A few moments to inspire...

The photographic result of a two year collaborative project between one of the worlds foremost surf photographers, Dustin Humphrey, and influential surf film maker Taylor Steele, Sipping Jetstreams is just about as inspirational as it can get when it comes to international surf travel. Digging just that little bit deeper to get under the skin of what it is we really expose ourselves to along the way whilst searching out a wave to ride, this give's you a glimpse at the bigger picture.

The photo-geeks amongst you might be interested to know that Humphrey shot each location/section using a different film stock to give each it's own characteristics, even taking the risk of cross processing all the images from one trip to over-saturate the colours.

The sequel, Castles In The Sky is due out anytime soon featuring India, Iceland, Peru and Vietnam to name a few and I can't wait to see it if their first attempt is anything to go by.

Click play but don't hold me responsible if you get the uncontrollable urge to go buy a plane ticket and a few rolls of film as a result.

Kettle on, Feet up

"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea"

Heroux Bernard-Paul

Here here.

The Future

I think it was Rob Machado who said that "The future of surfing will come from the most unlikely of places" as curiosity gets the better of kids who grow up by the ocean and travelling surfers leave behind boards and inspiration.

My friends Ru and Gem moved out to Costa Rica back in 2007 and opened Innocent Surf School, and they quickly flipped the accepted and outdated model of surf coaching on its head, growing into one of the most progressive and in-demand surf coaching centres in the world.
Alongside the surf school they also put aside Sundays to run free lessons for local kids and organised a board donation drive, giving them the chance to be a part of the surfing boom on their beach rather than just spectators - and now some of those kids are the local standouts and absolutely ripping.

This is so important to the world of surfing. One of these kids could turn out to be a world champion one day, but might never have had the chance to stand on a board otherwise.

Not being ones to rest on their laurels however, as of March 2010 they are opening Innocent Surf Camp to offer high end packages to every level of surfer at one of the most consistent and progression friendly surf spots on the planet. I can't see them doing anything other than their usual 10 out of 10 effort, and revolutionising the surf camp market.

Check 'em out, your surfing will thank you for it.