The writer and publisher of a new book based on a love of Cornish surf and culture have explained why 100 per cent of sale proceeds will be going to charity.
Writer Pete Geall, from Newlyn, has recently released his 32-page book titled West: A Cornish Surf Anthology. The book is a collection of short stories which pays homage to Pete’s Cornish roots and is being published by former Helston Community College student James Meredew.
The book, which features many of the area’s best surfing sports such as Porthleven, has been visually brought to life by the work of Imogen Allen, Luke Gartside, Jack Johns, Al Mackinnon, Maise Marshall and Will Ritson.
Pete, whose work has been featured in The Surfers Journal, has revealed that all proceeds from book sales will go towards the Cornish male mental health charity, Man Down.
West features contributors, who each have their connection to the county. In an interview with the Finisterre website, Pete said: “My hope is, that we have produced a modest little book that will serve as a portal to transport people to a clifftop overlooking the roaring Atlantic.”
In West’s introduction, Pete describes the Penwith peninsula as a ‘Petri-dish’ of concentrated Cornwall. He said “I find its blend of contradictions and natural beauty endlessly fascinating.
“My hope through my words is that I’ve been able to present tight vignettes of the Cornish surf experience that really resonate with people. Whether that is the springtime smell of gorse and suncream or the sight of winter wave contouring itself down the reef at Porthleven in a plume of ‘spirit’ and ‘frothed anger’.
“Above all ‘West’ is a celebration of local surf culture, which has brought me so much joy in my life.
Pete’s love for Cornish surf is expressed throughout the 32-page book which has been bound together by the use of a sewing machine, as well as beer pulp for the front cover.
The concept of the book was discussed between Pete and Cornish publisher, James Meredew over a pint at the Swordfish pub in Newlyn – Pete’s hometown.
James who is a former Helston Community College student, told the Packet why he wanted to work with Pete on this project. He said: “I got involved in making this book as my boss brought a stack of old surfing magazines into work and as I was flicking through them, came across a couple of articles by Pete.
“I was blown away by the writing and gave him a message online.”
With the book now available to buy online, Pete told Finisterre why he wanted 100 per cent of proceeds made from book sales to go towards Man Down. He said: “During the past year, my mental health took a knock when a long-term relationship came to an end.
“Up until that point, I’d lived a fairly ‘charmed’ life: middle-class upbringing, cruising from one good thing to the next.
“Without much thought, the persona that I chose to present to the world, was one of strength without much space for vulnerability.
“An athletic lifeguard, fearless surfer of talented writer – it wasn’t until I was confronted by one of the major storms of life that I realised how fragile those constructs were.
“I believe in normalising conversations about mental health and more broadly about what modern masculinity means. It is my sincere hope that my support of this cause can help contribute to that discussion.”
West: A Cornish Surf Anthology is now on sale. You can buy it at: www.ancientmagicbooks.co.uk/product/west-a-cornish-surf-anthology-by-pete-geall
The 32-page book costs £10, with 100% of profits donated to Man Down Cornwall, a charity supporting men's mental health in Cornwall.
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