Some of them have just taken up surfing, some have been surfing for half a century.

I’ve asked surfers to reflect on the big questions they’re facing at their age, what role surfing plays in their lives, and whether there are any connections between the two.

I’ve found the connections both universal and unique — lots of common themes have come up (letting go of control, finding pleasure in others’ successes, maintaining a beginner’s mind, tuning in with changing bodies, connecting with awe and with nature and mortality) but each person’s story is particular.