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

A slow, low-carbon journey by bike through Europe’s western fringes. Part personal pilgrimage and part manifesto for eco-friendly travel, 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 patisseries, 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.

''A wonderfully entertaining and deeply inspirational adventure by one of life''s great enthusiasts'' – Tim Moore, travel writer

A slow, low-carbon journey by bike through Europe’s western fringes. Part personal pilgrimage and part manifesto for green travel, join Martin in his search for 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 of 3400km, Martin and his wife Lizzy take on the ultimate eco surfing adventure – riding eBikes with their surfboards in tow.

Powered by patisseries and pastéis de nata, and returning to form after a disastrous knee injury, Martin hopes cycling will give him time to reconnect with his surfing past as he seeks out the stories and oral history that make the surf breaks of littoral Europe 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 go the distance.