Do you remember watching Blake (Blakey) Johnston walk out of the water after surfing for 40 hours and catching 707 waves to smash the Guinness World Record for the longest surf? The man was cooked, but as a passionate mental health advocate he was proud to spread the message about mental health and finding ways to look after yourself.

Now, Hachette Australia is thrilled to announce the upcoming publication of Blake’s book SWELLBEING (October 2025).

For Blake, growing up around the beaches of Cronulla, life was good and surfing was everything. At 16, he turned pro and took off round the world chasing his dream to become the world’s best. The thing about dreams, though, is that they change, sometimes by choice and sometimes by circumstance. For some people, that change can be too much. Too often people stay silent about their struggles; too often they can’t see the way back.

Nine Australians commit suicide every day. Blake’s dad was one of them. Since then, Blake has made it his mission to help people find the tools they need to stay alive. They are tools he’s had to use himself in his own struggles with his mental health. He’s learnt to grind it out and find the joys in nature, family, community and himself. Those tools enabled him to unite a community, spend 40 gruelling hours in the water, catch 707 waves and claim the World Record for longest surf.

In Swellbeing, Blake Johnston reveals his story about struggling with the impact of mental illness and suicide. In his powerful and inspiring memoir, Blake outlines the tools he used to rise back up and shares the lessons he’s learnt to help others make it through the tough times and live their best life. He’s hoping his experience can ripple out and help others.  Because, as he says, everyone deserves to feel awesome.

And Blake isn’t just writing a book, he is also organising a new World Record attempt. The World’s Biggest Paddle out is happening on March 15th. Blake’s goal is to gather over 1000 people at Cronulla beach to beat the Paddle Out record and, more importantly, show the positive impact community and connection has on our mental health.

Vanessa Radnidge, Head of Literary at Hachette Australia, says: ‘I was in awe of Blake Johnston’s tenacity when I saw him interviewed after his World Record surf. But what struck me most was his passion to help anyone struggling with their mental health. This big bear of a man had his heart on his wetsuit, and he made so much sense. And now my colleagues and I are so proud to be collaborating with him to publish his memoir and tool kit that we know will help others if they are feeling lost. This is a book that everyone needs to read. And I can’t wait to be on the beach (or maybe in the water) on 15 March to cheer on the writing on the next chapter of his book, the Biggest Paddle out.’

Blake Johnston says: ‘We all face struggles, but we don’t have to face them alone. Swellbeing is about sharing the tools that helped me through my toughest times so that others can find their way too. Everyone deserves to feel awesome and together, we can make that happen. This book is one of the tools you can use. I am really pleased to be working with the Hachette team and writers Erin O’Dwyer and Nigel Bowen from Good Prose Studios to publish this book.’

About Blake Johnston:

Blake has been a professional surfer since he was 16, dedicating his life to the ocean, high performance, and the sport he loves. With 20 years of elite coaching experience, Blake has coached many of Australia’s best surfing talents including current World Tour number 11 Connor O’Leary and Junior World Champ, Jarvis Earle. Blake has shown the world that with grit, determination and a lot of hard work, anything is possible. He is now sharing his wealth of experience and unique insights through presentations for schools, sports groups and corporations. He captivates and inspires the audience as he speaks of mental health, and the art of thriving through adversity.

About the World’s Biggest Paddleout:

Saturday 15th March 2025

Cronulla Beach, Sydney

More information here

Swellbeing by Blake Johnston will be published in all formats in October 2025.