Patrick Trefz' brilliant Surfers' Blood captures both sides of board culture

To put a positive spin on the miserable July we have had here in Britain, it has at least allowed us to indulge in two of our favourite national pastimes – weather chat and moaning. But it’s getting a bit silly now if we’re honest and so minds are starting to drift to faraway beach fantasies.

This kind of escapism is facilitated by books like Surfers’ Blood, the new monograph from photographer and filmmaker Patrick Trefz who has spent decades documenting this waterworld. According to the press release surfing is about “mankind’s intimate connection with the badass energy and beauty of nature” but while there are many stunning action shots included, Patrick is also a wizard at capturing the quieter, less adrenaline-fuelled sides of the surfing culture and is equally at home dealing with these serenely simple moments as he is with high-octane thrills and spills.

Surfers’ Bloodby Patrick Trefz, published by powerHouse Books is out next month.