Soul is Waterproof: Adventure Swimming and Stories of Water

by Matthew L Moseley

Matthew Moseley has a passion for long-distance swims in sometimes treacherous waters. In the early morning darkness of June 27, 2021, he wades into the Green River and begins the first-ever 52-mile swim where its waters meet those of the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. Stroke by stroke, Moseley invites you on his journey, as he encounters expected and unexpected adventures along the way. He shares his unique connection to the rivers, lakes, and oceans he swims and the historical and literary luminaries who deepened his appreciation of life in, on, and around water. Facing his greatest test of endurance yet, he also confronts the harsh new reality of the climate crisis in the American West. As we follow Moseley on swimming adventures around the world-from New Orleans, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, the Colorado River, the Sea of Galilee, and points between-he becomes an Ambassador for Water, passing along essential lessons about adaptability and durability. He shows us why water-either too little or too much-will be the defining issue of our times. His account is a meditation on, a celebration of, and a love story with Earth's life-giving resource. Reading Soul is Waterproof is like being on Moseley's support boat as stories and characters unfold around every bend. Put your life vest on and buckle up. What people are "One of the world's most accomplished open water swimmers." Outdoor Swimmer magazine "Matthew seamlessly connects incongruent topics - unprecedented swimming adventures down rivers, across lakes, and in turbulent seas with historical facts and profound literary passages. His experiences point out mankind's need to adapt and survive in a world that increasingly has either too much or too little water in too many places. His voice rings loudly to those who listen, but his message is also a prophetic warning to those who may not." Steven Munatones, Founder, World Open Water Swimming Association "A spectacular effort and outstanding story interweaving Matt's swims with the challenges of the rivers everywhere." PLACE HOLDER Tom Kiernan, Executive Director, American Rivers "Humble and fascinating. I love the way Moseley connects with water and music through his amazing swims. Through his adventures and weaving of history, he develops a unique spiritual relationship with the bodies of water he swims in. If you love water the way we do, you'll love this book. If not. Prepare to be converted." Ram Barkai, Founder and Chair, International Ice Swimming Association; Author of From Fire to Ice
" ... Mind boggling ... Maybe we need some level of human craziness to make people realize there is a huge and growing problem with our water and rivers that supply it."
Pete McBride - National Geographic photographer and journalist

220 pages, Paperback

Published May 25, 2023

Reviews

[Laura]

Interesting to read about another endurance athlete, specifically a swimmer. Got lost in the words a few times, but overall a good read.

[Fletcher Lucas]

Spent 5 days on the Green River through the Gates of Lodore a few weeks ago with Matt. What a fun dude. Dude brought a loveseat and a rug on the river. Had some great conversations with him about books and just about life.

I really enjoyed this book. Easy to read and so many crazy stories. So many name drops too. Really sweet how much he loves his family and how much he really cares about his friends who have helped him along the way. Just keep swimming. Light as a feather

[Lynn]

Interesting to read about endurance swimming and everything involved with it.