On this episode of the Swell Season Surf Podcast we meet Alistair Thompson, the author of 'A Surfer's Guide to Enlightenment’, a beautiful and reflective book that blends surfing, spirituality, and self-discovery. It’s part memoir, part philosophy, and full of lessons drawn straight from the ocean. Alistair shares his journey from a life of 'monotonous discomfort' to one enriched by surfing, discussing themes of fear, ego, love, forgiveness, and faith. In his book, he explores everything from fear and ego to love, forgiveness, and faith—all through the lens of the sea. Whether you’re a surfer or not, this conversation is about what it means to start, to fall, to get back up, and to find your wave—whatever that might be. It’s an ode to those seeking self-discovery and meaning in their lives. We hope you enjoy…
To Find out more about A Surfer’s Guide to Enlightenment, you can find it here: www.surfersguide.alastairthompson.com
The Swell Season Surf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
For more information, you can follow @swellseasonsurfradio on Instagram or go to our website: www.swellseasonsurf.com
Music:
Artist: Rufus Wainwright
Song: Across The Universe
Album: I am Sam Soundtrack
00:00 Introduction to the Swell Season Surf Podcast
01:21 Meet Alistair Thompson: Author and Surfer
02:44 Exploring Enlightenment Through Surfing
04:23 The Journey to Self-Discovery
10:32 From Monotonous Life to Surfing Adventure
15:47 Radical Lifestyle Change and Surfing
19:29 Surfing as a Mirror to Life
26:18 The Impact of Surfing on Relationships
32:12 Lessons from the Ocean
33:26 Reflecting on Life Before and After Surfing
34:30 The Turning Point: Choosing Surfing
35:59 Life Changes and New Adventures
38:39 Finding Your Passion and Enlightenment
41:24 The Journey of Writing a Book
50:01 Lessons from Surfing and Writing
56:52 Community and Identity in Surfing
59:12 Reception and Future Plans
01:02:43 Where to Find the Book and Final Thoughts
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