The New Year

Something I have rediscovered lately is that insatiable need for adventure and connection with nature. Not that I don’t feel that burning desire all the time, but I rediscovered how important it is for me to get outside, move my body, let go and have fun even in the dead of winter. I am not much of a stand-up paddle boarder, and by that I mean this was my second time ever. But when my significant other suggested a SUP photo shoot at Gasworks Park in Seattle I put on my game face in the name of photography and adventure.

Though it was one of the last days of December and was sunny, it was about 42 degrees.  Luckily I had a wetsuit, we rented a board from Urban Surf (who are awesome and I give a total thumbs up), and headed to the beach. The sun was amazing and the wetsuit kept me pretty warm, minus my fingers and toes. But hey who needs those?

I think onlookers donned in their puffy coats, boots, and scarves thought I was either crazy or famous. Either way we had little bit of an audience what with Colt aiming big lenses and flashes in my face. Usually I would get nervous in situations with a bunch of people staring at me, but decided to just own it and pretend that I was super awesome and knew what I was doing.

As soon as I got on the water, the people, the camera, the flashes all faded. It was me and the water. Not only does getting outside create this overwhelming sense of calm and peace, it connects me to myself. I reconnected with that fire inside, that alive-ness, and got to capture it on film. Caught forever as a reminder that if I am feeling lost, or sad, or angry all I need to do is get outside, connect with nature, reconnect with myself, and let it all go outside.

For the full photo Shoot Check out coltfetters.com/water. Go outside. Go Adventure. Go play.