The Way of the Waves - by Martin Dorey (Hardcover)

About the Book

A slow, low-carbon journey by bike through Europe's western fringes in search of perfect waves and the soul of surfing.

Book Synopsis

A slow, low-carbon journey by bike through Europe's western fringes. Part sporting narrative, part manifesto for eco-friendly travel and part personal pilgrimage, join Martin in his search of perfect waves and the soul of surfing.

Chasing the sun south from his home in Cornwall, bestselling author and environmental campaigner Martin Dorey follows in the footsteps of the pioneers who discovered Europe's best waves. On an epic journey that could take mere days by train or campervan, Martin and his wife Lizzy opt for the steady route across these 3000 miles - by eBike with their surf boards in tow.

As an 'Average Joe' surfer, who has been slammed into the sand too many times to remember, Martin has revered and feared the waves in Europe since the early days of his surfing career. Returning to form after a disastrous knee injury, he rekindles his love for the surfscapes of littoral Europe, seeking out the same kind of freedom he felt on his very first big surfing adventure.

Powered by patisserie, pinxos and pastéis de nata, he hopes that cycling will give him the time he needs to reconnect with his surfing past and to seek out the stories and oral history that make the most famous (and not so famous) surf breaks of France, Spain and Portugal so very special.

The Way of the Waves is a love letter to wave riding, eco-travel and freedom. It's a testament to taking your time, understanding that the hills don't last forever, keeping the pedals turning and hoping that mind, body and soul -and the wheels of the trailer - will last the distance.

Review Quotes

"How can those of us who love the world explore it without harming it? Like this! Martin Dorey's book is a perfect example that adventure does not require expensive aeroplanes spewing pollution. A couple enjoying slow travel, sunshine, the open road, and the finest surf spots along the way: I am completely jealous of this adventure!" --Alastair Humphreys, adventurer and author

About the Author

Martin Dorey is a writer, surfer and camper. In 2011 he presented the BBC2 TV programme 'One Man and his Camper Van'. He is the author of the bestselling Take the Slow Road travel series. He was awarded an MBE for services to the environment in the 2023 New Year's Honours List. He loves bikes but hates hills. @martindorey www.martindorey.com