December Recommendations
December has arrived! This means the days are still getting darker and darker here in Iceland until the winter solstice on the 21st of December. While we‘ve been waiting for the perfect (or just not blasting onshore/hailing) weather and light windows to get outside and surf or ski we‘ve been enjoying watching some of the incredibly creative, fun and inspiring surf, ski, snowboard and climbing edits out there. Here are our current favorites, we hope you‘ll enjoy them too!
14 Peaks – Nothing is impossible
This documentary was just released on Netflix and it is seriously inspiring! It documents the Nepali mountaineer Nimsdai Purja‘s quest to summit 14 of the world‘s 8,000-meter peaks in just SEVEN MONTHS. For reference: the previous record was 8 YEARS!!! So many people said the quest was impossible, so he named it „Project Possible“, wishing to show people what humanity can do with the right preparation and mindset.
Purja summited the peaks with a rotating support team of experienced Nepalese climbers. One of his goals for the quest was to give the Nepalese climbing community the respect and acknowledgement that it deserves from the global climbing community. Despite the fact that the country is home to Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, and 8 out of 14 eight thousanders, most of its native climbers and Sherpas, who provide invaluable support to Western climbing expeditions, remain unknown and unrecognised for their accomplishments.
Vans Surf Presents: Cadavre Exquis
Exquisite Corpse, from the French term „Cadavre Exquis“ is a method in which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled. Each collaborator adds to a composition in sequence, being allowed to see only the end of what the precious person contributed. This film was made by women of the Vans Surf team & friends in 2020, in the midst of the global pandemic, in an attempt to reach across the seas, and create a piece that allowed them to connect and come together somehow. This film is increadibly creative and beautifully edited, celebrating all types of waves, surf styles and the way the ocean is a place of connection.
Journey to the centre of the surf – Arctic Adventure – Ian Battrick – Lunasurf
The sense of humor in this alien filled surf edit, combined with the incredible surf footage, harsh winter environment and purely raw dedication to surf resulted in a new surf classic that is a pleasure to watch. We respect the dedication, realism and fresh perspective on Icelandic surf conditions as seen through the eyes of our friend Ian Battrick, as well as the stories of him shared by some of Iceland‘s local shreders.
Skaði
In Skaði, we get to follow two Swedish freeskiers Kasja Larsson and Malou Peterson on a trip to the Northern part of Sweden as they go camping in a snowstorm hoping to ski some powder – a decision we can fully get behind! From mighty mountain peaks to ancient forests and tundra-like heaths, from green-white glacier meltwater to crystal clear rivers. Northern Sweden is home to one of the last remainiong areas of extensive wilderness in Europe and in this ski movie you witness the harsh conditions of the area. The howling winds, the long dark days as well as the cotton candy pink skies remind us of the winter ski conditions here in Iceland, making us absolutely crave getting back on the skis in some good snow!
Low Tide
I never been to Lofoten but it reminds us a lot of Icelandic conditions. It´s inspiring to see how hard those local legends send it down those rocky mountains.