9, 2021
Reading this book was a gift. It spoke to me like a rare friend, a trusted friend. The idea that i could relax into a wave instead of tensing for the blow was life changing. I am drawn to water, drawn to the ocean. I'm not a surfer yet, but this book applies as much to life on land as it does water. This book will travel with me wherever i go.
February 7, 2022
This book is eloquently written with beauty and power in the words. I loved it. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the depth and power of the sea and how it effects us all. The importance of nature in all our lives. Beautiful book.
April 1, 2022
This book was not what I expected based on the title and description. I was looking for much more on "natural cycles and the sea's power to heal," which was touched on a bit throughout the book, but could have been included so much more.
October 22, 2022
It’s interesting to learn about the surfing vibe in Irish and in general all the surfing experiences from the author(Iran surfing, PNG women surfing etc.). What I don’t quite get is the healing/natural cycle part, the narrative is substantial but too redundant.
December 25, 2021
I loved this so much. It’s right up my street and inspires me to keep doing what I do and give the ocean and seas a bigger and bigger role in my day to day life. 🌊
January 26, 2022
Beyond beautiful, inspiring, and amazing
January 5, 2024
Really enjoyed this book lobe the way she approaches life
March 11, 2024
water is life
Thought provoking and informative. A poetic call to action for ourself and the planet. Worth the read . And a visit to the sea.
Thought provoking and informative. A poetic call to action for ourself and the planet. Worth the read . And a visit to the sea.
May 15, 2025
Fantastic. I am so glad I picked this book up. So inspirational. Everytime I go out surfing I'm thinking of how Easkey Britton would describe the beach.
October 2, 2021
Easkey Britton guides us vividly to the sea with her thoughtful words and beautiful illustrations. Then blends the perfect amount of TLC and Research to remind us that we are responsible for protecting our oceans. Easkey shares her life with us intimately and seamlessly introduces us to family, friends, organizations, and mentors who helped shape her into a forever student and steward of Mother Ocean. When I finished Saltwater in the Blood, it felt like I had just emerged from an epic session of surfing with Easkey in the lineup, calling me into the perfect waves!
May 5, 2025
Audiobook listen 🎧 Makes me wanna dive into the cold North Atlantic and frolick with the seals! Easkey is an articulate, sentimental and poetic storyteller that holds such a bursting love for the ocean in her heart.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews