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One Shot 4.0 Chapter 1: Glacier Surfing.

Blue Banana is celebrating World Photography Day for the fourth consecutive year with the launch of "One Shot," a project where the iconic adventure and fashion brand turns inspiring dreams into reality through breathtaking imagery.

For the 2024 edition, the brand received nearly 500 submissions from fans, realising that many shared similar dreams. This led them to name this year’s project the "Parallel Dreams Edition," bringing together individuals who didn’t know each other but had the same vision.

Among them are Portuguese surfer Eurico Romaguera and Spanish photographer Jorge Abian, who both dreamed of capturing a wave in Greenland—not just any wave, but one created by the calving of an iceberg into the sea, a phenomenon that occurs during the summer melt. They embarked on a journey to Ilulissat to fulfill this dream. Their adventure, titled Greenland Dream, was documented by Spanish filmmakers Nico Pina and Ibai Mielgo.

“This feat has been accomplished in Alaska before, but never in Greenland. It was a completely new challenge for all of us. We didn’t know if we would be able to achieve it within a limited time and with no idea where to find the wave,” says Romaguera. “We connected with local fishermen, and even they found it extraordinary. They guided us to potential spots where calving events could create the waves we were seeking, places where ice or land formations could shape the waves caused by the glacier's collapse,” Abian adds.

“We didn’t just explore the area by boat... we’ve kept a special surprise for those who watch the video,” Pina concludes.

Directed by Nico Pina
Assitant Director: Ibai Mielgo Duran
Starring: Jorge Abian
Surfer: Eurico Romaguera

2025 Surf Coaching Clinic, Indonesia.

Macaronis Resort in the Mentawai Islands, looks and feels a bit like paradise, and the resort is hosting its intermediate surf coaching clinics for the 8th year running over 8 weeks from January 10th 2025 to March 7th 2025.

All of their surf coaches are ISA (International Surf Association) accredited, with the experience and qualifications to help you improve quickly, surf to your full potential and take on some of the worlds best waves. You can attend the course for as little as one week or the full eight weeks.

The carefully curated coaching sessions only host up to 8 surfers per coach and accommodation is limited to one surfer per room. Special guest and international surf coach, Dave Renaud will be heading up this experience. Dave is based in the UK, but regularly coaches in the Maldives. He is a Level 2 ISA surf coach, and has served as head coach for Great Britain and Team England for the past 10 years. These guys guarantee some of the best surf coaching out there!

Between January and March is a great time of year to visit the Mentawais, with very few other surfers around. Macaronis is also limiting participants to 20 surfers per week and the team make a special effort to explore neighbouring breaks. This way, guests and coaches can take turns surfing Macaronis and classic Southern Mentawai spots, ensuring the line-up always feels fresh and uncrowded.

Situated on a saltwater lagoon across the bay from the Legendary Macaronis wave, the set up is high quality comfort with the perfect activities list for any time away from the waves. You can kayak, paddle board, fish and snorkel the tropical waters. Suites are on the second floor, a few meters above sea level with open verandas and panoramic views of the ocean and saltwater lagoon.

The surf offering is an incredible experience that will make you feel like a pro. With Dave Renaud, two professional photographers, video playback and in and out of water coaching sessions you can be sure everything surfing is covered.

Find out more and book your spot here.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

Indo Super Swell, Cooking Kandui

Kandui, located in the Mentawai Islands off the coast of Sumatra is widely known for its long, fast, and barreling left-handers, a magnet for travelling surfers seeking the wave of a lifetime. Both exhilarating and intimidating, breaking over a shallow coral reef, you can expect an equal share of pleasure and pain if it goes pear-shaped. This is a playground to very few, so respect the wave, the line-up and the surfers.

Hit play to see Koa Rothman rushing from Australia to Indonesia to score some of the biggest waves to hit Kandui in a decade with Eli Olson, Barron Mamia and Betet, enjoy.

Dreading South

‘Dreading South’ now playing, a film featuring Christian Barker, a fair-weather surfer, a swell and his battle with the cold waters of New Zealand. Hit play to watch Christian adopt a new mindset on his journey through the nearly unbearable cold (in his opinion) waters of NZ.

Featuring Wispy’s faithful NZ quiver, the 9’3” Battler, 5’8” Dually, 6’9”Vincent & 6’7”Mid Twin.

A film by @mctavishsurf
Surfer Christian Barker @wispy_
Directed by @mattjohnireland
Shot by @benbagley__
Edit by @hunterthomson_ and @benbagley__
Score by @the___m1
Script & Narration @severe_t_storm @fidel.ruizhealy

Andy Hughes – Photography, pollution and the power of imagery

Andy Hughes began documenting plastic pollution and raising awareness of it, and the early days SAS way back in the 1990s.

He is a visionary photographer whose work delves deep into the complexities of environmental issues, particularly focusing on the pervasive impact of plastic waste. His photography is not just a visual documentation but a critical exploration of the role that images play in raising awareness about environmental degradation.

Through his lens, Andy captures the stark reality of pollution, urging us to think critically about the commodification of climate change imagery and its psychological effects on society. With decades of experience, Andy has become a prominent voice in sustainable photography, and his work continues to inspire and provoke important conversations around environmental responsibility.

This podcast follows Andy’s journey from a mining town in Yorkshire to becoming a leading figure in environmental photography. * Dive into the ethical debates surrounding the use of climate change imagery in raising awareness. * Gain insight into Andy’s creative process and the narratives that shape his powerful work on plastic pollution.

Pro ocean surfers test the waters of wakesurfing

What happens when ocean surfers swap the seas for lake waters? That’s one question Volvo Penta set out to answer when it brought professional surfers Alyssa Spencer and Tatiana Weston-Webb on board with professional wakesurfer Parker Payne for a special crossover event on Lake Martin in Alabama.

Parker shared wakesurfing tips for the group with Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive and Watersports Control system at the helm on three innovative boat models – the Regal LS9 Surf, Cobalt R8 Surf and Paradigm Boats wakesurf deck boat. Below we dive into a few key takeaways from their time on the water.

1. Practice makes perfect: Even seasoned surfers need a bit of time to adjust to a wave that’s powered by boat instead of Mother Nature. “I was expecting a bit of a challenge the first few waves because learning how to get up and get going was new for me,” said Spencer. “Once I got the hang of it though, it was so fun!”

2. Control breeds creativity: While the unpredictable nature of the ocean has its unique allure, the more controlled environment of wakesurfing also offers a dose of spontaneity. “The wave is pretty similar every time, so I feel like you can be really creative and have fun with it because you know you’ll always get another chance,” said Spencer.

3. The boat brings out the fun factor: Boating delivers a unique atmosphere that even sea dwellers can appreciate. “Everything from riding the wave, to having music blaring, and your friends to cheer you on as you surf is all pretty cool,” said Spencer. “It makes the experience of a day on the lake a lot of fun.”

4. Advantages in accessibility: Wakesurfing is a great option for those who might find themselves in a more landlocked area. Weston-Webb noted the benefits for people who don’t live near the coast: “what’s cool about wakesurfing is that it’s a lot more accessible to people in middle America and anywhere that doesn’t have oceans.”

5. Wakesurfing is a workout: Like ocean surfing, wakesurfing is a great outlet for people to get exercise while honing their skills in a unique sport. “It’s nice because anyone can try wakesurfing, it’s a great workout and you’re getting better at something that’s really fun,” said Weston-Webb. “Maybe one day, you’ll go to the ocean and know what to do there too!”

While wakesurfing might not be in the cards for Weston-Webb this summer, as she gears up for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the sport is continuing a steady rise with new demographics that underscore the growing intersection between watersports lovers and boating enthusiasts. According to a research study conducted by Discover Boating, there are 91 million potential future boaters in identified growth and emerging segments – including those with a special interest in outdoor recreation activities.

Forward is the only way

In the spirit of bringing versatility to the forefront, Volvo Penta is cruising ahead with the idea that “Forward is the Only Way” by introducing new projects and partnerships to help drive awareness with expanded audiences. Volvo Penta strives to attract new demographics to boating by demonstrating how its Forward Drive propulsion system is setting a new standard for a variety of active lifestyle customers to enjoy surf and serenity.

“With the Volvo Penta Forward Drive system, it really allows the boat to have the power to get you out of the water quickly and creates a great wave for surfing,” said Payne. “It allows for a lot of extra room on the boat so that way you have room to chill with your friends. You can have a large sundeck and really enjoy your day on the water and maximise that experience.”

Tempted to jump in the captain’s chair or try your hand at wakesurfing? Check out the “Forward is the Only Way” story, or follow these guys on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok