Six ocean-inspired books to dive into this week — from a Hawaiian surfing legend to swimming the Australian outback

Read This Next with Emily Darlow

There is something about the ocean that lends itself perfectly to storytelling. Maybe it is the mystery of what sits beneath the surface, the pull of travel and adventure, or the way the sea seems to make people reflect on where they have been and where they are heading. This week’s picks are all tied together by waves, water and the people who cannot resist them, whether that means surfing across Europe, swimming through the Australian outback, or teaching grandkids to love the creatures living beneath the surface.

Capturing Kahanamoku by Michael Rossi
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This fascinating piece of narrative non-fiction dives into the story of Hawaiian surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku and the disturbing scientific obsession that followed him in the early 20th century. Michael Rossi blends surfing history, race science, culture and biography into a compelling story that feels both historical and eerily relevant today. Even if you know little about surfing, the book’s exploration of fame, identity and pseudoscience makes it hard to put down. What makes the book especially engaging is the way it captures the atmosphere of the era. Rossi paints a vivid picture of the growing global fascination with surfing and Hawaiian culture while also exposing the prejudice and exploitation simmering underneath the surface. Duke emerges not just as a sportsman, but as a deeply charismatic figure navigating a world determined to define him on its own terms.

Verdict: A thought-provoking ocean history book with far more depth than its surfboard cover suggests.

The Way of the Waves by Martin Dorey
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Part travel memoir, part surf adventure and part reflection on slowing down, Martin Dorey’s latest book follows his 3400km cycling journey along Europe’s coastline with surfboards in tow. Powered by pastries, determination and a love of the sea, Dorey explores surfing culture while also questioning how we travel and connect with nature. It is warm, funny and quietly inspiring without ever becoming preachy. There is also something wonderfully nostalgic about this book. Dorey embraces the small moments that many travel memoirs rush past, from conversations with strangers to the joy of discovering hidden beaches and sleepy coastal towns. Readers who have ever dreamed of packing up and taking off on an adventure of their own will likely find themselves itching to dust off the suitcase by the final chapter.

Verdict: Perfect for armchair travellers, surfers and anyone dreaming of a slower pace of life.

The Desert Swimmer by Brendan Cullen
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Australia’s landscapes are often defined by drought and harsh conditions, which makes stories about swimming through remote waterways feel even more remarkable. Brendan Cullen’s memoir combines endurance, adventure and personal reflection as he explores swimming in some of the country’s most isolated places. There is a ruggedness to this book that feels distinctly Australian, but also an appreciation for the beauty hidden in unlikely places. Cullen writes vividly about the physical demands of long-distance swimming, but the emotional side of the journey is equally compelling. The book becomes a meditation on resilience, solitude and the strange calm that water can provide. Readers who enjoy memoirs about pushing personal limits while reconnecting with nature will find plenty to admire here.

Verdict: A powerful reminder that water shapes Australia in ways we often overlook.

To Catch a Fish by Mark Kurlansky
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Mark Kurlansky has long had a gift for turning everyday subjects into fascinating reads, and this one is no exception. Blending history, culture, food and storytelling, To Catch a Fish looks at humanity’s long relationship with fishing and the sea. It is packed with quirky details and observations that make you want to bring up random fish facts at dinner parties. One of the joys of this book is how effortlessly Kurlansky moves between topics. One moment he is discussing ancient fishing traditions, the next he is diving into recipes, folklore or environmental concerns. The result is a book that feels expansive and conversational, the literary equivalent of spending an afternoon chatting with a very knowledgeable friend who always has one more interesting story to tell.

Verdict: Ideal for curious readers who love books filled with strange history and unexpected tangents.

Beaches
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Some books are less about plot and more about pure escapism, and Beaches absolutely falls into that category. Filled with stunning coastal photography and dreamy shorelines, this is the kind of book you leave on the coffee table and flick through whenever life feels too busy. It captures everything people love about beach culture, from rugged coastlines to calm turquoise water. The book also taps into a deep sense of nostalgia. For Australian readers especially, there is something instantly familiar about sandy towels drying in the sun, weathered beach shacks and long summer afternoons spent by the water. It is the sort of book that quietly reminds you why the beach holds such a special place in so many family memories.

Verdict: The ultimate coffee table companion for anyone happiest near the sea.

Fish Are Friends
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If you are looking for something to share with grandchildren, this beautifully illustrated children’s book is a lovely pick. Packed with colourful underwater creatures and fun facts, it introduces younger readers to marine life in a way that feels playful rather than overly educational. It is also the sort of book that can spark a shared hobby, whether that means snorkelling, rockpool walks or simply learning more about ocean creatures together. The illustrations are bright and engaging without feeling overly busy, making it ideal for younger readers who enjoy pointing out different creatures on every page. It also opens the door for conversations about caring for the ocean and respecting marine life in a gentle, age-appropriate way. For grandparents hoping to encourage curiosity and connection through reading, this one is an easy winner.

Verdict: A charming read-aloud book that might just inspire the next generation of ocean lovers.