Happy Winter everyone.
We've officially filled the carton, our 12th issue of Session. It's another packed one with some insanely gorgeous images and complementary narrative that will certainly trigger some dopamine receptors while putting that prefrontal cortex in overdrive to plan your next adventure.
Dylan Stott dives deep to find the answers to the perceived imbalance of Mason Barnes' metaphorical ledger as a young New York surf phenom who consistently delivers picture perfect outcomes both as a big wave surfer and fashion icon heartthrob. Jen Murphy interviews the producer and host of the Huckberry video series Dirt in which former pro snowboarder Josh Rosen scours the globe in search of tasty waves and delicious local ingredients that ultimately find their way to an audacious chef to prepare a culminating feast.
Travel writer and educator, Christopher White makes good on his dream to travel the jungles, temples and beaches of Sumatra after getting side tracked earlier in his career by a call to join the U.S. Peace Corps that took him to a remote island off the shores of Thailand. In doing so, he recounts the similarities between the two regions and the changes that have occurred from the popularity of surf tourism.
Harold Sadler shares his perspective on the origins of surf culture in Tofino back when his father Jim was hand building boards made from plywood and barely tolerating the freezing ocean temperatures with archaic wetsuits and wool in order to prove their waves could be ridden. With little to no forecasting tools or information, Jim Sadler and his crew would send it on a whim not knowing whether they'd be back in a few days or a few weeks spreading the stoke of surfing with anyone that happened to be paying attention.
We have gorgeous shots from Fish Bowl Diaries capturing the all-time conditions at this year's Aloha Classic including a synopsis of the event outcomes that continue to keep the spirit of windsurfing alive and well at Ho'okipa. Our favorite kitesurfing adventure couple Jamie and Francesca Hockley head to Zanzibar to catch the 'Kusi' trade wind season reflecting on the way Africa welcomes you home not by geography but by the way it makes you feel.
You'll also find a collection of images and claims from the waves and riders coming from Hurricane Erin. Erin was well behaved as one the largest storm of the season doing everyone a solid by staying off shore and sending waves tip to tip from the reefs of Puerto Rico to the points of Nova Scotia.
As stimulating as this issue may be, the winter months can be tough on us emotionally when the days get shorter and the temperatures get a little more challenging. It's important to stay vigilant in our pursuit to stay wet knowing that each session we experience delivers the necessary medicine to stay mentally healthy. The mornings may be dark and a bit bone chilling at times, but I encourage you all to get out there and warm your souls through the unique physical contact and counter pressure that only water can provide.
I hope to see you out there.
Russ
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