Hell Or High Water

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.

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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

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After 16 years as the Surfrider Foundation’s Environmental Director, Dr Chad Nelsen was the obvious choice when selecting their next CEO. An activist, campaigner, family man and avid waterman he brings insight and experience to the fight to protect our ocean playgrounds
The Surfrider Foundation USA is a U.S. 501c grassroots non-profit environmental organization that works to protect and preserve the world's oceans, waves and beaches. It focuses on water quality, beach access, beach and surf spot preservation, and sustaining marine and coastal ecosystems.

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Throughout the year, OPEN hosts world-class surfer-shapers residencies, giving everyday surfers an opportunity to own a hand shaped surfboard from some of the most respected names in the industry - including to date Simon Anderson, Neil Purchase Jr, Josh Keough, and our very special guest today, Beau Young! Surfer, shaper, musician and 2x world long-board champion. Beau’s surfing is as stylish today as it was back on his world title runs, something that likely results from knowing his equipment inside out, hand shaped by himself - a process we touch on a few times.
We spoke about all the things you’d expect from a conversation with a surfing world champ - the fire for competition, the purity of surfing itself, the art of hand shaping and an ever-evolving love affair with the sea.
Safe to say we couldn’t have this conversation without mentioning Beau’s father, Australian Nat Young, 5x world surfing champion and a name synonymous with surfing worldwide, primarily because he, along with a few others ushered in the new era of surf and the shortboard revolution in the mid-1960’s.

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Next up in our Californian Omnibus we met with Christian Beamish – Surfer, Shaper, Sailor and Writer, Christian is somewhat of an underground yet widely known stalwart of the surfing world. Calling the likes of the Malloy brothers, Greg Long and others close friends.
A lifelong devotee of surf, frequenting waves from Ireland to France and the Philippines plus countless others off the beaten track accessible to him whilst serving in the U.S. Navy – Christian has quietly dedicated his life to the sea.
More thoroughly accounted for was his solo sail from San Diego down through Baja in his self-constructed boat, beautifully retold in ‘Voyage of the Cormorant – memoir of a changeable sea’.
A line of sight crossing and self-reliant exploration for surf – one that saw him sleeping under canvas tarp whist anchored up to the kelp beds, surfing and fishing in pristine ocean with no one around and lentil and coffee rations as he lived by the weather systems in an 18foot open boat.
The book not just about the sailing and the people he met along the way but a wonderful account of an inner and outer journey. There are few people able to write about surf in a way that speaks to a wider audience, William Finnegan always comes to mind, but Christian is certainly another. Something that no doubt comes through years of experience as associate editor of the revered Surfers Journal.
In sitting down, we spoke about stoking the fire for adventure, night surfing and deep-water surf,
board shaping and boat building and went off on a few other tangents you’ll come to hear.

Ill add, we were sat in the showroom behind Christians shaping bay so you will hear some
background chatter and a cameo from Chrstians daughter halfway through...
So here we go, Episode 18 of Hell or High Water with Christian Beamish – Boats, Boards and Baja.

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