Ice Blue Eyes
From In Deep, writer Matt George unspools a lush and tender conversation with surfing champion Layne Beachley.
Surfing Champion Layne Beachley's courage has never been questioned, not after 7 World Titles and the enormous waves she has taken on right next to the men, but to me, in the fragile moment of this story, I saw a courage in her that went far, far deeper than any of her athletic feats. –Mg.
"In Deep" is a captivating collection of surf writing spanning nearly four decades. The book delves into subjects with frank articulation, offering insights into both the author and the subjects. From famous beaches to personal tragedies, the book captures the essence of the surfing world and the passionate pursuit of riding waves.
This story in particular features a profound moment of human connection, compassion, and courage. It reveals how, often, the strongest among us desire the same support and sense of belonging that others have been guaranteed their whole lives. More importantly, it reminds us that each time our mettle is tested in the pursuit of our dreams, we may be reinvigorated purely by the love of the thing itself.
“With In Deep, Matt George assumes his rightful place among surfing’s greatest writers.”
- Kelly Slater, 11 time World Surfing Champion -
"Matt George is surfing's most fearless storyteller."
- Steve Hawk, former editor of Surfer magazine -
“Matt George is the original and finest full-immersion surf journalist, and he brings it to the page, heart still beating.”
- Matt Warshaw, Editor-in-Chief, The Encyclopedia of Surfing -
About the Artist
For over thirty-five years, Matt George’s feature articles and photographs have stood among the most influential works in surfing journalism. Accepting a post as Senior Contributing Editor for SURFER Magazine in 1985, Mr. George traveled the world as he covered all aspects of the sport, garnering a sterling list of awards and achievements along the way. Mr. George is also known for the writing and co-production of the Columbia Tri-Star Feature film "In Gods Hands", a big wave surfing drama, and the creation of the NBC drama series, "Wind on Water". He remains a senior contributing editor for all the major surf magazines and websites and is an in-demand narrator and public speaker. Of note is his dynamic independent aid work on the front lines of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the great Pakistan Earthquake of 2006, his city-wide tsunami evacuation of Padang, West Sumatra, the Mt Merapi eruption of Java, and his current environmental activism on the island of Bali. He resides in Bali, Indonesia, and is currently the Editor-in-Chief of South East Asia’s Surftime Magazine. He still surfs every day.