Presented by Lawrence Stafford, a Finisterre podcast exploring the depths of our oceans and the resilience of the human spirit.

For Episode 1 of HELL OR HIGH WATER we welcomed Finisterre Ambassador, Easkey Britton to the show. Irish surfing champion and pioneering big wave surfer, social scientist and artist; from Ireland to Iran, many here will be familiar with Easkey’s journey through surf. Exploring and promoting equality and inclusivity through surfing and the power of water, Easkey continues to amaze us here at Finisterre in her steadfast determination and her ability to carry several projects at once.

At risk of this fast becoming a 3-hour long episode, we chose to focus on what has been most recently occupying Easkey’s time with her work in academia and the subject of the Blue Spaces. From Blue Mind theories to Blue Care services and the importance of human connection to the ocean environment and nature in general – of course all the more relevant as we find ourselves in a global pandemic yearning for the outdoors and time spent in on or around the sea.

or years Easkey has spent a great portion of her time away from Ireland as her commitments take her far and wide. Speaking with her as she finds herself settled back in the motherland and near her namesake wave, it’s apparent that finding this time to reconnect to her roots and familiar surroundings has played a great part in realigning and re-energizing her efforts. As we find ourselves at a critical junction for the future of our planet, where our responsibility to connect and care for our natural world is coming down to the wire, Easkey stands out as a figure for change as she forges a unique path for herself with an rare ability to connect people from all walks of life the world over.

As ever it was inspiring to talk with Easkey and we thank her for taking the time out to go down one of the many rabbit holes that we could have explored.