Swimming and diving Books

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“If you are a diver, this book will add to the list of places you want to explore for sure. My husband and my bank account may not be pleased I have this to consult and to dream over but I am glad I can revisit the pages, at least until I can dive the actual sites.”—BookNAround “Well, this book is more about scuba diving than snorkeling, but it’s not JUST for divers. The pictures inside are as glorious as you’d imagine from National Geographic…it made me feel wanderlust to visit all these places…Talk about a bucket list for travel!” –Jennifer – Tar Heel Reader “Are you wondering where to #dive next? I want to go to every site in this book that I have not been to yet and go back to the ones I have. I might sleep with this book under my pillow!” –Instagram: @wesaidgotravel “So you don’t have to be a diver to appreciate a book like this. The beautiful photos are impressive but the book also opened my eyes to many places I’ve never heard of… This was a great book to pore over and dream up travel plans with.” –Real Life Reading “I swear that I’m going to take up diving because of this book.” –The Wayfaring Voyager “Do you need a bucket list of breathtaking dive sites to visit? Do you need some new reading material? Look no further!!!” –Instagram: @vibesandhorizons “Now National Geographic is giving all of us a glimpse into this aquatic wonderland in its breathtaking new book…So whether you have your scuba gear already packed and ready to go, simply love spectacular photography of nature’s eye candy, or have been contemplating investing in scuba lessons before taking your next vacation…this is better than escapist fiction, this volume provides authentic life-affirming real-world beauty that makes us appreciate this rock we call home all over again.” –Jathan & Heather “This book, quite simply, takes my breath away.” –Instagram: @shereadswithcats“Explore 100 breathtaking scuba diving sites across 60 countries and 6 continents through stunning National Geographic photography, expert tips, and cutting-edge travel advice.” –Insider

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Book SynopsisJULES & GREG'S WILD SWIM is an accessible guide for anyone who is interested in wild swimming.

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Book SynopsisThe exhilarating true story of Trudy Ederle, the first woman to swim the English Channel, and inspire a “wave of confidence and emancipation” for women in sports (Parade).By age twenty, at the height of the Jazz Age, Trudy Ederle was the most accomplished swimmer in the world.Trade Review“Great storytelling. . .Stout’s moving book recovers the exhilarating story of a young girl who found her true self out in the water and paved the way for women in sports today." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “Glenn Stout brings the women’s sports pioneer back to life with an engaging, deeply researched account.” — Sports Illustrated "A great summer read." — New Yorker “Stout adeptly traces the history of swimming and Ederle’s significance in it. Whether recounting the origins of modern strokes or the geological formation of the English Channel, the author is comprehensive in his research. His blow-by-blow accounts of Ederle’s two attempts to cross from Cape Gris-Nez, France to Dover, England, demonstrate his engaging style… saturated with thrills and melodrama. A compelling account of a woman who, though long forgotten, changed the way the world viewed swimming.” — Kirkus Reviews "Young Woman and the Sea is the story of Gertrude Ederle’s epic swim across the English Channel interwoven with a sweeping and glimmering history of swimming. These were the good old days when open water swimmers were sex symbols, pioneers of the sport, and leaders of social change. For anyone who loves the water, or has a big dream—this is the book to read!" — Lynne Cox, author of Swimming to Antarctica and Grayson "Too often, looking at America through its sports, and vice versa, results in a distorted view of both of them. In Glenn Stout's account of Trudy Ederle and the English Channel, we have a clear and honest mirror. Young Woman and the Sea is a first-rate piece of social history, and a tale told, well, swimmingly." — Charles P. Pierce, author of Idiot America and Moving the Chains

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Book SynopsisIncredible individual, incredible book, incredible story.' CHRIS HEMSWORTHA hero who is as humble as he is resilient testament to a never give up spirit!' BEAR GRYLLSFrom reading this book, the message that comes shining through is this: you can achieve anything.' ANT MIDDLETONBestselling author and award-winning adventurer Ross Edgley has been studyingthe art of resiliencefor years, applying all he has learned to become the first person in history to swim around Great Britain, breaking multiple world records. Now Ross focuses on mental strength, stoicism and the training needed to create an unbreakable body.Ross Edgley famously ran a marathon pulling a 1.4-tonne car and climbed a rope the height of Everest (8,848m), after living withYamabushi warrior monks in Japan and partaking in Shamanic pain rituals with fire ants in the Amazon jungle.On his epic 1,780-mile journey around Great Britain, which lasted 157 days, Ross swam through giant jellyfish, arctic storms, haunted' whirlpools anTrade Review‘Incredible individual, incredible book, incredible story.’Chris Hemsworth ‘A hero who is as humble as he is resilient… testament to a “never give up” spirit!’Bear Grylls ‘From reading this book, the message that comes shining through is this: you can achieve anything.’Ant Middleton

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Book Synopsis'Roger Deakin is the perfect companion for an invigorating armchair swim. Engaging, thoughtful and candid' TelegraphWaterlog celebrates the magic of water and the beauty and eccentricity of Britain.In 1996 Roger Deakin, the late, great nature writer, set out to swim through the British Isles. From the sea, from rock pools, from rivers and streams, tarns, lakes, lochs, ponds, lidos, swimming pools and spas, from fens, dykes, moats, aqueducts, waterfalls, flooded quarries, even canals, Deakin gains a fascinating perspective on modern Britain.Detained by water bailiffs in Winchester, intercepted in the Fowey estuary by coastguards, mistaken for a suicide on Camber sands, confronting the Corryvreckan whirlpool in the Hebrides, he discovers just how much of an outsider the native swimmer is to his landlocked, fully-dressed fellow citizens.This is a personal journey, a bold assertion of the native swimmer's right to roam, and an unforgettable celebration of the magic of water.Trade ReviewI jumped in with both feet and wanted to stay for more.Erudite, funky and passionate, a total delight * Independent on Sunday *Charmingly and elegantly written * Daily Telegraph *A delicious, cleansing, funny, wise and joyful book, so wonderfully full of energy and life. I loved itHighly entertaining...Waterlog is a book about a cold, wet subject written with a warmth and passion it surely deserves, but has rarely had before * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisThe latest from the award-winning Wild Guide series is fully updated and includes 1000 locations, now reaching across Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. Over 25 maps and 400 photos.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the magic of Yorkshire's wild heart with this inspiring new guidebook. Supported by detailed route descriptions, insider tips and information on history and wildlife, it combines 28 invigorating wild swimming adventures with walks through soul-stirring landscapes, revealing hidden waterfalls, river pools and smugglers' coves.

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Book SynopsisDuring the last few years technical diving has become much more popular and has moved into mainstream diving. As a result a significant number of recreational divers are moving towards technical diving. Despite this, there are still many misconceptions about what technical diving actually means and what is involved. Introduction to Technical Diving - An Introduction by Mark Powell gives a straightforward overview of technical diving and dispels many of the myths surrounding this area. It explores what is meant by technical diving, what is involved, the risks that arise and how you can move towards this type of diving. Section one describes technical diving in general and illustrates some of the differences between technical and recreational diving as well as explaining some of the things that recreational divers can learn from technical divers. Section two explains some of the ideas behind this form of diving. It defines exactly what we mean by technical diving as well as why it has become so popular. This section then explains how to make a start in technical diving and the type of divers who tend to get into technical diving. For these divers the second section then goes on to explain what to expect from a technical diving course. Finally this section discusses how accident analysis has been used to shape some of the concepts in technical diving as well as some of the mental aspects of this type of diving. The third section then goes on give an overview of technical diving equipment and explains why this is different to the equipment used in recreational diving. There are many different opinions about technical diving equipment and this section of the book lays out the advantages and disadvantages of the various options so that divers can make an informed decision about their equipment choices. Topics such as twinset configuration, Hogarthian gear configuration and choice of stage cylinders are all covered for the open circuit diver. The fourth section covers the various skills required for technical diving are discussed in detail including buoyancy control, trim, tram diving, problem shutdown and valve shutdowns. Section five covers the issues involved in rebreather diving and the various choices available to divers looking to switch to a rebreather. Section six discusses the various aspects of technical dive planning including decompression planning, dealing with narcosis, avoiding oxygen toxicity and gas planning. Finally this section covers some of the various aspects of planning for specific situations such as wreck, cave penetration and mixed gas expedition diving. The book is aimed at anyone who wants to know more about technical diving. Whether you are looking to take a technical diving course, are looking to improve your skills, or simply want to find out more about what's involved then this book will provide a comprehensive overview. Even those divers who are not tempted to venture into this area of the sport can benefit from this book as it also discusses what lessons can be learnt from technical diving in order to improve normal recreational diving.

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Book Synopsis***As featured on Dr Rangan Chatterjee's FEEL BETTER, LIVE MORE podcast***"Loads of practical guidance, all the scientific studies . . . beautiful photos and illustrations" Dr Rangan Chatterjee A beautifully illustrated exploration of cold-water traditions in Scandinavia and around the world, and a factual, scientific account of why winter swimming gives such a boost to body and soul.Whether in lake, lido, river or sea, we know the benefits of swimming outdoors and in nature - environmentally friendly and accessible, it can influence our happiness, our energy and our inner tranquility, and give us that winter glow.Danish scientist Dr Susanna Søberg leads us step by step into the icy water and explains the "cold-shock response", the massive endorphin rush as our body reacts and adapts to very cold temperatures through the winter season. Not only do our circulation, heart, lungs and skin respond positively, but our immune system, metabolism and mental health too. In particular she explains how our "brown fat" is activated to benefit multiple health conditions.Winter swimming is fast becoming one of our most popular pastimes. This beautifully illustrated exploration of cold-water traditions in Scandinavia and around the world shows how it can have a significant positive impact on our physical and mental health, confidence and well-being, providing such a boost to body and soul.Praise for Winter Swimming:"Full of brilliant insights . . . an inspiring book" Stylist Christmas Gift Guide 2022"It's all the encouragement you need to dip a toe in icy waters" Woman & Home"Packed with stunning photography" Red Magazine"A perfect gift" My Weekly"A blend of how, and why, and what . . . A beautiful celebration . . . Visual inspiration for anyone hovering on the edge" Sunday Independent"Take an uplifting dip into Winter Swimming" Stylist's "Ultra List"Translated from the Danish by Elizabeth DeNomaTrade ReviewFull of brilliant insights on the cold-shock response and its benefits for mood and the immune system, Winter Swimming is an inspiring book that will keep people working out all through the darkest months. * Stylist Christmas Gift Guide 2022 *It's all the encouragement you need to dip a toe in icy waters * Woman and Home *Packed with stunning photography and musings on why it's so good for body and soul. * Red Magazine *A paean to cold water swimming. A blend of how, and why, and what . . . A beautiful celebration of its appeal and benefits . . . Visual inspiration for anyone hovering on the edge -- Emily Hourican * Sunday Independent *Take an uplifting dip into Winter Swimming, which can help our energy and inner tranquillity * Stylist's "Ultra List" *A perfect gift for those seeking the joy of wild swimming in the winter months * My Weekly *Loads of practical guidance, all the scientific studies, it's got some beautiful photos and illustrations. It's really going to shine a light on just how many organs in the body are positively affected -- Dr Rangan Chatterjee * Feel Better, Live More podcast *

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Book SynopsisEscape the everyday with these 28 invigorating wild swimming adventures around Bristol and Bath. Discover secret beaches, plunge into hidden pools and explore the rich history and nature of the region. With detailed directions, maps and local insights, this guide is your key to unforgettable outdoor experiences.

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Book SynopsisThe Wild Swimming series travels to Italy to explore freshwater lakes, mountain and lagoons. Dip in to the emerald-green plunge pools of Sicily and swim at river beaches in Campania. Discover the secret hot springs of Tuscany and amazing waterfalls of the Dolomiti. Explore the hidden shores of Lake Como and Garda.

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Book SynopsisMichael Phelps is one of the greatest competitors the world has ever seen. From teen sensation in Sydney, to bona fide phenomenon in Athens, he is now - after the Beijing Games - a living Olympic legend. With an unprecedented eight gold medals and seven world-record times, his performance at the 2008 Games set a new standard for success. He ranks among the most elite athletes in the world, and is both an inspiration and a role model to millions. In No Limits, Phelps reveals the secrets to his remarkable success, from his training regimen to his mental preparation and, finally, to his performance in the pool. Having been raised by a single mother and diagnosed with ADHD, Phelps's success is imbued with defeating obstacles and earning one's way and No Limits explores the hard work, commitment, and sacrifice that go into reaching any goal. Filled with anecdotes from family members, friends, team mates, and his coach, No Limits gives a behind-the-scenes look at the makings of a real champion, and reveals a step-by-step guide to realizing one's dream.

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Book SynopsisThis essential guide scours the four corners of the British mainland to discover and record the top 100 shore dives. Choose from marine life hotspots, spectacular cliff walls to sites of historical significance. Following her successful British Sea Life DVD in 2007, Anita forged ahead, writing the Top 100 British Shore Dives and winning Diver magazine best publication of the year. This long awaited revised edition accompanies the publication of her new title Dive Weekends in South West England. Includes a detailed description of every dive including entry and exit points. Illustrated with stunning underwater and surface photographs. Location maps and grid references for all dives are included. Web cam locations are provided for weather checks. Details of nearby air fill stations as well as accommodation, tourist information and coastguard contact details are all included. Also includes a comprehensive marine identification guide covering 250 plus species.Trade ReviewA beautifully illustrated, authoritative guide to UK shore diving, brimming with useful information. Strongly recommended for anyone interested in exploring Britain's inshore waters. SIMON ROGERSON, EDITOR SCUBA MAGAZINE Clear, tantalising descriptions of dive sites combined with beautiful photographs, this book will convince even the most committed warm water divers to beg, borrow or steal a dry suit and head for British waters. KATE HUMBLE, BBC PRESENTER The life you can find in shallow seas is truly special, but you need an expert guide to help you unlock its secrets - and this book is it! RICHARD HARRINGTON, THE MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

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Book SynopsisIn the breaststrokes of Roger Deakin's Waterlog, this is the story of one man's search for himself across the breadth of Britain's wild waters.Trade Review'Lovely, lively, passionate... a celebration of nature's ability to inspire healing and joy' Robert MacFarlane‘Minihane writes with refreshing candour... a transformative emotional journey’ Observer 'Roger Deakin’s Waterlog journey, rebooted for the 21st century, Floating is a delicious slice of nature writing with a truly human heart' Alexandra Heminsley, author of Leap In ‘Minihane writes cleanly and with honesty, and never misses a factual or stylistic stroke’ TLS'A gem... so thoughtful. Prose as clean and beautiful as a good swim' Jessica Lee, author of Turning‘An ode to the joys of wild swimming in Britain’ Lonely Planet‘I love this book... this has to sit next to Waterlog in every swimmer’s library’ Jenny Landreth, author of Swell: A Waterbiography'Minihane finds in swimming a rare moment of being free from anxiety and learns that it can be integral in overcoming depression' Wanderlust ‘A string of immersive green dreams, from still, pollen-dusted ponds of warm days to the cold churning power of the sea... this is an effortless, absorbing read. Floating highlights the beautiful variety of outdoor swims possible in Britain and the great positive impact they can have’ Caught by the River ‘Minihane writes with a compulsive honesty and clarity that draws you into its stream as beguiling as any river Deakin ever swam – a wonderful read. Highly recommended!’ Kate Rew founder of the Outdoor Swimming Society‘Engaging and enjoyable... as much a commentary on the changing nature of Britain as a celebration of wild swimming’ The Idler‘A wonderful book: a love letter to wild swimming, a hate letter to anxiety and a story of how we can learn to live with ourselves, our overclocked minds, even after we climb out of the water’ Joe Dunthorne, author of Submarine

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Book SynopsisThe fully revised second edition of Wild Swimming Coast now includes even more for walkers, swimmers and explorers. Full national coverage of Britain's most beautiful beaches. Lagoons, sea caves and amazing places to snorkel. New 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey mapping. Best beach cafes, local food, pubs and campsites.

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Book SynopsisA new re-issue of the cult swimming classic, a beautiful read filled with detailed description and powerful prose.WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY AMY LIPTROTA luminously romantic history of swimming' GuardianHaunts of the Black Masseur is a dazzling introduction to the great swimming heroes, from Byron leaping into the surf at Shelley''s funeral to Hart Crane diving to his death in the Bay of Mexico. Bursting with anecdotes, Charles Sprawson leads us into a watery world populated by lithe demi-gods a world that has obsessed humans from the ancient Greeks and Romans, to Yeats, Woolf, Fitzgerald and Hockney. Original, enticing and dripping with references to literature, film, art and Olympic history, this cult swimming classic pays sparkling tribute to water and the cultural meanings we attach to it.This splendid and wholly original book is as zestful as a plunge in champagne' Iris MurdochTrade Review[Sprawson] has an ornate style of prose, apparently smooth, but rippling with wit and candour… Haunts of the Black Masseur was a delight when I read it first time round and 25 years on, it strikes me as even better -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday *­Original and sparkling… A haunting, sensual, slippery read that will make you long for seaweed on your skin and sand between your toes. A must for swimmers -- Rebecca Wallersteiner * The Lady *A wholly original idea...a brilliant translation of a singular passion -- Alan Ross * Times Literary Supplement *A devoted and luminously romantic history of swimming * Guardian *An exhilarating plunge into some of the deepest pools inside our heads... Magnificently obsessive, this social and cultural history of swimming is the best book I read this year -- J G Ballard

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Book SynopsisDiscover the hidden wild side of Europe's most popular holiday destination. From deserted beaches and emerald coves to sunset viewpoints, spectacular caves and ancient ruins. Over 1000 secret places. Filled with dazzling photography and engaging travel writing. A beautiful book to appeal to armchair adventurers and families as well as the hardiest of explorers. * Sleep beneath shooting stars in the glow of a driftwood beach fire * Dive into the turquoise waters of a giant sea crater or a sinkhole abyss * Snorkel amidst ancient Roman pillars * Trek astonishing gorges and lesser-known peaks * Discover lost ruins of mountain monasteries and hermit caves * Find secret waterfalls in deep forests by ancient olive groves * Savour fresh octopus, farm-to-table cooking and artisanal raki * Watch golden eagles from a mountain refuge *Table of ContentsGreece Adventures - Contents Regional overview 6 Introduction 8 Route finding & safety 16 BEST FORS Beaches 18 Wild swimming 20 Waterfalls 22 Caves 24 Ancient wonders 26 Sacred sites 28 Local food 30 Wild stays 32 CHAPTER REGIONS 1 Eastern Macedonia & Thrace 36 2 Chalkidiki 46 3 Central Macedonia 54 4 Western Macedonia 62 5 Zagori 70 6 Corfu 78 7 Western Epirus 90 8 Eastern Epirus 98 9 Thessaly 106 10 Sporades 116 11 Evia 126 12 Central Greece 136 13 Lefkada 146 14 Kefalonia & Ithaca 154 15 Western Greece 166 16 Messenia 174 17 Mani 184 18 Eastern Laconia & Kythira 194 19 Argolis 204 20 Attica 212 21 Andros 220 22 Northwestern Cyclades 228 23 Milos 238 24 Paros & Antiparos 246 25 Naxos & Lesser Cyclades 254 26 Santorini 264 27 Western Crete 272 28 Central Crete 282 29 Eastern Crete 294 30 Rhodes 304

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Book SynopsisThis fully revised and expanded edition of the classic wild swimming guide features 500 spectacular places to wild swim across Britain, from secret waterfalls and secluded lakes to crystal-clear rivers. Detailed directions, practical tips and over 100 new entries make it the ultimate companion.

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Book SynopsisEven though swimming is the closest thing to a perfect exercise you can name, too few people experience its full benefits. That''s because most find themselves fighting to stay afloat, struggling for air, and feeling exhausted after just a lap or two, all of which makes this perfect exercise frustrating, laborious, and complicated. For the past fifteen years, veteran swim coach Terry Laughlin has been teaching adults how to swim better - and enjoy it more - by using his simple and original techniques. Laughlin turns traditional swimming beliefs inside out as he explains that it''s technique - not athletic ability - that makes a strong swimmer. Laughlin teaches ''Fishlike Swimming,'' focusing on slipping through the water rather than using muscle to overpower it. The key is working with the water, not against it - learning to swim ever faster and farther without losing a sense of flow, grace, economy, and balance.Trade ReviewEddie Reese 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004 United States Olympic Coach and Head Coach, University of Texas (six-time NCAA champions) The most valuable service a good coach provides is to sharpen your technique, not make you work harder. Terry Laughlin has done an outstanding job of simplifying that complex job, providing practical tools that will work for any coach or teacher.David Marsh 1996, 2000, and 2004 United States Olympic Coach and Head Coach, Auburn University (2003 NCAA Men's and Women's champions) Total Immersion can help anyone learn to be a better swimmer, regardless of ability. Terry Laughlin makes an improved stroke simple for the novice, yet I've seen his methods work for elite swimmers, too.

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Book SynopsisThe inspirational story behind the film The Swimmers on Netflix, by Syrian refugee and Olympic swimmer, Yusra Mardini.'An extraordinary tale of bravery, survival, and winsome, never-give-up moxie. It is impossible not to be won over by Yusra.' – Khaled HosseiniIt’s important the world understands what many ordinary people must endure to find a safe place to live. If it will help others, I’ll tell my story a million times.When war broke out in her native Syria, Yusra Mardini fled to the Turkish coast in 2015 and boarded a small dinghy full of refugees bound for Greece. When the small and overcrowded boat's engine cut out, it began to sink. Instinctively, Yusra and her sister took to the treacherous open water and guided the boat for three and a half hours, helped by two other refugees, until they eventually landed on Lesbos, saving the lives of the passengers aboard.Butterfly is the story of that remarkable woman, whose journey started in a war-torn suburb of Damascus and took her through Europe to Berlin and from there to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.Yusra Mardini is an athlete, one of People magazine’s twenty-five women changing the world, on the list of TIME Magazine's most influential teens, and one of the the youngest UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors. Yusra's and her sister Sara's story is the subject of a major Netflix film documenting her life, written by Jack Thorne. Yusra and Sara were also part of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people of 2023. Now with an updated afterword.Trade ReviewYusra, we could not be prouder of you for your courage and your resilience and the great example that you're setting for children everywhere. -- President Barack ObamaYusra has an incredible story. -- Emma WatsonWar, for all its atrocities, is punctuated by instances of unfathomable human spirit and grace. Olympic swimmer Yusra Mardini’s story is a prime example. Butterfly recounts this Syrian refugee’s extraordinary tale of bravery, survival, and winsome, never-give-up moxie. It is impossible not to be won over by Yusra. -- Khaled HosseiniYusra Mardini is a compact powerhouse of inspiration and determination. I am spellbound by her story of bravery and her incredible sister, Sara. What amazing young women, who illustrate to all of us that refugees are people with dreams and ambitions. -- Cate BlanchettYusra reminds us of the human cost of the tragedy and the incredible fortitude, perseverance and hope of one young woman who struggles for a future -- Stephen Daldry, Director of Billy Elliot, The Reader and The HoursAn honest account that underlines the human cost of the refugee crisis. -- Stylist LovesInspirational and humbling. -- Sunday PostYou should know the name Yusra Mardini. -- Huffington Post

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Book SynopsisIn 2007, Adam, then a toaster salesman, was inspired by a film about a man attempting to change his life by swimming the English Channel to try to emulate the feat. After a year of rigorous training without a coach, Adam achieved his goal in 11 hours 35 minutes, despite a ruptured bicep tendon leading to medical advice to give up long-distance swimming. In 2011, after two operations and a change to his swimming style to take pressure off his injured shoulder, he became the first Briton to achieve a two-way crossing from Spain to Morocco and back. In the process, he broke the British record one way. Shortly afterwards, the Ocean's Seven challenge was born, a gruelling equivalent to the Seven Summits mountaineering challenge. At first it seemed that injury would prevent Adam from participating but, ignoring medical advice, he developed an innovative technique - the Ocean Walker stroke - that would enable him to continue with the ultimate aim of completing this seemingly impossible feat. Whether man would triumph over ocean, or fail in the attempt, forms the core of this extraordinary autobiography. Always intriguing, sometimes terrifying, and occasionally very funny, Adam's story is about sport in its truest form: rather than competitions between teams and individuals, it is about man against nature - and against his own failings and demons. In that, it is truly inspirational.

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024SHORTLISTED FOR THE HATCHARDS AND BIOGRAPHERS'' CLUB FIRST BIOGRAPHY PRIZE ''Poetic, candid and utterly compelling'' FREYA BROMLEY''Absolutely remarkable'' LYNN BARBER''Reads with the tension of a thriller, illuminating the the struggle and sacrifice of elite sport'' CATHY RENTZENBRINK''An embodied water odyssey'' LIDIA YUKNAVITCHThis is not a story about making history. This is the story of walking away from it all. Rebecca Achieng Ajulu-Bushell was once a double British Champion and the first Black woman ever to swim for Great Britain. As her body and mind are sharpened through gruelling training, press scrutiny and the harshness of adolescence, Rebecca charts her career''s ascent and her singular love of the water, before explaining why she walked away from it all. A compulsive and unforgettable study of intensity, These Heavy Black Bones meditates on Blackness, identity and the ecstasy of peak physical performance, and lays bare the pressures within the swimming world.

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Book Synopsis'From a young age, I was flirting with the sea and its power.' says Ben Thompson. This is the colourful and moving story of a boy who realised at an early age that the sea was his calling and followed his dream. By the age of twenty-five, Ben Thompson was being paid to dive the world's most exquisite coral reefs. Few people have worked as dive instructors in such varied locations around the world as he has. From exploring the far reaches of South East Asia by local yacht to off-roading through sub-Saharan Africa looking for new dives, Ben sees the world through a diver's mask. Along the way, he dives one of the world's only vertical wrecks (at a top-secret location) just as it ruptures its gas tanks and causes an international incident, is held up at gunpoint by a militia group in the Philippines, rescued by pirates in Indonesia, and visits the Caicos with America's largest naked diving group. His story will fascinate divers, travellers, seafarers, and adventurers of all stripes. It's an exhilarating tale of escaping the humdrum, and also a cheering love story as his ever-patient partner and dive buddy, Vic, accompanies Ben on his escapades around the world.Trade Review'An inspiring tale of travelling, diving and adventure that shows how amazing life can be if you follow your heart and your dreams. The Beach meets Blue Planet.' - Emma Bamford, author of Casting Off and Untie the Lines'Table of ContentsCONTENTS Prologue 1. In the Beginning There Was a Chip Special: Yorkshire, England 2. Thrown In at the Deep End: Costa Brava, Spain 3. Turning Professional: Thailand, Australia, Indonesia 4. A Boat, a Boat, My Kingdom for a Boat: Philippines and Indonesia 5. Living Aboard a Pirate Ship: Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Indonesia 6. Mixing with a Different Crowd: Pulau Moyo, Indonesia 7. Au Naturel in the Caribbean: South Caicos and Cuba 8. Wreck Diving: Koh Chang, Thailand 9. Between Two Oceans: Into Africa 10. Could This Be the Place? Mozambique Glossary

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Book Synopsis‘The cold water has given me the key to unlock myself within a place I didn’t know existed: the community of cold-water swimmers right around the world. What binds us all together is the cold and how it makes us feel: brave enough to tackle even the toughest of life’s issues.’Having been a keen runner and cyclist all her life, in 2017 Sara Barnes was diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis and found herself facing major surgery and a future of limited mobility. Rather than obsessing about what she could no longer do, she decided to focus on what she could do and took to the water of the tarns, river pools and lakes in her home county of Cumbria. A new appreciation of being in nature and love of cold-water swimming and immersion was born.In The Cold Fix, Sara takes the reader on an enthralling journey, from her first tentative steps into the water, to meeting other swimmers from around the world who share her passion and who can help her answer the question: what is it about cold water that proves irresistible to an increasing number of people?Trade Review‘This book beautifully captures the heart of the intimacies found inside the world of cold water from across the globe ... This collection of tales from fully acclimatised cold-water lovers will warm your heart – ready for the acceptance and magic of cold to flow in. Even if you are not a swimmer, this book is a wonderful insight into the joy that appears when we get cold and semi-nude in icy waters.’ – Gilly McArthur, wild swimmer‘The book covers the experiences of people from around the globe, all with their own reasons for cold-water immersion, each analysed with clarity and feeling. This is a superb read that I will return to again and again.’ – Barry Johnson, triathlete

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Book SynopsisBeginner, intermediate, advanced swimmer or coach, discover a remarkable new approach to freestyle swimming which will help you transform your technique become a better swimmer.Trade Review“Pitched at the intermediate and above swimmer, as well as their coaches, the book is nothing if not comprehensive. Swim Smooth has always sought to make its training resources accessible and the book follows this easy approach. Language and tone is understated but its power is in its ability to communicate ideas with casual ease. It's an excellent compendium of work and sits well with Swim Smooth's website, DVDs and blogs.” (H20pen Magazine)Table of ContentsForeword; Preface; Getting Stated; Technique; Training; Open Water; Appendices: Swim Smooth drills, Swim Type Stroke Correction Processes, Training Sessions; Index

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Book Synopsis28 magical walks through some of Wales' most popular mountain, lowland and coastal areas (the Brecon Beacons, Gower and Wye Valley). Classic walks that link multiple swim stops. Beautiful photography, engaging stories and all the practical information you need: directions, route maps and downloadable instructions. The sixth in the best-selling series. * Ascend to south Wales' highest tarn and peak and descend through a valley of secret waterfalls * Walk through woodland gorges carved by cascades * Find secret low tide bays and giant rock pool lagoons * Follow bucolic river valleys dipping as you walk

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Book SynopsisWhat makes the perfect swim?It's all about the most magical locations (and how to protect them), finessing your kitbag, keeping yourself and others safe ... and maybe discovering a nice place for a warm-up cuppa and cake.Whether you're a seasoned dipper or a fledgling, The Art of Wild Swimming is the ultimate guide to becoming an awesome, joyful and responsible swimmer.From the dramatic turquoise bays of Orkney to the peaty lochs of the Cairngorms, the thundering waterfalls of Skye to the calm depths of a reservoir in the Pentlands. Locals who know the secrets of their patch share over 100 spectacular dookin' spots across Scotland. Now they are yours to explore too.

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Book SynopsisDiving in UK waters offers a range of unique experiences that can equal some of the best sites in the world. You can be gripped with awe and humility on a shipwreck or be amazed at the abundance of colour and life on a rugged reef. Discover hidden caves and nooks on the jagged coastline or shoot along on a drift dive with thrill and excitement. These are the dives of South West England. This guide is designed to make organising a dive simply a lot easier. Sites have been chosen based on popular dives and personal favourites, with a good range to keep the novice or more experienced diver happy.Trade ReviewThis is the best book I've found about diving this part of UK. Anita's enthusiastic and personal descriptions of every site and all the wrecks make it a delight to read. It really fires you up for so many great weekends underwater. ' DOUG ALLAN, WILDLIFE & UNDERWATER FILM MAKER (BBC: BLUE PLANET & PLANET EARTH);South West England extends right out into rich Atlantic waters, delivering amazing wildlife encounters as well as plenty of wrecks to explore. This books gives options to dive off north and south coasts, guaranteeing some of the best diving experiences to be had anywhere in the world. RICHARD HARRINGTON, THE MARINE CONSERVATION SOCIETY;At last - a modern guide to the best dive sites of South West England, packed with essential information and illustrated with beautiful, relevant photography. Anita Sherwood has produced the dive publication of the year. SIMON ROGERSON, EDITOR, SCUBA MAGAZINETable of ContentsSwanage, Portland, West Bay, Brixham, Salcombe, Plymouth, Falmouth, Penzance, Newquay, Rock, Scilly Isles.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"If you're serious about diving in Southeast Asia, then this guide will give you a wealth of country--and region maps, as well as ample details on the underwater topography and marine life you can expect to see." --Indie Traveller"Useful essays on local liveaboards and marine life offer some excellent insights and 25 per cent of the book is dedicated to practicalities, with lists of contacts and need to know information about health, visas, emergencies, money, weather and what to bring -- all useful stuff. Overall an excellent addition to our dive guide library, which could well become a classic. It's certainly got us planning our next visit to the region." --Dive Magazine"Diving in Southeast Asia provides a useful starting point for planning a trip. It provides maps spotting the locations of sites and brief tabulated summaries for quick reference. Every page is adorned with a colorful picture generally taken underwater. From marine life suitable for super-macro cameras to WWII wrecks draped in corals, from whale sharks to pigmy seahorses, it's all covered." --Undercurrent.org

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Book SynopsisThis book contains 100 workouts that focus on improving general swimming efficiency.The workouts are specific to each of the competitive swimming strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breastroke, and butterfly. Together, the 100 workouts blend swimming drills and conditioning sets that total up to 2,000 yards. Each workout is accompanied by a Focus Point, allowing swimmers to zero in on stroke improvements by eliminating drag, improving feel for the water, and swimming in a core-centered manner. Swimmers at any level will improve their swimming technique, efficiency, and performance with Swim Fast!

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Book SynopsisAlexandra Heminsley thought she could swim. She really did. It may have been because she could run. It may have been because she wanted to swim; or perhaps because she only ever did ten minutes of breaststroke at a time. But, as she learned one day while flailing around in the sea, she really couldn't.Trade ReviewA joy to read . . . another triumph for Heminsley, a champion of sport in the truest sense, and a wonderfully compassionate voice. -- Kat Brown * Daily Telegraph *Genuine and persuasive * Guardian *This is a book that turns out to be about everything in life that cannot be calculated. Heminsley responds to life’s uncertainty by becoming decisive: “The grit was in the oyster now. It was the sea versus me…” It sets a remarkable example, and by the end it could not be more obvious: the true grit is not in the oyster but in Heminsley herself. -- Kate Kellaway * Observer *Alex Heminsley has the rare gift of being able to take a sport - running or swimming - that most of us find a bit daunting and fill the reader with enthusiasm for it. She comes to sport from the position of the ordinary person - and yet shows that it can change your life in an extraordinary way. -- Jojo MoyesMasterful * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisWhat makes the perfect swim?It's all about the most magical locations (and how to protect them), finessing your kitbag, keeping yourself and others safe . . . and maybe discovering a nice place for a warm-up cuppa and cake.Whether you're a seasoned dipper or a fledgling, The Art of Wild Swimming is the ultimate guide to becoming an awesome, joyful and responsible swimmer.From the otherworldly fens of the east to the vast dramatic waters of the Lake District, the thundering icy waterfalls of Snowdonia to the secluded sandy coves of Cornwall. Locals who know the secrets of their patch share over 100 spectacular swim spots across England and Wales. Now they are yours to explore too.

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Book SynopsisDiscover over 150 magical places to swim and explore in Spain. With stunning photography this book reveals the best crystal mountain lakes, secluded lake-side beaches, and turquoise pools hidden deep in waterfall-filled gorges. With recommendations for places to camp and eat this is all you need to take you off the beaten track.

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Book Synopsis"Discover untouched lakes, rivers and waterfalls in the Alps and foothills of Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Slovenia. Over 150 secret bathing and swimming spots with detailed descriptions and tips on safety and access. Including family-friendly locations as well as challenges for the true adventurer. > Bathe and picnic by secret forest lakes > Hike to pristine mountain waterfalls > Swim over rare underwater meadows in transient summer lakes > Plunge into the icy waters of an underground glacial lake at 3200m > Adventure through mysterious flooded caves and tunnels"

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Book SynopsisThis brilliant new guide for Londoners reveals hidden rivers, wooded lakes and Art Deco lidos, all within an about an hour of the capital on public transport, perfect for those who love to swim under the open sky. 150 locations cover the best of the Thames, Lea and Medway valleys and the area's numerous swimming lakes. The guide also showcases the best lidos and hotel pools, plus locations with organised swims. > discover secret islands on the Thames with river beaches, bucolic meanders and a bridge to jump from at Desborough Island > find the most beautiful of London's bohemian Art Deco lidos, including its best-kept secret in the heart of Soho > swim in a turquoise blue lagoon, like something from the Caribbean, at St Andrew's lake > spend the day sipping cocktails and eating sushi by the pool at a four-star Tudor hotel - Great Fosters

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Book SynopsisIn this lovingly-researched new guide, Matt Newbury and Sophie Pierce take the reader beyond the popular beaches into a hidden world. Torbay's 22 miles of coastline is enormously diverse, from the terracotta crags of Maidencombe, to the spectacular limestone arch at the grandly-named London Bridge; its waters are among the shallowest and safest in the UK. The book features fifteen detailed swims packed with practical information, as well as the history, popular culture, geology and marine biology of each unique section of coast. Captivating images by diver Dan Bolt reveal a previously unseen side to this coast, away from the sandcastles and candyfloss. The book also looks at Torbay's proud history of sea swimming, and a golden age when the resort was known as Queen of the Watering Places. The Bay was once renowned throughout the country for its amazing swimming; now it's time to rediscover what made this small corner of England so famous.Table of ContentsMaidencombe to Bell Rock Watcombe, White Beach and the Jade Cave Oddicombe Beach and the Juliet Cave Anstey's Cove to Redgate Beach and the Hidden Pool Meadfoot and Its Two Islands London Bridge Arch and Caves Beacon Cove and the Millstones Corbyn Head and Caves Livermead Head and the Hindu Temples Roundham Head to Goodrington Goodrington to Broadsands Broadsands to Elberry Cove Fishcombe Cove to Churston Cove Breakwater Beach to Berry Head St Mary's Bay to Durl Rock

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Book SynopsisTo swim better, we have to swim more efficiently. While good technique is the foundation of efficient swimming, it is difficult to achieve by simply swimming lap after lap. Ongoing stroke problems leave many people feeling unrewarded. Therefore, swimming drills are a fundamental and ongoing element of practice at all levels of the sport. Each drill is explained step by step. Drill Feedback Charts are included to help swimmers identify problems and make modifications. Underwater and surface photographs give swimmers optimal images to emulate as they practice. 100 More Swimming Drills is an excellent resource for coaches and swimmers at any level in the quest for better swimming. 100 More Swimming Drills follows the successful Strength Training for Faster Swimming published in 2011, the three book series Technique Swim Workouts, The 100 Best Swimming Drills published in 2007, and Masters Swimming - A Manual published in 2006.

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Book SynopsisIan Thorpe''s achievements in the water are nothing short of phenomenal. He has won a record-holding 11 World Championship titles and ten Commonwealth Games gold medals. He has broken 22 world records and won five gold, three silver and one bronze Olympic medals. Having been under the spotlight since he was a young teenager, he retired from competitive swimming in 2006, but after five years he mounted a comeback for London 2012, and intense media attention followed. Thorpe is one of the world''s most famous sportsmen, but it is the way he has managed his success and his commitment to helping others that has earned him respect and admiration internationally. This is a man who has had highs and lows away from the pool, who has led an extraordinary life of an elite athlete that most of us will never know, and who had the courage to come back and stake his claim for the ultimate goal once more.

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Book SynopsisSwimming is excellent exercise of course, but it?s so much more than that: it can be a transcendental experience, offering us space to reflect and to escape. It?s an antidote to screens and all-encompassing technology. Perhaps it?s the shedding of inhibitions that come with a dip, or could it be that getting somewhere under our own steam is an act that?s health-giving, refreshing and life-affirming? Whatever it means to you, swimming?alone or with others, badly or brilliantly?is about being in the moment.bagni

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Book SynopsisDiscover 120 of the most beautiful places to swim, from the Mediterranean coastline of Croatia to the mesmerising mountain landscapes of Slovenia. Including secret coves, sea caves, rock arches, waterfall pools, aquamarine canyons and hidden lakes - many never before published. Lavishly illustrated, with 200 photos and 120 maps. The perfect guide for families on holidays or explorers looking for their next adventure.

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Book Synopsis**Winner of the William Hill 2018 Sports Book of the Year Award**A Sunday Times Book of the Year and Telegraph Best Book of 2018''Extraordinary'' Clare BaldingThe poignant, life-affirming story of a determined boy, a visionary coach, and how the dream of a record-breaking Channel swim became realityEltham, South London. 1984: the hot fug of the swimming pool and the slow splashing of a boy learning to swim but not yet wanting to take his foot off the bottom. Fast-forward four years. Photographers and family wait on the shingle beach as a boy in a bright orange hat and grease-smeared goggles swims the last few metres from France to England. He has been in the water for twelve agonizing hours, encouraged at each stroke by his coach, John Bullet, who has become a second father. This is the story of a remarkable friendship between a coach and a boy, and a love letter to the intensity and freedom of childhood.Trade ReviewWritten beautifully through the eyes of a child yet to enter his teens, 'A Boy in the Water' resonated strongly taking me back to my own childhood. A fascinating story full of innocence, achievement, ambition and trust. -- Ellen MacArthur, world record-breaker for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globeHis immersive, colourful writing takes the reader through a challenge that even the most experienced adult long-distance swimmers would balk at. The story keeps you gripped from the start, all the way to an unexpected and heart breaking twist towards the end. * Daily Express *Beautifully written . . . often heart-wrenching. -- Jane Shilling * The Daily Mail *I am absolutely in awe; a mind-blowing and phenomenal feat. A Boy in the Water will change ideas of what is possible -- Chrissie Wellington, former professional triathlete and four-time Ironman Triathlon World ChampionA compelling story of dedication and commitment. It'll make a great movie, but you should read the book first. * sportsbookofthemonth.com *A Boy in the Water is a truly wonderful read of resilience, determination and courage. Whether you are interested in what it takes to be a Channel swimmer, or love a sport memoir, or simply like stories of our different experiences in the water, this book will win your heart. -- Lexi Earl, The Outdoor Swimming SocietyA compelling account that serves above all as tribute to John Bullet, [Tom Gregory's] charismatic coach. -- Nick Pitt, 'Best sports books of 2018' * The Times *This evocative memoir recounts an agonising, hallucination-filled swim across the English Channel in 1988, when Gregory was just 11 years old. -- The Telegraph, '50 books that blew us away'The gruelling, awe-inspiring feat is recounted with poignancy and affection here, and this becomes a thrilling and moving tribute to the joys and perils of open-water swimming, too. Gregory's devotion to his incredibly tough challenge is remarkable -- Charlotte Runcie * Radio Choice *Charming and different; a lovely, brilliant memoir. What a boy! What a feat! -- Victoria DerbyshireGregory convinces us that for all his flaws, Bullett (who died of a stroke not long after the swim) was an extraordinary, inspirational man. He seems less willing to acknowledge that there is something even more remarkable about a chubby eleven-year-old fuelled by chocolate Digestives and Heinz tomato soup, with the sound of "Together in Electric Dreams" in his head, swimming in temperatures of around 16 degrees for 11 hours and fifty-four minutes. But A Boy in the Water allows the reader his own private amazement. -- David Horspool * The Times Literary Supplement *'Reading this and it's extraordinary. The challenge and the exhilaration of open water swimming brilliantly evoked. A really different and interesting read.' Clare Balding * Twitter *An extraordinary story ... his account of his swim is certainly a tough read ... A Boy in the Water is a fascinating study, at its core there remains an extraordinary achievement by a dogged, huge-hearted kid. Reading this, you have to remind yourself that this was just a little boy, smothered in grease, who was bobbing about in one of the world's busiest maritime routes, battling the tide, waves and wind. -- Helen Davies * Sunday Times *A lifelong journey begins with an incredible swim * RadioTimes *Just part of a story that began at a swimming pool in south London, where one man changed countless young lives * RadioTimes *An 11-year-old boy slaps on the grease, adjusts his goggles and plunges into a grey, cold sea in an attempt to become the youngest person to swim the Channel. This is Tom Gregory's true story about the events that led him to this chilly endeavour. -- Susan Jeffrey * Daily Mail *A memoir about the power of a good teacher, about family, about loss, about growing into the man you are meant to be -- Lemn Sissay * Radio 4 *A Boy in the Water is an uplifting and truly remarkable story of innocence, dedication, and commitment * Amazon *This book really struck a chord with me and I couldn't put it down until I read it all . . . amazing, a must read * Amazon *

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Book Synopsis"When my parents signed me up to Trojan Swimming Club, they had no idea of the evil behind Gibney's interest in me. As a thirteen-year-old, who knew nothing but kindness and love, I was ill-equipped to understand what was happening as he insidiously dominated my thinking and isolated me from anyone who might come between us. The process of entrapment was quick, and in full view of my family and team-mates I became a prisoner - bullied, manipulated and abused, unnoticed by those close to me. So complete was Gibney's control of me that not only could I not see a way out, it didn't even occur to me to look for one."At age thirteen, Trish Kearney's idyllic childhood was abruptly ended when her swimming coach - the internationally recognised George Gibney - began abusing her. Six years later, the Seoul Olympics firmly within her sights, she sacrificed a promising swimming career to walk free of her abuser.In her memoir, she describes how suppressed memories of those difficult years resurfaced after the birth of her first child, and the momentous journey set in train when a letter arrived from former team-mate Gary O'Toole, opening the Pandora's box on the abuse - leading to a failed court case and Gibney's ultimate exposure in the press as a rampant, controlling paedophile. Above Water is a survivor's story, of coming up for air after decades of burying trauma, and of learning to breathe again. It shines a light into dark places just as it casts its beam outwards, signalling the healing power of love, family and one woman's indomitable spirit.

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