Board

David Flanagan came from a long line of seafarers and

thought learning to surf would be easy, despite the fact he

was scared of the ocean and fast approaching middle age.

As a journalist living in an island community, he had

intended to write a light-hearted account of his progress

towards surfing nirvana, but instead found himself facing

danger, doubt and the spectre of childhood bereavement

in an often wild and unwelcoming sea.

Meanwhile on land, and back riding a skateboard after a

30-year-gap, David found himself facing bemusement,

ridicule and the wrath of the medical profession. But his

decision to turn back the clock to the 1970s would

also prove remarkably life changing and, occasionally,

utterly catastrophic.

Warm, funny, touching and honest - with a strong dose of

adrenalin - Board explores loss, ego, fear and fatherhood,

charting a quest for inner peace against a backdrop of

thundering Atlantic waves.

At its heart, Board is an inspiring story about accepting

some limitations and overcoming others, while completely

ignoring common sense and social convention.

‘Board tells it as it is. It's like this: don't stand on the

sidelines. Don't let society's prejudices stop you living

your dreams. Do confront your demons. Do skate, do surf.

David Flanagan's tale is an inspirational and

honest hymn to getting out there and living your life.'

Alex Wade, author of Amazing Surfing Stories,

Surf Nation and Wrecking Machine.