Book2017–2026 update
The Ocean, Blue Spaces and Outdoor Learning
Edited by AUT's Mike Brown, this book explores the educational side of people's engagement with the ocean and 'blue spaces'. It includes a chapter on surfing and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.
What's new
The book looks at how experiences of the ocean and blue spaces help people understand themselves, others and their place in the natural environment, across formal, informal and non-formal learning contexts. It draws on creative projects from around the world, on topics including ocean sailing, migrants' experiences of learning to surf, and experiencing seascapes through sounds. It gives examples of innovative teaching and learning practices. Chapters include Belinda Wheaton on surfing, ocean identities and well-being in Aotearoa New Zealand; 'Students of the Sea: Tauira O Te Moana' (Jones, Jelleyman and Brown); and 'Tēnā koe (that is you): Meeting the Ocean Dwelling Other' (Irwin and colleagues).
Why it matters in Aotearoa
Aotearoa is a coastal nation, and this collection may help educators think about the ocean and blue spaces as places for learning and wellbeing, alongside land-based outdoor settings.
Putting it into practice
Consider planning a coastal or harbour EOTC unit that combines water skills with learning about the local moana and its stories. The collection's chapters on surfing, sailing and sail training may give useful perspectives.
How strong is the evidence
This is an edited collection in the Routledge Advances in Outdoor Studies series. It draws on creative projects and examples of teaching and learning practice from around the world. It is not a single empirical study. Copyright 2024.
What to read
Chapter 1 (surfing, ocean identities and well-being in Aotearoa New Zealand). Chapters 15 ('Students of the Sea: Tauira O Te Moana') and 16 ('Tēnā koe (that is you): Meeting the Ocean Dwelling Other') may also be of interest.