Why He Surfs in Ice-cold Water

"The joy of surfing in ice-cold water", Chris Burkard, 2015

The joy of surfing in ice-cold water

Summary

    Surf photographer Chris Burkard has been surfing in many harsh situations such as ice-cold water.  He went to Iceland, Russia, Norway, Alaska, Chile, and a lot of places.

     When he was 19 years old, he quit his job and started traveling all around the world.  However, he didn't feel satisfied with going to famous tourist spots.  He began pursuing wild, open spaces which intrigue him.  He started against the mundane.

     He searched for perfect waves to surf and went to Iceland to surf.  He thought that is exactly what he was looking for.  He also felt like he stumbled onto one of the last quiet places in that harsh conditions.  After this experience, he went to many remote and risky locations to capture amazing images.  

     Through his extreme experience, he realized there are no shortcuts to joy in life.   "Anything that is worth pursuing is going to require us to suffer, just a little bit", he says.  He could feel the sense of fulfillment when he had always been searching for. 

Comment

     I was impressed with the way he walks.  He follows his heart and chooses the life path.  I think taking own way needs courage because that often against the mundane.  I was surprised by the fact that just 19 years boy decided to do what he really wants.  I'd like to live life like him.  His path of life hits me right in my feels.
     I also think he feels the present moment.  When he goes surfing in harsh conditions, he just faces the truth in front of his eyes.  In the presentation, he showed many photos that blew me away.  I could feel a part of his astonishment from the photos. 
     His presentation gave me hope to live my own life.  I don't know where I go in the future, but I will keep feeling my heart and pursue my fulfillment.