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Video Companion
Arctic Swell: Surfing the Ends of the Earth
Photographer Chris Burkard and professional surfers Patrick Millin, Brett Barley and Chadd Konig brave sub-zero temperatures in the Arctic Circle to capture moments of raw beauty in conditions that rank among the harshest in the natural world.
The bitterly cold seas and wind exact a large price on their minds and bodies, but the reward—adventure, amazement and self-knowledge—draws them closer together and pushes them to tackle the next frontier in surfing.
In addition to facing frigid water temperatures, with each ride, they’re battling extreme undertows, dangerous currents and winds from some of the roughest seas in the world. “It humbles you and makes you realize how at the mercy of the ocean and the elements we are,” said one of the surfers in the film.
As another succinctly noted, “It’s the raddest thing ever.”