It's 1997 and Sam is supposed to be going into Year Twelve, Year Twelve, listening to Jeff Buckley far too loud and staying out skating with his friends until late. But instead, after the death of his mother, he finds himself moving from Sydney to the coast to live with estranged cousins Minty and Shane.
Confused, alone and grieving, Sam starts surfing with Minty to ease the static in his head. But out of the water he finds hostility and suspicion practically vibrating from every corner. What exactly happened seven years ago that tore such a rift in the family? In the face of hostility and loss, Sam is able to escape in the water - and even in love. Will he find a way through? Will he sink or swim?
Awarded the 2017 CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers
Shortlisted for the Australian Prime Minister's Literary Award for Young Adult Readers
Shortlisted for the 2016 Queensland Literary Award - Young Adult Literature.