Do Wildness

Nick Hounsfield is the man who brought ‘a slice of the ocean’ to a field near Bristol. The Wave is a world-first inland surfing destination in the UK, where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can experience the joy of waves and their many physical and mental health benefits. Starting with just £500, he went on to raise the £30 million needed to make his dream a reality. Shortly after opening, Nick suffered a stroke at the age of 46. Much of his recovery was in water; cementing his belief in the power of blue health. In 2025, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Social Inclusion from Bath Spa University.

Abby runs the proactive Impact Programme for The Wave, which aims to bring surfing and blue health to more people who need it. Despite being a hopeless surfer, she can be found bobbing around the tidal pools of north Cornwall year-round. Abby is on a mission to help everyone find their own unique connection with blue space, whatever their level of water confidence. Nick and Abby’s new venture is One Blue World which aims to take the concept of blue health to the next level as a foundational part of how we live, work, play and heal.