Hell Or High Water

In the second episode of our new series in partnership with Talisker Whisky, we spoke to the ever-inspiring Andy Mann. An ocean conservationist, explorer, photographer and musician, Andy has travelled the world with camera in hand, documenting some of the most diverse ocean landscapes and ecosystems. Through his co-founded organisation Sea Legacy, he works tirelessly to secure highly protected marine areas in places like the Dominican Republic and Baja Mexico, raising awareness and showcasing all we can do to serve and secure delicate habitats near collapse in less fortunate parts of our ocean.

This new season of Hell or High Water is brought to you in partnership with our friends at Talisker Whisky. To kick off the series we headed to the fabled Talisker distillery in the Hebrides, converging for the Skye Summit in celebration of World Oceans Day. We were joined by game-changing endurance swimmer Ross Edgley and Paralympic gold medalist Melanie Barrat to talk about their love of cold water, Ross’s achievement of being the first person to swim around the entire coastline of the UK, and Mel’s upcoming attempt to be the first visually impaired swimmer to cross the channel unassisted.

For our latest episode we spoke to the inimitable Glen Walsh, a proudly gay surfer and Venice Beach local who helped produce the groundbreaking 2014 documentary ‘OUT in the lineup’ - one of the first to look at being gay in the surf world. A surfer, skater and activist, Glen’s passion and energy to create space for LGBTQ+ surfers is palpable. We covered everything from growing up skating and coming out in the 80s, to the current landscape for LGBTQ+ surfers, and his now legendary daily surf reports from Venice Pier.

Guest Hosted by London Surf Film Festival's, Demi Taylor, dive into conversation with Sachi Cunningham as we discuss Saachi’s SeaChange documentary; a film about female empowerment, competitive surfing and equity in the big wave arena. An insightful conversation about the two lives spent in submerged in sea and surf culture, creativity, cold water and the power of film. 

For this next episode, we sit down with a saltwater soul who’d rival most people for time spent in the sea. 

Aline Carrier is another person with an insatiable passion for their profession. Fisheries Specialist, Oceanographer, Freediver, Surfer, sailor, Ali is someone who’s obsession for the sea stands as testament to the profound connections that can be forged between humans and the ocean. Seamlessly managing to blend her academic world, adventurous spirit and deep-seated curiosity to dive headfirst into her aquatic surroundings. 

A household name on Vancouver Island and most certainly in the wider conservation space given his growing audience on the like of Instagram, amassing over 250k followers… Ross Reid is a self proclaimed ‘Science Communicator’ or ‘Outdoor Educator’ and does so with fast, intellectual, wit and wisdom. Through his energetic edits, he not only educates but also inspires his audience to forge a stronger connection to our planet.

This next episode is an insightful and astute conversation with Rachel Dickens, co-founder of Canada’s Indigenous youth surf team ‘Mułaa’, an organisation rebuilding the indigenous youth’s connection to their ancestral waters through surf and the joy of riding waves.

Rachel is also a Health Care Professional specialising as a diabetic dietician within First Nation communities. As a mixed ancestry indigenous women herself, Rachel uses ‘food as medicine’ to actively engage with Indigenous food systems.

First up in our Canadian mini series, and after a long time waiting, we finally met with master craftsman, Mark McInnis. Recognised as one of the first surf photographers to really ply his trade in the Pacific Northwest, Mark has gone on to establish himself over a 13 year plus career as one of the most respected surf photographers out there. His work synonymous with cold, hostile, often snowcapped environments.

A reactive and insightful episode to coincide with their Kickstarter campaign, we speak with Director Lewis Arnold and Writer Chris Nelson on the environmental surf film of the moment, The Big Sea.  

The Big Sea is an independent, investigative documentary exploring the toxic nature of wetsuits, the true human cost of neoprene production and surfing’s link to Cancer Alley. 

To learn more about the film and for ways to get involved yourself, head on over to https://thebigsea.org

Lucas Beaufort, a self-described dreamer, living in a world surrounded by beautiful monsters, Lucas’ distinctive artwork explores the connections mirroring his own affinity with the world and people around him. From his interwoven net-like murals to ‘Gus Gus’, the playful character who wanders the world experiencing all without seeing or judging, we worked closely with Lucas to adorn the range with bespoke designs, exclusive to the collaboration.

In celebration of his work and creative output, we had Lucas down in Cornwall with us back in July - a few days on the cliff with the Finisterre crew and the rest of the thriving Cornish creative crowd. We hosted one of Lucas’ inspired art camps, inviting a host of local art-smiths to put brush to canvas to beautiful effect. All topped off nicely with a bit of a knees up, a glass of savvy b and some pétanque - a big thanks to all who came by and revelled in the art and counter culture with us.