The Way of the Waves: A cycling odyssey to rediscover the soul of European surfing (Hardback)

The Way of the Waves follows bestselling author and environmental campaigner Martin Dorey as he sets off on a slow, low‑carbon surf adventure along Europe’s western edge. Leaving Cornwall and chasing the sun south, Martin and his wife Lizzy ride 3,400km on e‑bikes — surfboards in tow, pastries in pockets — in search of perfect waves, forgotten stories and the soul of surfing.

Their route traces the footsteps of the early surf pioneers, winding through coastlines shaped by wind, weather and generations of wave‑riders. For Martin, recovering from a brutal knee injury, the journey becomes a chance to reconnect with the ocean and rediscover what surfing really means when you strip away the noise.

Along the way he gathers the oral histories, local legends and small‑town secrets that make Europe’s surf breaks so special. And as the kilometres roll by, he’s reminded that slow travel isn’t just gentler on the planet — it’s a way of seeing the world with more depth, patience and joy.

Part travelogue, part eco‑manifesto and part love letter to life on two wheels and in the water, this is a story about taking your time, trusting the journey and keeping the pedals turning until mind, body, soul — and the trailer wheels — all find their rhythm.