It’s a brisk minus 8 degrees Celsius morning in Northern Iceland. The surf forecast calls for 8 to 12ft sets. All I can hear is the cracking of ice as Timmy slowly works at releasing the straps of our encrusted, frozen paddle boards from the snow on top of the roof rack of our car.

We are getting ready to go surfing. After two weeks on the road, we are excited for what this morning holds. It is calm, crisp and cold out, but the ocean has gifted us with beautiful, glassy rolling waves. We are staying in the quiet little village of Olafsfjordur, a quay fjord surrounded by the most spectacular backdrop of snow capped peaks which drop dramatically into the frigid ocean and which boasts one of the best surf breaks Iceland has on offer.

We don’t waste any time, quickly suiting up and scraping the ice that covers the decks of our inflatable paddle boards before jumping into the frigid sea. Timmy and I paddle out in between the sets, and manage a smooth path out to the shoulder of the right hand point break outside Olafsfjordur. Now we are fully awake, refreshed by the cool breeze and colder water. We are so alive that we hoot and holler before catching some of the sweetest waves on our journey. Riding down the smooth, glassy walls that carve along the coast with no one else around, we are grateful to be good friends sharing special moments in a place like this. This was a day to be remembered, like so many others spent on this magical “ice” island.

It’s November in Iceland, and the country is entering into the winter season, which includes colder temps and shortened days. Our crew consists of my longtime friend Tim Emmett. Timmy is someone with whom I have cavorted on many trips. He is an extraordinary human being: explorer, adventurer, professional climber, surfer, free diver, you name it. He is always enthusiastic, stays positive and fires up to reach any goal. Another incredible spirit along for this ride is Luca Magalati. Luca is a proud freediver fresh from breaking the Canadian national freediving record by diving to a depth of 85 meters! The third man on our team is Brian Hockenstein, an impressive film maker and multi-talented athlete. Brian is always ready to jump into the fray and is another key link to our project.

After surfing that first day, we fall into a rhythm of moving with the light while adapting to the wild and unpredictable weather of Iceland and chasing the Northern lights. We are on a joint work/passion project out here together. The theme of our project is to build and film a connection to the elements within Iceland with water as the main focus of our trip.

From freediving to SUP surfing and flatwater paddling, to exploring mountain tops and climbing icebergs, we wandered about on massive glaciers. We lowered each other into holes, tunnels, and caves amid the glaciers, and what we witnessed in nature and the sights we shared will remain in our hearts forever.

As we tinkered with ice axes and climbed walls of crystal clear blue ice, each paddle excursion brought us to new horizons where we were first lost in wonder, then utterly captivated by the frozen water landscapes. With every paddle stroke, the swing of our ice axes and the kick of our fins, we endured Iceland's freezing cold elements, which awakened in us a heightened awareness while traveling this dramatic land and waterscape.

Iceland is a great mystery. At every turn, from its mountain peaks to its volcanoes, with massive blocks of glaciers flowing out to the ocean, waterfalls are everywhere. It’s like the Rocky Mountains meeting beautiful farmlands, with lava flows, flora and fauna stretching down to the sea. Our unique goal was to experience and capture our connection to it all: earth, air, wind and water from the mountain tops to the glaciers, lakes, and rivers to the ocean.

After two weeks of this wonderful experience, I have to say my goodbyes to Tim and Brian, who are leaving. They have become like brothers to me. We created a bond that will last a long time by experiencing and sharing each other's goals and dreams on these craggy cliffs and frozen landscapes. My own departure isn’t for another couple of weeks since I have decided to stay and do some additional exploring.

I am really excited by the opportunity of what the next couple weeks might hold. Another longtime friend, Jake Humphrey, flies in the same day the project crew flies out. Jake and I switch vehicles, reload our gear and set sail. The amount of gear we have is insane: SUP Boards, surf boards, ice climbing gear, ropes, freediving gear, dry suits, wetsuits, freediving suits, camping gear, photo and film gear. Everything is packed into every nook and cranny of the vehicle so there is hardly room to sit ourselves. We will end up using it all.

Jake is one of my best buds who I grew up with in Whistler, British Columbia. When he made the decision to meet me for the last couple weeks in Iceland, I was so stoked. With any trip, it’s challenging finding the time to go away between work and family responsibilities. We are both lucky to have families who support us in these endeavors.

With our gear fully loaded in the little 4X4 Icelandic Duster, we take off following a road map wherever our spirits want to take us. We decided to chase the surf and swell. Bracing ourselves as we drive into winter, wind and storms, the two of us are ready for the Icelandic adventure of a lifetime.

Now I’m home, and as I sit here writing and reflecting back on it all, boundless gratitude fills my heart. If I can give any hope or inspiration to others, then I’ve done my job. I want to encourage others to live free and get out there to chase their dreams and to reach for their goals no matter how long it takes. To believe, to be spontaneous, and to say yes to adventure. Efforts bring great results over time Thanks to everyone out there who gives inspiration, supports others and stays connected to the true elements of nature.