When we think of stories about recovery from traumatic injury, we are easily able to recall images that are centred in the physical journey. It is these narratives that are more simple to tell, as they are based on tangible things: bones, ligaments and muscle. The story that is often overlooked, is that of the emotional journey, with all its subtlety, nuance and complexity. The physical journey tends to be linear, whereas the emotional journey - that of changing the way we process our thoughts, feelings and emotions - tends to be far more difficult to understand and to navigate. It is impossible to prepare oneself for such an experience, for it is forced upon you. Recovery depends on how one deals with those hardships and the ability to draw on resiliency from within. This is the story of Tyler Turner’s journey to recovery after a life-altering accident.

On September 4th, 2017 Tyler Turner’s world transformed during a routine skydive. The Immensity of change Tyler is faced with becomes overwhelming and there seemed to be no end in sight to his suffering. His past falls out of reach and his carefree and effortless way of life - centred around a constant state of flow - is lost. About a year after his accident, the surgeon came to the conclusion that his remaining lower leg would have to be amputated, making him a bilateral amputee. Although it was certainly another life-changing surgery, the second amputation eliminated a significant amount of chronic pain. Tyler seeks out a psychologist in hopes to help him to integrate the tools that are needed in order to cope and reconnect to the sports that filled his life. A community of friends, family, and healthcare professionals provide significant love and support that eventually leads to a shift in Tyler’s mental state. In this award winning short documentary, director Lara Shea creates an emotionally textured and nuanced environment driven by the ebb and flow Tyler’s emotional and physical wellbeing. The film follows the ongoing balancing act between achieving personal independence and getting the support he needs from a huge professional and personal network.

The song that Lennox-based musical collective Headland composed to round out their original soundscape for the Lost Track Atlantic series is appropriately titled "The Weight of Water". It plays behind this final surf section where Torren Martyn takes on a renowned heavy wave at the base of the Australian continent.

Lost Track Atlantic is a four-part series that takes you on the journey of a lifetime, from the far north Atlantic to the tropical, equatorial coast of West Africa. Follow best friends, surfer Torren Martyn and filmmaker Ishka Folkwell in a search for waves and life long memories, as they journey down the Atlantic coastline passing through some of the most culturally diverse regions on the planet.

In Episode 1, Torren and Ishka start their journey in Northern Europe, fitting out their van then hitting the road, exploring Ireland and Scotland, scoring some incredible waves. In Episode 2, the boys make a huge call to leave Scotland, skip the European coast and drive around 3,000 miles through the continent to cross the Strait of Gibraltar and meet a swell that'd been forecasted to hit the North African coast. In Episode 3, Torren and Ishka savour every minute of life in northwest Africa, exploring some of the best right-hand points they have ever experienced and forming new friendships through a universal love of the ocean. As they venture further south into the depths of a disputed territory, sand storms, relentless winds and endless desert give time for reflection on the journey so far. In episode 4, Torren and Ishka push on deep into the African tropics and stumble across a playful long sand bottom point. Experiencing the warmth of local village life, the boys realise shared waves, a good meal and conversation is about as good as it gets. As international borders begin to close Torren and Ishka return to Australia to be with family and reflect on their journey.

These four feature length episodes remind us that although life has its highs and lows, we can always find contentment in a deep connection with nature, community and the ocean.

Music:
Artist - Headland
Song - "The Weight of Water"
headland.bandcamp.com