"When I look back at last winter, there were so many memorable and incredible days spent on my snowboard; however, there is no denying that the highlight for me was Women's Week at Baldface. The all-inclusive lodge nestled in the Selkirk Mountains is truly a magical place. A ten-minute helicopter ride from Nelson, and you are dropped off in a snowboarder's oasis. Thirty-two thousand acres of snowcat boarding. Open bowls, steep chutes, untouched terrain as far as the eye can see. The pursuit of powder is seamlessly blended with exceptional hospitality and top-notch amenities. The food, the lodge, the staff, the guides – it's like, how does this place exist?!
I don't know the exact statistics, but snowboarding has been male-dominated. I have been on a few cat snowboarding trips, and the ratio is usually about three girls to ten guys, which I only really considered once I found myself at Women's Week, where the ratio was one hundred percent women. The lodge was usually bustling with bearded men and was now overtaken by boss ladies. Pow turns, laughing, dancing - everything was shared. Each woman came from a different background and had a unique story, but we all had one thing in common: our love for snowboarding. A special friendship is forged when you spend five days in a secluded lodge, riding the best snow..."
]]>Maria:
Hi, my name’s Maria Kuzma and I’m a snowboarder. Over the years I’ve also fallen in love with surfing and I love to be outdoors as much as I can, hiking, camping, biking, climbing and all things adventurous. Having a masters degree in architecture, I’m also working on build projects whether that be a school in Brazil using new materials or working on projects that implement waste to value machinery. My first time snowboarding was on a trip to Fernie BC, while I was living in Borneo Indonesia. I grew up there as a kid and started snowboarding the big mountains of interior BC when I was quite young, that’s what made me want to come to Europe - the big mountains! I also loved riding park when I was younger and a bunch of kiwi friends would go to Penken Park in Mayrhofen. I went there after an NZ winter season and never really stopped going 15 years later.
Roland:
My name is Roland Morley-Brown. I am a professional snowboarder from New Zealand. Although snowboarding is my passion I also enjoy all varieties of outdoor/adventure activities, from surfing, camping and hiking and of course cycling. I’ve skateboarded and surfed my whole life so when snowboarding was presented to me it really felt like the next natural evolutionary thing to do and I knew from a pretty young age it was definitely something I wanted to pursue all my life. After finishing high-school in Auckland, New Zealand I completed an apprenticeship in carpentry and moved to Queenstown where my passion for snowboarding really accelerated. After my first winter season living in Queenstown finish I meet a friend who lived and worked in Mayrhofen, Austria. It was them that invited me for my first season overseas. That was in 2001 and the rest in history.
Mizu & Mizu Missions
Maria:
I first saw the Mizu bottles while on a snowboard trip to Japan. I learned who was behind starting the company (snowboarders) and the company core values really aligned with my own. I also have a slight obsession with tea and while snowboarding I always have hot tea with me so I was hooked on the Mizu thermal bottles from the first meeting :) Our “Ride to Rome” mission is such a good fit for the Mizu Missions because we were so limited with the amount of gear we could bring - literally two outfits and a water vessel.
Roland:
I have always been an absolute fan of Jussi Oksanen for his snowboarding talents and when he co founded Mizu I knew that I would have a similar admiration for the company. I have also been watching the Mizu Missions for a while now and find them very inspiring, so of course I’m very honored to take part in one.
The Mission
Maria:
The mission started in the hometown resort of Mayrhofen, Austria and ended in Rome, Italy. With the help of the amazing Eker bikes, Thule accessories and some trains, the whole trip ended up being 850kms. Riding to Rome from Mayrhofen has always been a dream of mine. The architecture and culture of Rome is so rich, something I can never get enough of. Arriving at the north of Lake Garda in the town of Torbole was very surreal! And of course it’s never a true adventure without some difficulties… my left leg froze up after the first few days of cycling and I ended up having to stop every few hours to roll my legs out and do some cold water therapy while cycling down Lake Garda (using the M8 water bottle of course). Also Florence was amazing - I had never been before.
Roland:
I had cycled a few times from our home in Mayrhofen, Austria to Lake Garda, Italy. It travels along a beautiful purpose-made biking path which follows the Adige River the entire way. I knew the bike path continued all the way to Rome but until now never had the time or opportunity to make the full journey. An absolute highlight for me was the time we spent in Florence. We arrived and cycled through the city right on sunset. Were able to hop off the bikes and stroll around the town square gazing at the insanely giant churches and of course the statue of David and other famous monuments. It was just perfect. Another big highlight for me was cycling through the Tuscany region… surrounded by beautiful rolling fields, vineyards and perfect weather.
"Whenever I get back into touch with nature it’s like finding a deeper connection with myself again. And of course nothing puts on impromptu magical moments like nature does. Exploring also pushes you out of your comfort levels and new experiences basically rewires your brain, ups the gratitude levels, nothing better!" - Maria
"Exploring has pretty much been my life since I was a young child. I grew up in the far north of the north island of New Zealand, surrounded by forests and coastline, everyday after school and all weekend my friends and I were always up to something outside, whether it was hiking, camping, building forts and huts in the bush or surfing and making bonfires on the beach. For me life has always been lived outdoors." - Roland
Reusing While Traveling
Maria:
Reusing for our Mizu missions, I believe, was super specific. As we were cycling a lot and only had the M8 bottle for hydration we had to plan stops in advance to rehydrate. It helps to be living in a connected/online world where our whole cycle routes could be planned in advance. So in general - just a little extra planning goes a long way - even if it’s ten minutes online and reading the reviews of the routes before you start! My favorite was definitely the classic M8 water bottle. Not only did it keep me hydrated and minimized my plastic waste footprint, it also helped a lot with rolling out my legs when they were sore! To encourage a reduction in single use plastics, I believe, is to get out into nature and start exploring. Once you have a good connection with nature you start to take more responsibility for your habits and their effects on the environment xo!
Roland:
An obvious tip would be to travel with your own drink bottle and fill up at water fountains or faucets along the way. Something else I do if I have to buy food or other products along the way is look for recyclable packaging because if you can’t reuse it, it’s nice to know it can be recycled. My go to is always the M8 bottle, it fits perfectly in my bike's drink holder and it is tough as nails as it gets banged around a lot. A couple of very easy tips to reusing that I have been practicing lately spring to mind instantly; carry reusable shopping bags or take a backpack when heading to the supermarket. Having a reusable coffee mug handy is also very beneficial for all those takeaway coffees.
"“Enjoy the journey, leave nothing behind” means to me, to be more aware of your impact and do everything with intention. When you use products that are not only reusable but also look beautiful and you have a sense of ownership of that product then it impacts how you move forward." - Maria
"To me this basically translates to, appreciate every aspect of the journey but take all your trash/belongings with you as to leave a clean canvas for the next person." - Roland
]]>Katie: 39, from Los Angeles, CA.
I am a climber and photographer/filmmaker based out of Los Angeles, where I live part time on my sailboat. I love being outdoors in any capacity and am so lucky that work and climbing take me to a lot of amazing places. Since 2018, I have been photographing IFSC World Cup and World Championship events, focusing mostly on paraclimbing events, which is how I came to meet Rachel.
Rachel: also 39, from New Zealand.
I am a competitive paraclimber, public speaker, and most importantly, a mum of three amazing kids! I compete in the AL2 category in paraclimbing, which is the category for lower limb differences/amputations. My first IFSC event was the 2018 World Championships in Innsbruck, Austria, where I briefly met Katie for the first time. A couple years later, in true pandemic fashion, we became good friends online and planned to travel the 2022 World Cup Circuit together as a competitor and photographer respectively.
We wanted to make our trip a Mizu Mission as one way to help reduce our impact. Protecting the environment is so important and we are aware that travel creates a large footprint. Always bringing reusable products, and avoiding single use plastic is just one small way to help. Katie had already been using Mizu products on her adventures for years, so we were really excited to collaborate!
Where did your mission take you and what did you do?
Our mission took us on an adventure that would span two months and six countries! The majority of our travels were centered around attending the three IFSC Paraclimbing World Cup Competitions, which were hosted in Salt Lake City, Utah, Innsbruck, Austria, and Villars, Switzerland. After the competition circuit ended, we also spent two weeks exploring outdoor crags in Switzerland, France, and Germany. Along the way, Katie filmed our trip as part of her first documentary, related to climbing and mental health, so there were lots of exciting things happening!
Overall the trip was amazing! We got to visit so many beautiful places, enjoyed a lot of success in our climbing, and had the best time reconnecting with our climbing friends and family after the pandemic. However, a lot can happen in two months, and the trip was definitely not without setbacks. In fact, we started to joke pretty early on that Katie’s film was really just going to be one long blooper reel.
Covid, bronchitis, quarantine, rescheduling travel, nagging injuries, emergency room visits in four countries, broken and lost camera gear, rain, hail, and thunderstorms for weeks on end that meant no climbing…we faced a lot of challenges along the way, and for several weeks in the middle of the trip, it really seemed like anything that could go wrong, did!
But you have to accept that setbacks are part of the journey too, and we just kept trying to laugh our way through it and appreciate all the unique memories we were making. After all, you’ll never forget that one time you got lost leaving the hospital and were laughing hysterically, running down the streets of Old Town Innsbruck with a slightly stolen wheelchair at 2am…
Towards the end of the trip, the skies cleared, literally and metaphorically, and we finished things on a high note. Rachel completed the World Cup season making finals at every competition, earning two fourths and a silver, after which, we set out on a whirlwind tour of crags around Europe. In total we climbed at eight different locations, and had such an amazing time meeting and traveling with climbers from all over the world.
Things might not have gone the way we originally hoped or planned, but in the end we had an incredible, pretty hilarious adventure, and that’s something we would never change.
What are some highlights you’d like to share with our readers?
Rachel:
One of the biggest highlights of the trip for me, was being outside of my comfort zone on so many levels. New places, new people and new adversity; these experiences shape the way I see myself and give me new confidence as an athlete and adventurer. For me, the community is the heart and soul of why l love climbing, so another highlight was reuniting with my paraclimbing family after the pandemic. There is such a sense of homecoming when I am around my adaptive whanau! And of course, bringing home a New Zealand record, a silver medal, and the first ever World Cup medal for New Zealand (able or, disabled/male or female) was a real buzz! Doing something that has never been done before, lights me up inside. By creating this little bit of history for my country I get to show my kids that the world is big and that anything is possible.
(Rachel Māia of New Zealand, Sara Larcombe of Australia, Tonia Chavez of Portugal)
Katie:
The biggest highlight for me was really just being amidst the community again. It’s been a long couple years and it was so great to be out there shooting photos and catching up with friends. Other highlights included visiting world famous climbing areas Magic Wood in Switzerland, and Frankenjura in Germany, and taking a gondola ride over Mont Blanc, from France to Italy! Throughout this trip, I also learned so much about filmmaking and storytelling, and am really grateful for the entire experience!
What inspires you to get outdoors and explore?
Rachel:
The outdoors is a place where I have always felt alive and free. After my accident, I didn’t have an adaptive community around me and I wasn’t challenged to adapt and fight for adventure in my life. So for nearly two decades I gave up on it. When I amputated my leg 18 years after the original climbing accident, I finally had to accept the word disability and embrace my body, rather than waiting and hoping my mobility would improve. This forced me to adapt and start exploring again, and very quickly I found that the outdoors was a place where I felt quite free from pain, where I felt more limitless than in everyday life, and where I still felt alive.
Katie:
Being outside is my happy place! When I’m outside having an adventure, that’s just when I feel most peaceful and comfortable in my own skin. Working on hard climbs or overcoming any other challenge in the outdoors is so much fun, and it always teaches me a lot about myself and my capabilities. Over the years, climbing specifically, and being part of the climbing community, has really helped to improve my mental health and given me a lot more confidence in all areas of my life. That’s a big part of why I love the sport so much, and why I love creating stories and sharing it with others!
How do you manage to adventure while also taking care of the planet along the way?
As outdoor enthusiasts, it’s important to be aware that we leave behind a big footprint whenever we travel. Some things you can do are to choose flights that offset carbon emissions, or you can offset your own emissions through various organizations. Walk, bike, or take public transport as much as possible, and if you are driving, always carpool! On this trip, we needed a car for mobility reasons, but we always made sure to travel with other climbers or competitors to save on fuel use. There was almost never an empty seat!
Bringing reusable items with you, such as grocery bags, bottles, straws, and cutlery is super helpful to prevent using single use plastics. Portable water filters are also helpful so you can always have access to safe water without buying plastic bottles.
What was your favorite Mizu product/s used through the mission and why?
Katie:
The cutlery sets and the M5! Traveling from place to place or out at the crag, we used our Mizu cutlery sets constantly! I started keeping a set accessible at all times, so that whether we were traveling, at a competition all day, or out at the crag, I was never tempted to use plastic. The M5 was also a favorite. I love the slim design for slipping in a camera or climbing bag. It was really practical for everyday use.
Rachel:
For me, it was a toss up between the insulated V5 and the coffee mug. I almost never go anywhere without hot coffee or tea, so whenever I wasn’t climbing, one of these was probably in my hand at all times. Sometimes both of them. Haha.
Any tips and tricks for keeping a low footprint while hitting the road?
Always remember your reusable grocery bags! We also bought local whenever we could, from farmers markets and stalls, and cooked for ourselves versus eating out. Eating a local, majority plant based diet, is another way to reduce packaging and limit impact. Besides that, make sure to always pack it in and pack it out, and practice your leave no travel ethics. Let’s leave our outdoor spaces beautiful for the next person to enjoy!
Follow these badass ladies on Instagram:
]]>British professional photographer Sam Oetiker is based in Bavaria and had some hiking trips planned for this summer in beautiful surroundings. Sam takes stunning pictures and we were honored when he wanted to do a Mizu Mission with us! Check out his story and photos below...
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do.
Hey I’m Sam and I’m a freelance adventure and lifestyle photographer from England, based out in Germany. I live for discovering new places with my camera - climbing mountains for sunrise, exploring remote corners of the world, and constantly searching for the best light and weather conditions.
My work is heavily focused on landscape and the outdoors, but I actually love photographing humans in nature and documenting the journey. The little moments in between and the story behind the images play a huge role in my work.
What did you do before you got into photography and could earn a living from it?
I was first introduced to professional photography through my previous job as the online editor of Onboard Snowboard magazine. I was lucky enough to travel to many of the major snowboard events across Europe, and eventually started bringing a camera with me to create content with. I learnt so much from shooting snowboarding and being surrounded by some of the very best in the business and I learnt to really appreciate the power of good imagery.
Eventually it was time for a new challenge and after moving on from Onboard in 2017 I decided to purchase my first drone. This was an absolute game changer for me. I started up a new Instagram account for my drone and landscape content (@samoetiker) and after that I was hooked.
When did you first hear about Mizu and what made you do a MIZU Mission?
Thanks to my snowboard industry background I’ve been aware of Mizu since its inception back in 2008. I remember always looking forward to new snowboard parts from Jussi in the Burton movies - the king of technical backcountry riding! I still think that starting Mizu was the perfect evolution of his career and a great way for him to really stamp his legacy on snowboarding and make a real difference. We were sometimes lucky enough to receive MIZU bottles at these snowboard events and I have a few at home that have traveled with me all over Europe.
When I was approached for a MIZU Mission it was a no brainer - I love the brand story, the products are ecologically minded and the MIZU story is one that I’m very proud to be a part of.
Where did the Mission take you and why did you choose this destination?
My MIZU Mission took me back to one of my favorite places in Europe: the Italian Dolomites. I try to come here at least a couple of times per year to photograph the towering peaks and together with my friend Oli (@joinolli on Instagram - well worth a follow by the way!), we jumped in my van and visited several spots in the hope of scoring some beautiful light.
We started off at the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which offers almost 360 degree views of 3000m high peaks, before continuing on to a beautiful alpine lake in the Madonna di Campiglio region.
Can you share a few highlights with us?
On the first morning we awoke early to shoot the sunrise. After hiking up in the dark with our head torches we were rewarded with a perfect sunrise: a soft glow on the Tre Cime peaks and a pastel coloured sky. But little did we know that the weather had more in store for us. Not even 30 minutes after sunrise we found ourselves hurrying towards the nearest rifugio as a big storm was blowing in, bringing hail, wind and heavy rain. Of course we grabbed some dramatic shots on the way!
Needless to say we were a little too preoccupied with shooting and got soaked to the skin before making it to the Rifugio - but the shots were definitely worth it!
What inspires you to get outdoors and explore?
For me, it’s the pursuit of special moments in nature that inspires me to get out there with my camera. You never know what you’ll find on top of that next peak or around the next corner and it’s this feeling of anticipation and curiosity that pushes me to keep exploring.
Reusing can be hard while on the go. Do you have any tips to help make going reusable a little bit easier while on the road?
Traveling and sleeping in a van forces you to be as efficient as possible while on the road. We’re lucky enough to have a full kitchen unit in our van and make a conscious effort to fully stock it with reusable utensils and items rather than single-use ones. One small tip would be to invest in a small washing line + quick drying towels to use while washing up or drying. This reduces the need for paper towels and helps to keep everything dry and mold-free.
What was your favorite MIZU product/s on this mission and why?
My favorite MIZU product on this mission was the M9 820ML bottle with 360 straw lid. The size is perfect for hiking - not too big, but also with enough capacity to carry a decent amount of water for short to medium hikes. I found the straw lid super easy to use and I was even able to fit it with a filter so I could re-fill along the way.
The urban cutlery set was also super practical during meal times - it folds up nice and small so we could store it away in the van without it taking up any space.
What does “Enjoy the journey, leave nothing behind” mean to you?
“Enjoy the journey, leave nothing behind” captures my ethos while traveling and shooting perfectly. It’s all of our responsibility to look after our planet and there are so many little steps, we can take to do our part. From taking all of our rubbish away with us, to making sure to use eco-friendly washing up liquid and suncream - they’re small actions that make a really big difference in the long run.
Do you have advice for others to inspire them to continue their own mission in reducing single-use plastics?
Don't be afraid in restaurants or cafes to ask them to fill your bottle/cup rather than consuming a single-use plastic item. Such a big part of improving the situation is through awareness and education, and encounters like this all play their part.
That said, it's all too easy to purchase single-use plastics without even realising it. My biggest tip to counter this is to plan ahead and always have a reusable bottle to hand - in your car or camera bag for example. This gives you the power of choice.
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"One Ocean-One Earth"
Our Mission:
Created simply to enhance the awareness of run off pollution and its effect on our world’s ocean reefs and shoreline. Our mission is simple: Strive to bring awareness to people and the damage that can be done through carelessness. We are dedicated to a pristine ocean environment and we believe our efforts will bring about some change.
Urban runoff is one of the largest source of pollution clouding our oceans clear water. Runoff pollution comes from when it rains and the water that flows is picking up oil, pet waste, cigarettes, pesticides, and other pollutants. All of which will flow into the storm drains that lead directly to the ocean.
Our Vision:
Simply to help educate and create awareness so that we are really thinking about our responsibility to do our part to help keep our environment clear and clean. Our oceans blue, our mountains and trees green and the air we breathe clear and fresh. Our messaging is to convey hope in a very realistic way.
THINK ABOUT IT!
We know others share our concerns and we encourage you to help educate and become more aware of our environmental responsibility. Please join us in our mission to simply “create awareness” and help prevent ocean pollution right from the start. Our vision is to help support local grass root environmental and educational programs. We are proud members of 1% For The Planet and will donate 1% of our sales to help fund our selected non-profit partners listed below.
Ocean Institute - Dana Point
Ecology Center – San Juan Capistrano
Pacific Marine Mammal Center – Laguna Beach
Give them a follow on Instagram >
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Want to customize your own Mizu bottles? Learn more here >
]]>Changing Tides Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in 2016 by a group of female surfers that felt the call to do more than just catch waves.
Born from a desire to create a community connected to the sea, Changing Tides Foundation empowers women to protect the planet and promotes inclusivity and diversity in and out of the ocean.
“Our Mission is to empower women to protect the planet.” – Becky Mendoza, Co-Founder.
The ocean provides an incredible space for healing, life perspective, athleticism and more, but often women and girls don’t have opportunities to gain access to the ocean to learn skills or a community to support them do so.
CTF started their Women’s Outreach Mentorship Program (WOMP) to share ocean knowledge and offer access to women and girls. The objective is to mentor underprivileged teenage girls globally, using surfing as a tool to build self-efficacy, self-confidence, leadership skills, and education on the importance in protecting the planet.
They have run WOMP in Panama with Give & Surf, Dominican Republic with Mariposa Foundation, Peru with Beyond the Surface Intl, and in El Salvador with local surfers.
In Spring 2022 they will be launching WOMP out of their headquarters in Encinitas, California.
Other than programs like the WOMP, CTF are also known for projects like ‘Plastic Swear Jar Challenge’, the ‘Paddle Out for Unity’, community clean-ups and environmental educational video clips like the ‘Where does it Go?’ series.
The vision of the co-founders at CTF is to create a community that connects us all to our humanity, our kindness, our planet, and each other. Their strategy is to encourage individual action so together we can create collective change for equity, justice, and a healthier future.
“Everyone is welcome at this table of positive change. Together we are better!” – Becky Mendoza, Co-Founder.
Co-Founders Becky Mendoza, Anna Santoro, Jianca Lazarus, Leah Dawson.
You can learn more about the passionate women at CTF here at changingtidesfoundation.org
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It was a natural move for Mizu to team up with Rob and his crew, to encourage reusables over single-use plastic water bottles and the water filling station program across a growing network of schools is a fantastic showcase of the commitment for a better future.
Rob Machado is not just one of the world’s greatest surfers, he’s also one of the sport’s most recognizable characters -- a living icon who continues to expand the definition of what professional surfing is all about. Known for his zen-like flow both on land and in the water, Machado was consistently seeded at the top of the rankings as a competitor on the ASP World Tour. With 12 career WCT victories, Machado was ranked among the top ten surfers for eleven straight years and was inducted into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame in 2000 and re-inducted in 2006 and SIMA Waterman of the Year in 2011.
Since his departure from the ASP tour in 2001, Machado has been one of surfing’s most committed ambassadors, roaming the globe, surfing the world’s best waves, and deepening his commitment to various environmental causes. Inspired by becoming a dad, Machado founded the Rob Machado Foundation in 2004 to educate and empower young people to make sustainable choices. Today he is directly involved in the programs run by the foundation, often appearing at schools and volunteer events.
It all started out as an introduction of gardening programs at local schools -- encouraging children to connect with the land they live on and the food they eat – and today RMF provides clean drinking water stations and water bottles to thousands of kids in schools across California and Hawaii. It really encourages kids to use reusable bottles over single-use plastic water bottles.
While this is the core focus of the foundation, TMF also put their efforts into keeping plastic and other trash out of our waterways with trash and recycling solutions at beaches, schools, surf events and local beach clean ups.
Machado and his team believe that our youth are the stewards of our planet. They believe communities can come together to impact change. And they believe the future starts here.
To see how you can get involved in your area, check out the website here.
]]>Sea Shepherd is an international, non-profit marine conservation organisation that engages in direct action campaigns to defend wildlife. They conserve and protect the world’s oceans from illegal exploitation and environmental destruction.
Their mission is to protect defenseless marine wildlife and end the destruction of habitat in the world’s oceans.
Since 1977, Sea Shepherd has used innovative direct-action tactics to defend, conserve and protect the delicately-balanced biodiversity of our seas and enforce international conservation laws. From the gentle giants of the sea to its smallest creatures, Sea Shepherd’s mission is to protect all marine life species living in our oceans. Their campaigns have defended whales, dolphins, seals, sharks, penguins, turtles, fish, krill and aquatic birds from poaching, unsustainable fishing, habitat destruction, and exploitive captivity.
“I have been honored to serve the whales, dolphins, seals and all the other creatures on this Earth. Their beauty, intelligence, strength, and spirit have inspired me.” - Paul Watson, Founder of Sea Shepherd.
The ocean environment is a complexed balanced ecosystem designed to support and sustain marine wildlife. To truly thrive, they need safe sanctuaries to feed, mate and raise their young without pollution, destructive fishing gear, plastics and other marine debris that choke marine wildlife and destroy their habitats. Sea Shepherd opposes the pollution of the fragile ecosystem through off-shore drilling and fisheries, as well as the destruction of coral reefs from trawling, and the loss of coastal nesting sites from commercial development.
“We fight to preserve the planet because we recognize that we share the Earth with other species and that their well-being is inexorably linked to ours. We fight to preserve the planet because it is a matter of self-defense and we’ve taken the fight to sea.” - Captain Peter Hammarstedt
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a global problem that threatens the health of marine ecosystems as well as the livelihood of coastal fishermen. Legal fishing operations that observe quotas and by-catch laws are already forced to compete for fewer and fewer fish, yet an estimated 15-40% of the total global catch is caught illegally. The problem is particularly acute for developing nations which often lack the resources to enforce local fishing laws, which is why Sea Shepherd works with governments like in Mexico and Gabon to make a real difference for the future of our oceans.
“Unless we stop the degradation of our oceans, marine ecological systems will begin collapsing and when enough of them fail, the oceans will die. And if the oceans die, then civilization collapses and we all die.” - Paul Watson, Founder of Sea Shepherd.
Sea Shepherd has been using direct action to stop illegal whale poachers around the world since 1979. After commercial whaling almost drove whales to extinction, a global moratorium was put into place in 1986.
Marine debris is choking our oceans, creating a devastating impact on marine ecosystems world-wide. Alongside consumer items such as plastic bottles and straws, aluminum cans, rubber balloons, plastic bags and cigarette lighters, is fishing gear such as line, nets, ropes, hooks, and buoys lost or discarded at sea.
Offshore drilling accidents, blowouts and spills have caused some of the biggest manmade environmental disasters of our time, affecting marine wildlife and the livelihood of coastal communities. Sea Shepherd teamed up with Ocean Alliance in 2014 to research the long-term impact of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the use of toxic chemicals that dispersed oil throughout the waters and food chain. To prevent the possibility of another disastrous spill in our oceans, in 2016 Sea Shepherd helped successfully block BP from establishing new offshore drilling operations in the pristine waters of the Great Australian Bight.
Some of Sea Shepherd’s most successful campaigns were conducted in cooperation with international law enforcement agencies such as INTERPOL.
Captain Paul Watson has famously said “It takes a pirate to stop a pirate,” an inspiring rally cry for many Sea Shepherd supporters.
It’s true that in the history of Sea Shepherd they have rammed and sunk several ships to stop illegal activities, but their mission to defend, conserve and protect our oceans and marine life has never resulted in a single injury.
“We don’t break laws, we uphold them. We don’t oppose nationalities, we oppose actions that harm the oceans, regardless of race, nationality, age, sex, or religion. We are pirates of compassion hunting down and destroying pirates of profit." - Captain Paul Watson
Unlike many other well-known international conservation groups, Sea Shepherd is very much a grassroots movement run almost entirely by dedicated, passionate volunteers, with national campaigns conducted locally by Sea Shepherd groups in Australia, New Zealand, France, UK, Belgium, Finland, and Italy. In fact, Sea Shepherd Global has only a handful of paid staff, and the CEO - who started out as a volunteer cook on one of the ships – still answers his own emails.
Their loyal supporters know that they put all their resources – time and money - into their direct-action campaigns.
The ocean needs more heroes. Why not you? For more information click here to find out how you can get involved.
]]>Elena Koenz embarked on a road trip to Greece for snowboarding and split boarding. She's joined by two other rad girls - Mirte and Valerie. Read about they're amazing journey below!
Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do.
We are Elena Könz, Valerie Schlieper and Mirte van Dijk and we all used to be snowboard team riders. It was time for a post-lockdown adventure, one that we initially wanted to do in 2020 and we finally made it to Greece this winter!
Vale: 33, from Germany, living in Munich
I'm an art director and designer. Through my passion for surfing, snowboarding and design I'm lucky to work with a wide range of media and companies within the board-sports community. I love to combine my surfing, snowboarding and visual skills to create inspiring content in front and behind the scenes.
Elena: 34, from Switzerland, living in Flims
I’m a snowboarder and an artist. I did ride slopestyle and big air competitions in the past. Now I love to go touring and ride pow and do anything creative and fun with my snowboard. I also work as a coach for the Freestyle Academy in Laax.
Mirte: 37, from The Netherlands, living in Spain
I’m a strategic text writer and editor but also write a good amount of travel stories. The stories are mostly about snowboarding, the remote life, hiking and camping. Photography is another passion of mine and has now become part of my job.
When did you first hear about Mizu and what made you do a MIZU Mission?
Elena:
My oldest Mizu bottle is quite a few years old now and it’s been on many adventures with me. A good Mizu bottle is just essential for any mission.
Mirte:
I heard about Mizu when it first entered the market in The Netherlands during my time as Editor in chief of Taste Snowboard Magazine. It was a unique addition to the market and your vision fitted in with all the aspects that nature lovers value. I started working together with Mizu straight away. It must have been eight or nine years ago!
Where did the Mission take you and why did you choose this destination?
The MISSION took us to the mountains and coastal paths of Greece! We started off in Munich (Germany) and drove to the South of Italy where we continued by boat to Greece. For over ten days we travelled the curvy roads, from water to snow. Greece has it all when it comes to outdoor activities, whether you want to go mountain biking, snowboarding, climbing, surfing, or kitesurfing. Greece delivers!
Can you share a few highlights with us?
The number one highlight was our visit to Vasilitsa Ski Resort. It’s a beautiful, remote place, nestled deep in the Pindus Mountain range. We noticed that most people were snowboarding and there was an amazing community that welcomed you wherever you came from, showing you around the mountain as if it was their home.
Another highlight was cruising down the coastline from Igoumenitsa to find countless surf spots. It’s easy to park and sleep with the camper van and besides, who doesn’t love a sunset followed by a sunrise by the horizon?
Something to mention as well is how welcoming the Greek people are. They speak English, they want to help you, they like to tell you stories about their country, they show interest in why you visit Greece, and they make you feel very welcomed. The best hosts!
What inspires you to get outdoors and explore?
Vale: I just can’t be inside for too long; I need the outdoors to recharge, feel grounded and get inspired to be able to work. After I have been on my computer for too long there’s this urge to go outside and I can’t resist it. The fact that I love any kind of weather definitely helps.
Elena:
I have always liked to spend time outdoors and explore. It’s a great way to learn about nature but also to learn about yourself. Whether it’s your backyard or a brand new place - snowboarding always brings me to the most amazing places that often leave me speechless.
Mirte:
Nature is something powerful and we are only a small part of it but yet it influences us a lot. Personally, I love to challenge myself and overcome the power of nature. Exploring new places, meeting unique people, and experiencing different things is the best way to get something rich out of life.
Reusing can be hard while on the go. Do you have any tips to help make going reusable a little bit easier while on the road?
Vale: Actually, I think once you’ve set your mind to it, reusing makes being on the road much easier. Limited space makes you aware of the trash you produce and having to carry around with you. It’s annoying to find trash on the road! Reusable products make it much easier.
Mirte:
Even the simplest way to adjust your routine while traveling (or at home for that matter) can help the nature we love. So, using Mizu products is already a great start.
What was your favourite MIZU product/s on this mission and why?
Vale: I love the D10!
Elena: The tumbler 10 for coffee and the D7 insulated bottle for the warm tee I like to take with me when I go snowboarding.
Mirte:
My all-time favourite is the D7 or D10 bottle. It goes wherever I go, and I even use it at home every day. The water stays hot for twelve hours and warm for up to twenty-four! A warm cup of tea saved me many times from a down moment while being on the road!
What does “Enjoy the journey, leave nothing behind” mean to you?
Easy one! We must protect and be mindful of nature and our surroundings (and each other). Be invisible. Nobody will notice that you were there if you leave no trace. Enjoy your journey in what is the most valuable in our world, nature. But treat it with respect!
Do you have advice for others to inspire them to continue their own mission in reducing single-use plastics?
Vale: Educate yourself! Don’t use single use plastic! Not only is it bad for the environment but it’s usually layered with PFAS chemicals which are one of the most toxic chemicals there are. If you don’t do it for the environment, do it for your own health.
Elena:
Ask the locals if you can drink tap water. You can in Greece.
Mirte:
Nothing that you probably haven’t heard already, but that doesn’t make it less true; doing something is always better than doing nothing. So, please stop buying drinks in plastic bottles. It’s the easiest way to start reducing and reusing.
Vale: @einwal
Elena: @jibberleni
Mirte: @mirtewashere
]]>Follow him on Instagram >
(yes, he has the best Instagram handle out there)
"My name is Richard and I am a freelance filmer and photographer based out of Portland, OR. I am a lifelong snowboarder and I focus on documenting snowboarding and action sports.
Mizu was started by snowboarder Jussi Oksanen, so I knew I wanted to reach out and work together on a Mission. Mizu has close ties with snowboard brands, magazines, and others within the industry which I value greatly. Plus, I use their products daily."
Where did your mission take you and what did you do?
My focus for this mission was to document snowboarding by way of my truck and camper. Sleeping in resort parking lots is integral to snowboard culture, especially in the PNW. I wanted to take people on a journey up to Mt. Baker, WA, perhaps the most notorious snowboarding spot in the U.S.
We packed up in early January and caught the tail end of a massive storm coming down from Alaska. Mt. Baker holds the world record for snowfall in a single season, so it is known for wild weather and massive snowfalls.
We arrived right as the lifts closed and set up for the following day which was staged to be a rare bluebird day. We woke up early and, sure enough, the sky was completely clear and the snow was light and deep. After a little coffee and breakfast in the truck camper, we headed up to Chair 8 for some fresh laps.
Words cannot describe the beauty of Mt. Baker nor the daunting terrain that you can access right off the chair. Being used to riding the low-angle, playful terrain of Mt. Bachelor, Mt. Baker was intimidating and demanded respect. We rode all day, cracked some beers in our Mizu glasses, and cranked the heater in the camper as we settled in for a cold night. We had struck gold, but our luck was about to run out.
The next day brought some classic Mt. Baker weather. The day began dumping heavy, wet snow with high winds. The forecast called for a switch to rain by noon, so I set out to get as many laps as I could before things turned wet. High winds closed Chair 6 and Chair 1, but the crowds were non-existent. When the rain hit, I headed back to the truck soaking wet and dried off inside. News broke that Mt. Baker was closing for the next few days as a warm, wet system passed through. We decided to cut the trip short and head back home as rain fell all the way up to the highest peaks in the area. Although short lived, the trip was well worth it for a bluebird powder day at Mt. Baker and the experience of sleeping in the parking lot.
Our Mizu Mission soon turned into a Mizu month. After a brief time at home, we drove 10 hours east to Jackson, WY for the first stop of Natural Selection. We used to live in Victor, ID on the west side of the Tetons, so it was a great opportunity to get back and visit friends and ride some different terrain. Despite only 6” of snow in 3 weeks, the Tetons had remained cold with lows down to -20F, so the snow was still good on Northerly aspects. We took some laps on Teton pass throughout the week, and on Tuesday and Friday I went to Jackson Hole to photograph the event. Natural Selection has quickly become the premiere event in snowboarding, and the community that comes together for the event is pretty special.
What are some highlights you’d like to share with our readers?
The highlight was waking up to bluebird skies at Mt. Baker. Despite living in Oregon for 5 years, I had yet to make it up to Mt. Baker. It was pretty special to experience it that way and be able to fully take in our surroundings. The amount of snow and lift-serviced backcountry terrain make it one of my all-time favorite mountains. I’ll be back this season for sure.
Another highlight was photographing Natural Selection. The event always brings a special kind of energy to the valley, and this year was no different despite the lack of new snow. Highlights included seeing the winning runs in person and getting to ride the course at the end of the competition. It is hard to understand the scale and difficulty of what these riders are doing until you actually set foot on the course.
What inspires you to get outdoors and explore?
Definitely snowboarding. I’ve snowboarded all over the world, and I’m always searching Google Earth for new zones to explore. It’s the best way I’ve found to get out there, experience different cultures, and challenge myself mentally and physically.
Shooting photos is a close second. I consider myself a bit more of a filmer, but photography is my way to stay creative on a more consistent basis, and shooting landscapes is perhaps one of my favorite genres. It’s just much easier to pick up a camera and go. Even if the snow sucks, I can have a great day by just bringing my camera and trying to get creative.
How do you manage to adventure while also taking care of the planet along the way?
This can be hard in snowboarding. It often involves a lot of driving or flying unless you’re one of the lucky few to live in a small mountain community. I’ve turned to splitboarding to reduce my footprint a bit, and I always carry as many reusables as I can on my travels to avoid single-use trash. I also try to position myself as close as possible to the mountains to avoid lots of driving or flying to do what I enjoy. Recently I have also adopted a majority plant-based diet and try to buy locally whenever possible. I think it is important while traveling to engage with local goods and produce as a means of reducing your carbon footprint and enjoying a richer experience.
What was your favorite Mizu product/s used through the mission and why?
The V7 bottle was our go-to. Dual threat as a travel coffee mug and insulated water bottle. We loved the rope lanyard for carrying the bottle or securing the lid so we never dropped it while wearing gloves.
Runner up would be the cutlery set. This was amazing to have for meals in the truck camper. Avoid the single-use plastic cutlery and get one of these sets! We loved how it rolled up within its cloth mat for easy storage and organization.
Any tips and tricks for keeping a low footprint while hitting the road?
Don’t buy bottled water. Ever! Fill up your bottle for free at a soda fountain, sink, stream, wherever! Mizu has a filtered straw if you are worried about contaminants.
]]>My name is Seth Kurtz and I am a 25 year old freelance photographer with a passion for travel and cultural exploration. I was born in a rural village in Mozambique, Africa and spent a year living in Ecuador at the age of 21. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia, Peru, Brazil, and Puerto Rico. With so much natural beauty in the US and around the world, I hope to capture images that inspire others to get out of their comfort zones and explore. Two years ago I moved from my hometown of Goshen, IN to Los Angeles, CA with a group of high school friends. It was time for a drastic change in my life and there was no better time to see where photography could take me. This experience only heightened my passions and pushed me to the limits of my comfort zone. Since this move, I have had the opportunity to work with amazing brands, advance my photography skills, and through trial and error, build a business that I love.
About a month ago I was planning a ski trip to Michigan and came across Mizu. I was immediately drawn to their collection of reusable products that fuel an active and adventurous lifestyle. I loved the idea of taking and using some of their products on my ski trip and capturing them in the outdoors.
Where did your mission take you and what did you do?
My “Mizu Mission” took me to Bittersweet Ski Resort, located in Otsego, MI. My dad and I spent the day enjoying their collection of 20 ski runs. This was about a one and a half hour drive from where we live in Goshen, IN. It was a beautiful day with some light snow mixed in. I had recently been to a smaller ski resort and my dad had not gone skiing in several years, but was up for the adventure. It felt great to hit the slopes again!
What are some highlights you’d like to share with our readers?
The whole day was a highlight, but for sure the adrenaline and electrifying feeling that comes with outdoor action sports is unmatched. It is addictive and gives me a sense of freedom. Something that you can't explain unless involved. That being paired with a bunch of other people enjoying themselves on the slopes is an equation for a wonderful day.
What inspires you to get outdoors and explore?
In my life, I see photography as the driver that will fuel my travels. I believe that travel and exploration is a great form of education. The feeling and growth that comes with learning about new cultures, people and places is what inspires me to explore. In 2016, I had the opportunity to take a gap year after my first year of college and volunteer at a refugee project in Quito, Ecuador. I entered a completely new culture and this was the most impactful year of my life. It is experiences such as this that I feel are so valuable. Leaving one’s “bubble” and having new experiences changes perspective and allows a person to grow and learn, and hopefully care more about taking care of this planet.
I also pull inspiration from other content creators who tell stories through their lense. Some of these creators are Jimmy Chin, Sam Kolder, Karl Ndieli, to name a few. The world is full of vast landscapes and cultures, and exploration is endless.
How do you manage to adventure while also taking care of the planet along the way?
This is a tough one because travel in and of itself can create harmful effects on the planet. Planning ahead is helpful, with a mindset of being as gentle as possible. One aspect we may have more control over is reducing consumption and waste. In today's age with social media, we are surrounded by ads and brands fighting for our attention. Many of these brands are creating products that are not reusable and degrade the planet. For me, it is very important to think past the status quo and what's trending and support brands that are doing their part to protect the environment by creating earth friendly, sustainable, and reusable adventure products.
What was your favorite Mizu product/s used through the mission and why?
Our favorite Mizu products used during the trip included the insulated bottles (D10 and V6) and the camp cup. The D10 bottle did a great job of keeping our coffee hot all day. We took several breaks to warm up and having hot coffee was game changing. We also packed some homemade chili in the V6 bottle and used the camp cup as a chili bowl. The hot chili outside on a cold day at the slopes warmed our bodies and filled us up so we could keep skiing. And we didn’t have to buy any of the packaged food and drinks at the lodge.
Any tips and tricks for keeping a low footprint while hitting the road?
Several tips/tricks for keeping a low footprint while traveling include: 1) Take as much of your own prepared food and drink in reusable containers as possible; 2) Pack light; 3) Turn down your thermostat, water heater, and unplug electronics at home while on the road; 4) If going with multiple people, take as few vehicles as possible, or even considering biking or using public transportation to get to your destination, if possible; 5) Enjoy and be mindful of the natural beauty, and keep it beautiful.
Follow Seth on Instagram @sethkurtzphotography
]]>In an overwhelmingly digital world, we always get excited when Slush The Magazine shows up at our office. With our snowboarding roots, we were honored to do a custom project with this badass snowboard mag.
Since launching in February of 2021, Slush The Magazine has harnessed the capabilities of an unparalleled team of creators, personalities, visionaries, and authoritative voices to usher snowboarding media into a new era. Born out of the desire to provide authentic stewardship of snowboarding culture that is innovative, scalable, highly engaging, and sustainable, Slush The Magazine has been busy asserting our new age approach to snowboarding media into the sideways standing zeitgeist. In addition to advancing the cultural narrative of snowboarding Slush has also brought the riding community together to participate, share, be entertained, be informed and above all else be inspired. And this is just the beginning…
From Slush The Magazine:
As longtime admirers and evangelizers of Jussi Oksanen’s talents we are privy to all of his creative outlets. When he decided to create Mizu we were instantly fans.
Snowboarding is in the DNA of Mizu therefore as a snowboarding media platform we feel kindred to the brand. The authenticity of Mizu as a hydration tool for the active riding lifestyle is instantly something that Slush is keen to align with. Simple, sturdy, stylish, dependable, fun and useful, who wouldn’t want to be associated with a brand built upon those tenets?
What will we be using out Mizu custom products for? Keeping our mayonnaise cold and our toddy’s hot while enjoying the riding life.
Check out Slush The Magazine's latest & subscribe on their website >
Give them a follow on Instagram >
]]>"Somewhere between the 5, 405, 41 and the 1, I turned to Todd and asked, “do you ever notice people’s obsession with doing ‘epic trips’ halts simpler travel?” We both got quiet, and with the hum of the road whistling through open windows, we looked out over Central California’s rolling green hills and agreed we’d never seen it look so beautiful. Why it took us so long to get here, we weren’t sure, but we were super excited to have finally embarked on a mission we’d been dreaming about for a while—a van trip! With a rig full of boards, bikes, fins and cameras, we embraced our blank agenda and the freedom that came with it. Here’s how it went!" - Jenna
Tell us a little bit about who you are and why you chose to do a Mizu Mission
Todd:
I’ve always loved road trips since I was young, so when Jenna asked if we could get a van and go on a mini mission, I was all in! The feeling of finding something new while still sort of close to home has always been appealing to me, whether it’s surfing in the dark at a new place or just discovering somewhere new in our own backyard. My work as a photographer has taken me to some amazing places, but now more than ever, I really appreciate all the places I was lucky enough to see in a pre-covid world. Knowing the world might be a little strange for a while, this trip will hopefully be the catalyst for more local explorations. Small trips can be just as fun and memorable as big ones. Secretly I was also hoping to find some steep hills to climb on the bikes, and we definitely found a few!
Jenna:
Todd traveled the world shooting some of the best surfers on the planet, but this last year has taught us that home is wherever we plant our feet together. With California under tight Covid restrictions, our itch to get outside for some adventure was pretty strong. We’d been talking about taking a van trip forever, and finally pulled the trigger for the mission—renting one from our friend who did the most insane build out for a completely sustainable trip on the road. A few days in the van made me realize why people are so into it! You’re in your own little capsule and wherever you post up is your new home. There is so much flexibility, and if the weather is bad, you can just go back inside and make a coffee until it gets good haha.
Where did your mission take you and what did you do?
Jenna:
I’ve been into riding bikes for the last few years and have conned Todd into riding with me too, and it’s become a really fun way for us to enjoy new places together. We rode some epic backroads during this trip and hiked a new peak in the middle of San Luis Obispo county, which ended up being pretty hilarious, because we got hailed on super hard as we neared the summit. It was one of those magical weather moments, where you’re getting soaked and hammered by rain and hail, and then all of a sudden, you’re standing under clear skies with frigid wind blowing everything out. There’s actually a funny photo Todd shot of me struggling to get my hood on while we were on top of the peak. It was for sure one of the prettiest hikes I’ve ever been on, and from nearly 3,000 ft. up we could see Morro Rock and tons of other formations up the coast. For a few days, we basically floated between campgrounds, a friend’s house in Pismo Beach, and spent the night on Gibraltar road overlooking Santa Barbara. Honestly, we didn’t do anything crazy, and that’s why it was so perfect. It didn’t feel forced or like we had to do anything in particular, just enjoy the outdoors and each other.
Todd:
I had a photoshoot up in Central California and during the time when I was traveling so much I would go to the location, shoot and leave as quick as possible to spend as much time at home before the next shoot. Now with the world a little more closed, our urge to explore and adventure is still as present as ever, but we’re finding that feeling much closer to home and together!
What are some highlights you’d like to share with our readers?
Todd:
Being able to experience familiar places in an unfamiliar way with fresh eyes is what I love the most about road trips. Is it the location that draws us to the road or the journey? I’ve always loved those quiet moments at the top of a big hill, the views from the top of a mountain hiked or the familiarity of waking up next to the ocean. Having spent so much time on the road with other people, getting to share these experiences with Jenna and the funny little inside jokes along the way made this trip extra special.
Jenna:
I personally loved cooking in the van. Focusing on what we had, rather than what we didn’t, made cooking really fun for me. The sheer simplicity of being limited meant getting creative, or thinking ahead, to make meals come out on time. It’s so easy to get caught up in excess, and thinking you need more things, but we were able to eat super good meals that fueled all of our adventures and reduced our need to eat any meals out—which really cut down on our total waste.
What inspires you to get outdoors and explore?
Todd:
I love the feeling of going somewhere new, whether it’s finding a new wave, exploring a new road, or trying a new type of cuisine (pre-covid!). We as humans crave adventure and I feel it’s important to not only put yourself in uncomfortable situations by challenging yourself physically, but the mental clarity and lessons learned when you are totally immersed in nature shape us far more than wondering what if. I’m not saying you have to rent a van to have that feeling, but for us, it was a new way to explore the state we’ve both lived in for so long and to see it with a fresh perspective. Home is where we parked.
Jenna:
The more I see, especially in California, the more I realize I haven’t seen anything. I’m embarrassed to say I’ve been to Europe but never been to Yosemite. I’ve been to Japan, but never seen Joshua Tree. I came from a family of surfers and if there wasn’t waves, we didn’t go there…and now I realize there’s so much left to see here, I need to get on it! The pace of the outdoors relaxes me, so I’d say the feeling of nature is what inspires me to be outside. Grand adventures are great, but sometimes even just a few moments in the sun is enough to feel recharged for me.
How do you manage to adventure while also taking care of the planet along the way?
Todd:
We both agreed staying in the van was an eye-opener when it came to trash, as every single piece of waste you produce sits right in front of you until you find a place to dispose of it. We’re so conditioned to throwing things away and thinking that “away” solves the problem, but tossing trash out is just another way of saying it’s out of your sight. I always pick up trash I see whether I’m on my way in from the beach or on a trail. It doesn’t matter if it’s mine or not, I just know it doesn’t belong out in nature.
For the trip, we cooked 100% of our meals during 6 days on the road and kept our utensils handy reducing our need for plastic. While we both agree that there’s nothing better than a strong coffee mid bike ride, paper cups with plastic lids are a huge turn off, so we opted to use our bialetti over our propane burner once we got back to the van.
What was your favorite Mizu product/s used through the mission and why?
Jenna:
For me, the camping cup came in clutch for mixing up pancake batter and drinking coffee (not at the same time, eww) making it the most versatile and useful piece of the trip for me. You really learn to value items on the road because you have less things in general, so this cup was awesome for coffee early, wine at night, and pancakes in between!
Todd:
The Tumbler was my go-to product, it keeps my coffee hot all day and without coffee, we perish :)..We’ve been using the same set of cutlery utensils for over a year now and we don’t leave home without them, so those would have to be the most essential pieces for me on the road.
Any tips and tricks for keeping a low footprint while hitting the road?
Jenna:
For long drives, we always bring the Mizu v8 to avoid buying any bottled water while on the road, and if we can travel more locally on foot or bike instead of driving, we’ll do that too. Having a bike reduces your need to drive big time, which is awesome when you’re staying in smaller places.
Another one is to always defend nature and pick up the trash around you. The night we slept up on Gibraltar, we woke up to puffy clouds and an amazing sunrise, and unfortunately, the sight of discarded white claw cans and beer bottles hiding in the bushes below. It’s such a bummer when you see people trash nature, so we’re always trying to leave a place better than we found it.
Todd:
Picking up trash is a big one for me, especially when I see it near the ocean. I’ve also really gotten into the habit of bringing my own Mizu utensils with me wherever I go, either in my car or in my camera bag, so I always have the option to use them. I never realized how much plastic cutlery I was using on the road until I started bringing my own. I like to keep empty canvas bags with me as well so we don’t have to use plastic ones, and we try to do our food shopping locally where we can purchase loose fruits and vegetables without additional packaging. No one is perfect, but we do our best!
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We hooked up with professional photographer and snowboarder Max Howard on his journey up to the Lake District, UK and the 2021 Kendal Mountain Festival. Check out the inspirational Q & A below!
My name is Max Howard and I am a freelance photographer, based just outside of London.
What did you do before you got into photography and could earn a living from it?
My last proper job before going freelance full time was my role as Park Manger at a local snow dome. Not a bad job in the grand scheme of things, I just got paid to make jumps and ride with my mates…
When did you first hear about Mizu and what made you do a MIZU Mission?
Mizu has been on my radar for quite some time. Coming from a snowboard background, I had always seen these bottles popping up on my feed and in store. It wasn’t until my friends at Stitches and Steel (an incredible van life brand) had a custom order of bottles made that I totally got what the hype was about. I’m never without a bottle and I’ve had my m8 bottle for the last 2 years. It comes with me everywhere. When the guys at Mizu reached out to ask if I wanted to take part in a Mizu mission, I was over the moon!
Where did the Mission take you and why did you choose this destination?
This mission took me to the Kendal Mountain Festival in the lake district. A weekend of adventure films, hikes, brands and more. The perfect place to test out some of the Mizu range and find some inspiration for adventures, for content and for style.
Can you share a few highlights with us?
My highlight was our hike around Haweswater reservoir for sure. I had seen a photo overlooking the peninsula, with some incredible pine trees lining the water. I was determined to try and get the shot myself, in my own style. We set off in glorious sunshine but about 30 mins into the first ascent, the clouds rolled in… the remainder of the 5hr hike was in a thick fog making for super dramatic scenes throughout the hike. When we finally reached the photo spot we were soaked and pretty cold. The clouds had rolled in and had almost covered the peninsula that I was so desperate to shoot. We opened up our hot flask of coffee and waited it out until we got a slight break to take the shot. It’s not perfect but the adventure that went along with it is what made it a great photograph.
What inspires you to get outdoors and explore?
I think photography has a huge part to play. I’m always out trying to get the next best shot and living so close to London makes me venture out to further lands to explore new and exciting, more varied landscapes.
Reusing can be hard while on the go. Do you have any tips to help make going reusable a little bit easier while on the road?
I hate to be so on the nose but for sure bottles and flasks makes a huge difference… the amount of coffee stops you can end up taking on long drives is silly. Just filling up a large flask with some freshly made, home ground coffee saves you money and a ton of cups.
What was your favourite MIZU product/s on this mission and why?
My favourite was the V5 insulated bottle for sure. Small enough to fit in your jacket pocket and kept my tea hot for hours! This one will be coming with me every day.
What does “Enjoy the journey, leave nothing behind” mean to you?
To me it’s just about respecting the spaces we’re lucky enough to enjoy. When I see rubbish littering all these incredible locations it’s so upsetting. Just pick up your shit!
Do you have advice for others to inspire them to continue their own mission in reducing single-use plastics?
My biggest advice it to go and grab yourself a steel water bottle and treat it as much a part of your everyday carry as you would your phone. I am honestly so much more hydrated since using one and have saved buying so many plastic water bottles when out and about. I never know where I’ll end up, so it’s a great staple, no matter the adventure. I also love how they scratch and dent as they age and really tell a story. It’s probably the smallest thing you can do to help reduce single use plastics but it was the first step for me and I'm not looking back.
Check out more of Max's amazing photography on his Instagram: @max.hwrd
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Q: First, tell us about your brand...
A: Hey Bear, is built off the idea that we can create a larger educational and safety platform around bear awareness within our own backyards. With the initial idea, we thought larger on how to build and develop the connection between outdoor activity, sustainable products, and bear education while promoting and giving back to wildlife organizations. Hey Bear is more than a brand: it's a movement!
With the increase of population moving to the west this movement is needed more than ever. We want to limit the amount of bear and human encounters. Hey Bear wants to provide the correct information to people before heading out on their outdoor adventure. Creating more awareness and keeping people informed will provide a better outcome for communities and bear population. Hey Bear is based in Big Sky, Montana but we want this information to reach all other areas as this applies to many people within the U.S.
On the Hey Bear website, you will find all the up-to-date bear information, check trailheads, take classes, hear from experts, and adventurers that have had close encounters. We want to allow anyone to access this information, get the proper outdoor equipment, and remember to always say Hey Bear!
Q: What's your mission?
A: Hey Bear is more than a brand: it's a movement. Our mission, of awareness and creating quality, sustainable products is focused on promoting symbiotic relationships with bears and their natural habitat. We are adventure-seekers and partners with educational and sustainable organizations with the purpose of connecting and sharing stories to make a difference in our own backyards.
Q: What are you going to be using your Mizu custom products for?
A: Our company has used Mizu products before and we thought that Mizu's and Hey Bear's missions align. Our brand promise is to work with brands that produce quality sustainable products. Hey Bear wants to create a greener footprint. We also want to inform others on how quality products will last longer and provide more stories to your adventures. We want to limit our carbon footprint while promoting the coexistence of humans and bears. By working with Mizu, we can focus on promoting awareness, sustainability, and continuity.
We have enjoyed working with Mizu because of the quality of the amazing products. Our Hey Bear logo can stand out alone on this mug and cause an immediate reaction to what Hey Bear is. We found that these products especially the camper mug tie into our Hey Bear line with adaptability. This unique product can be used for trips with the incredible durability, a reliable coffee mug, or even a talking piece within your home.
The reason for creating custom products is because we want people to have a daily reminder to think... HEY BEAR. When you look at the camper mug, it makes you responsible to double-check if you are taking all precautions within the outdoors. Also, you think if you are doing your duty within the outdoors to say Hey Bear, to allow the bears to have the option to walk the opposite direction. We want to decrease the encounters for bears and humans. With our resources, stories, and product line it keeps you accountable for your actions. Be responsible and always say Hey Bear.
You can read more here: www.heybear.com
Give them a follow on instagram: @say_hey_bear
Shop the Hey Bear Camper Mug >
"You can tell a lot about a person by spending some time in their hometown. Sitting in a hand-built cabin in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, eating my second serving of lasagna made by his mother and drinking beer brewed by his father, I was starting to understand my buddy Christian in a new way."
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Meeting in the Middle
You can tell a lot about a person by spending some time in their hometown. Sitting in a hand-built cabin in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, eating my second serving of lasagna made by his mother and drinking beer brewed by his father, I was starting to understand my buddy Christian in a new way.
After a rainy week on the Blue Ridge Parkway, riding our bikes amidst the burgeoning fall colors, our crew of 4 pulled off the main drag and then made a series of turns onto increasingly lonely roads. Christian had described his childhood home as “pretty rural,” and we weren’t quite sure what to expect as we wound our way down a steep gravel road, weaving through thick blankets of invasive Kudzu and obfuscating old-growth. Madison, VA: Population 229. It was hard to imagine Christian Van Os Keuls as hailing from a town several layers removed from standard amenities like grocery stores and gas stations. He’s Mr. Cool: cosmopolitan and progressive, Art Director at one of Denver’s lead creative agencies, marathon runner and tattoo collector. How had he sprung from a place with no cell service, an area where confederate flags still made the occasional appearance on barnsides and the neighbors were a mile away?
It all started to make more sense as we pulled in and were greeted like family. His parents Perry and Kim met us in the driveway, and we barely had a chance to wrestle our bikes out of the van before we had a drink in our hands and were getting the grounds tour from Perry, who crutched around nursing an ankle injury while we tried to keep up. With rain still spitting from the steel-grey sky, we huddled in the barn, a renovated, perfectly messy mashup of workshop, armory, and home brewery which had housed the family while the cabin was under construction. Perry’s Pale Ale was a hit, and before we knew it, Kim was calling us down for dinner.
After soldiering through laughably large portions of Kim’s homemade lasagna, we stumbled down to the basement for some billiards. Christian’s childhood photos and sports medals lay in a dusty box in the corner, and we combed through the years, making the standard jokes about bowl cuts and braces. I met Christian as we both entered our late 20’s, so it was a treat to see some history; I didn’t get to see him grow up in real time, but a condensed version did the trick just fine.
The next morning, after a rainy bike ride and pumpkin waffles made by Kim (who else?), we hopped in the van and made our way into Shenandoah National Park, just 15 minutes from the door. We grabbed our bottles and forged into the dense forest of the layered and disorienting Appalachian mountains, some of the oldest peaks on earth. Sweating up a storm in the unfamiliar humidity, I thought again about hometowns, how Christian was a byproduct of the Mid-Atlantic as much as I of Southern California, Jonny of Colorado, Colin of North Carolina. Somehow, we’d all met in the middle, forging a friendship along the thin air of the Continental Divide, watching the waters flowing both east and west from our new home to the places that formed us.
Upon our return to the homestead, we tucked into 10-hour brisket – which Perry had tended to all day like a proud father – and shared stories, now settling into the new environment just as it was time to leave. Perry, industrious and All-American, had lived in the South his whole life, with a quick visit to just about everywhere as a military and commercial pilot. Kim, more reserved, held a quiet curiosity, and could spend weeks alone at the ranch, immersed in nature and totally at home amidst the solitude. I could see in Christian pieces of them both, his discipline and structure from Perry, an artistic and free bent from Kim, alongside some traits entirely his own. The night stretched out long, ending on the quiet porch with one last chill session in the rocking chairs, staring at the twinkling lights of the barn against the backdrop of the dark hillside behind the house.
We awoke to clear skies, seeing blue for the first time in a week on our last day of the trip. Maybe it was the change in weather, but the roads out from the ranch no longer looked so foreboding and mysterious. They looked a little more like home.
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Q: Tell us a little bit about who you are and why you chose to do a Mizu Mission.
A: “My name is Teagan and I am an outdoor adventure, surf, and lifestyle photographer based in San Diego! I chose to head out on a Mizu Mission to experience all Costa Rica has to offer-- Warm water, good waves, and even better people!”
Q: Where did your mission take you and what did you do?
A: “We spent a month in the small surf town of Santa Teresa. We surfed, explored waterfalls, ate way too many papayas, and took tons of photos! Everyday seriously felt like a dream come true.”
Q: What are some highlights you’d like to share with our readers?
A: “One of the highlights was definitely jumping off the top of a 35 foot waterfall! We drove 30 minutes on an ATV to a small town called Montezuma. (On all dirt roads! We were covered in dust afterwards.) From there we hiked 20 min up the river to get to a 3 tiered waterfall. The biggest waterfall was close to 80 feet! Once we got up to the 2nd falls, everyone decided to jump and I almost didn’t! But just before we left, I decided to send it and I am glad I did. It was completely exhilarating and I actually jumped 3 more times.
The 2nd highlight of the trip was when the whole entire town lost power during a gnarly thunderstorm. It was raining like crazy and everyone was walking back from dinner or the bars. Even though the power was out, the whole town felt electric and fully alive. People laughing, running in the rain, and thunder echoing through the streets. We decided to head to the beach to catch a glimpse of the lightning show. ( Probably not very safe, but we survived. ) It was insane. Streaks of lightning lit up the stormy ocean in all directions. For seconds at a time it almost looked like it was light outside again! What an experience that was.”
Q: What inspires you to get outdoors and explore?
A: “From a young age I’ve always had a deep desire to be outside and explore new places. It’s what makes me feel alive! And I definitely still have that ingrained in me. Now that I am older and have my camera in hand, I think what inspires me most is having the ability to capture these beautiful places and experiences, and sharing them with other people who may not have known that place or that feeling even existed. I hope to inspire people to get outside and protect our home!”
Q: How do you manage to adventure while also taking care of the planet along the way?
A: “Bring reusable products and try to say no to single use plastic! Bring your own water bottles, straws, cups, grocery bags etc. If you see trash on the ground, pick it up. Leave a place better than you found it and always practice Leave No Trace Principles. Our home is beautiful. Let’s keep it that way!”
Q: What was your favorite Mizu product/s used throughout the mission and why?
A: “It was pretty darn hot and humid in Costa Rica! I kept my insulated V8 bottle with me at all times! Gotta stay hydrated.”
Q: Any tips and tricks for keeping a low footprint while hitting the road?
A: “Bringing reusable products is a big one. It can be easy to say yes to a plastic straw or plastic utensils, but take the necessary steps to avoid that and always be prepared Walk, bike, or use public transportation when you can. And eat the local cuisine vs. foods that have to be imported.”
Show Teagan some love and give her accounts a follow! Her content is always 🔥
Instagram: @teagan.maddux
Website: www.teaganmaddux.com
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Q: First, tell us about your brand...
A: Uinta Brewing Company brewed its first beer in 1993 in Salt Lake City. We are known for crafting exceptionally approachable, award-winning beers in a wide variety of styles, and for becoming the first Utah company to be certified as fully wind and solar powered in 2001.
Q: How did you hear about Mizu?
A: At an event with our neighbors at Backcountry, we were gifted with some customized Mizu gear and recognized the quality right away. A quick look at Mizu and we knew that this is a brand we can vibe with.
Q: What about Mizu made us a great fit for your brand?
A: We are outdoor folk; when we’re not at work cooking up Craft Beer, we are probably out enjoying the natural beauty that surrounds our hometown. Mizu’s commitment to sustainability and active outdoor lifestyle really aligns with who we are as a company, and as individuals.
Q: What are you going to be using your Mizu custom products for?
A: We put a design from a limited release label on the Camp Cup because we wanted the art to have a longer life than just a one-off label. So far, we’ve subjected these pieces to rigorous use, filling and emptying them repeatedly with coffee and beer. The cup’s performance has been flawless at trailheads, campsites, and ski resort parking lots throughout Utah.
You can read more about Uinta Brewing Co.'s story here: Uinta Brewing Co. Our Story
Give them a follow on instagram: @uintabrewing
Q: First, tell us about your brand!
A: We are a Bend, Oregon based video/photo production house that specializes in elevating a brand’s visual presence through thoughtful and emotive storytelling. We find passion for what we do through the brands that we work with, and thrive on creating content with a marketing and results driven approach.
Q: How did you hear about Mizu?
A: I was fortunate to receive an M5 bottle years ago on a cat skiing trip up in Canada. That same bottle has been on many shoots and adventures to far off places, and has stood the test of time.
Q: What about Mizu made us a great fit for your brand?
A: We work with fantastic like minded clients who enjoy adventuring and the outdoors just as much as we do. When it came to thanking them with something that is not only special for us, but functional for them, it seemed like a no-brainer to utilize Mizu. Mizu’s commitment to the planet is also important to our brand, so working with a company that is involved in sustainability and clean practices is huge for us. The fun part is seeing our clients using the “Treeline” camp cup in the wild.
Q: What are you going to be using your Mizu custom products for?
A: We love a good cup of coffee, no matter where that might be…. so the camp cup is by our side on most mornings…and afternoons.
Check out Treeline Cinematic here: www.treelinecinematic.com
Follow Treeline Cinematic on Social here: @treelinecinematic
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If you follow Mizu’s co-founder, Jussi Oksanen, on social media then you’re familiar with all of his amazing photography and epic adventures. He recently ventured out on a Mizu Mission to Alabama Hills for a photoshoot with one of our partner brands, Thule. We sat down with him after to hear all about his travels and highlights from the trip.
Q: Tell us a little bit about who you are and why you chose to do a Mizu Mission.
A: I”m Jussi Oksanen - Co-founder of Mizu. Mizu always travels along with me wherever I ever go, so this was one of my latest adventures where Mizu came along :)
Q: Where did your mission take you and what did you do?
A: Our mission took us to Alabama Hills, just on the foothills of Mt. Whitney. This was actually for a Photo shoot I did for Thule. I took my friend Katie Araujo, we had Thule kit out her car with the latest and greatest adventure gear. We camped, hiked and rode our bikes.
Perfect kind of work and pleasure trip. We captured some incredible images or their new product line and we got to go on some epic Mountain Bike rides after we were done with the shoot.
Q:What are some highlights you’d like to share with our readers?
A: We’ll you can’t actually tell from the photos, but it had over 40mph winds ripping through the first day and all night - so we didn’t get much sleep either. But the nightlight was expiring in the Alabama Hills on the bikes, you could take the little hiking trails and explore in a way it’s not possible by foot!
Q: What inspires you to get outdoors and explore?
A: It’s the best way to recharge and get connected with yourself and nature.
Q: How do you manage to adventure while also taking care of the planet along the way?
Well, obviously using reusable products is the best way to leave nothing behind - also ,always make sure you clean your stuff - try to leave no trace.
Q: What was your favorite Mizu product/s used through the mission and why?
A: I love the original stainless steel M8 - no paint - it’s just timeless and clean and it can take a beating along the way. Also I like how light it is - I also like V5 and camp cup for morning coffee, it's the best
Q: Any tips and tricks for keeping a low footprint while hitting the road?
A: Try to car pool when you can - that will reduce a lot of emissions. Use reusable products as much as you can and clean your mess. Also, I always travel with extra trash bags - that way you can pick up some trash along the way as there is never a shortage of that.
One year we were in this beach town in France and the beach was terrible, filled with all kinds of trash - My mom and I picked up at least 10 large trash bags just in that small area - it was nuts.
Want to see more content from Jussi?
You can check out his website here: JussiOksanen.com
Give him a follow on Instagram here: Jussi Instagram
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Q: Tell us more about Planks
A: We are Planks, a rider-owned, British, ski clothing brand born in the Alps. Our Head Office is based in the heart of Manchester, UK (what better place for a ski brand, right?). Our journey has taken us from a beanie brand in Val d’Isere, France, to an outerwear brand providing rad gear to rad humans all over the globe. Our vision is to build a movement of humans creating change through skiing.
Q: How did you hear about Mizu?
A: We feel like we’ve always known Mizu somehow! We’re skiers, but we have a foot in the snowboard world too, so we’ve keenly followed Jussi’s journey with Mizu. To us Mizu is synonymous with the mountains and the outdoors so it’s great to now have a custom Planks x Mizu bottle.
Q: What about Mizu made us a great fit for your brand?
A: Anyone who is making durable, great quality, sustainable products is alright by us. Our ethos is very much the same, we want the Planks people to use and abuse their gear (in a skiing kind of way), safe if the knowledge that it will meet the challenges of everyday life. Buy good stuff that will last for a long time – easy!
Q: What are you going to be using your Mizu custom products for?
A: The M8 bottle is that everyday companion that we picked for its versatility. It’s a must-have, not only when skiing but on down-days and your daily commute. Our custom design represents you as a skier, wherever you find yourself on this crazy, beautiful planet.
Check out Planks Clothing here: https://www.planksclothing.com/
Follow Planks Clothing on Social here: @planksclothing
]]>Here at Mizu, we love partnering with like-minded brands to give them a premium reusable canvas to tell their brand story. This week we are featuring Studio.Miles, a Graphic Design Studio based out of Quebec, Canada.
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Q: First, tell us about your brand.
A: We are a graphic design studio located in Sherbrooke, in south-east Quebec, Canada. Since 2017, we help brands to find the good way to quickly reach their full potential. With the end goal in mind and in any media, we design creative, coherent, and memorable visual solutions to maximize brand capital. Our passion for design is our motivation. This always drives us to take clients further and off the beaten track. We like to discover new trails and collaborate on challenging projects.
Q: How did you hear about Mizu?
A: A few years ago, we purchased a Poler Stuff x Mizu bottle and this bottle followed us on many adventures around the world. We found this bottle to be of high quality, durable, and almost indestructible.
Q: What about Mizu made us a great fit for your brand?
A: In the midst of a climate crisis and in the context of the pandemic of COVID-19, we wanted to collaborate with a company that could produce beautiful, durable, and personalized bottles. We have selected MIZU among other companies because they are part of the global movement “1% for the planet” and which has environmental values that join us.
Q: What are you going to be using your Mizu custom products for?
A: During the holiday season, we wanted to give our valuable clients a meaningful gift to thank them for their trust. When we started to do our research to find THE perfect gift, one of our main criteria was to offer a gift that would become part of our client’s daily lives. This is how we thought of the reusable MIZU bottles. After receiving our personalized bottles, we were really happy with the result and decided to have some cups of coffee produced so that it felt like camping when we are actually at the office. We then thought it would help us and our team to dream about our next weekend adventures.
Check out studio.miles and give them a follow on social to see some rad design work.
studiomiles.ca @studio.miles facebook/studiomiles
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Many people dream of jumping in a van and heading out to the mountains and oceans to explore our playgrounds. Clara and Kattha -- two best friends from the Austrian Alps - did just that last Spring...
]]>Committed to having as much fun as they can with the lightest footprint possible, Clara and Kattha decided to make this a Mizu Mission -- an adventure where, as we like to say over here, you Enjoy The Journey, Leave Nothing Behind.
Meet two Mizu customers who shared their inspiring trip with us. We’re now dreaming of touring through Europe in an old camper ourselves. #2022plans
We’ve been fantasizing about some snow and surf travel for a while now at Mizu HQ: tell us about your journey so we can dream a little…
Our adventure started in Innsbruck, Austria. We hopped into our Camper and the first stop was Arlberg -- a huge, beautiful skiing area where we did a small skitour up to Maraoi at St. Christoph. Next stop: Switzerland! Most people think about how expensive Switzerland is (and they’re not wrong!) but once you’ve experienced their beautiful mountains you have no choice but to go back.
We arrived in Engelberg and after two days of snowfall we were rewarded with a sunny powder day. With some great powder turns under our belt, we jumped into our camper and headed further to our last skiing spot of the trip -- a hidden gem in Kanton Wallis. The tiny town we had expected was even smaller in real life... Only one café, an old abandoned house, an old man clearing the street with his snowplow and us – with our van. And one drag lift! Our expectations weren’t high, but we ended up having one of the best powder days of the season thanks to that little lift.
After taking in all the blue sky, fresh powder, and empty slopes we could, it was time for our next stop: Portugal. By this point we were exhausted. Hours of sitting in our van, a snowstorm, a minor car crash (with a repair sleepover in France), 14 gas station coffees, 129 pee-breaks and 1800 km driving… we finally reached the ocean. One moment you're drawing lines in deep powder and the next you’re sitting out in the lineup, feeling the fresh salty air in your hair. We got some funny looks at the breaks as we took our skis out the van first to reach our surfboards! We headed south to Sagres, Beliche where we stayed a few days before starting our journey back home.
Sounds terrible. Ok, ok, it sounds amazing! Have the two of you adventured together in the past?
We’d been on some trips before through Morocco, Spain, Ireland, Italy and France before, but this was a completely new route. We wanted to travel by road this time, and we wanted to make sure we got to ski and surf. That was what led us to pick this plan.
We’re already planning our next road trip through Europe. What can’t we skip?
Have you ever been dreaming of waking up next to the ocean, hearing the waves crashing on the cliffs, feeling the warm morning sun in your face and sipping on your cup of fresh brewed coffee? Oh, then you definitely should sleep over in one of the amazing caves at the Algarve in Portugal! You can check the waves during your breakfast before you slip on your wetsuit and jump in.
Also, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried a fresh and warm Pastel in the small bakery in Aljezur. It’s addictive! The first day we bought one each to try, but after that it was at least 3 Pastels for each of us. One to eat straight away, one after surfing and one as a dessert in the evening.
What was so special about this Mission?
We both feel a very special connection with water in all its forms and beauty. On the one hand, falling down as soft snowflakes from the sky, forming our playground for fun powder days in the mountains. On the other, creating beautiful waves out in the ocean, allowing us to surf. This trip reinforced what a big impact and importance water has in our everyday lives. That we need water not only to drink and wash and for our daily survival but to live out our passions. We experienced water in all its states -- we had snow, rain, the ocean, saw rivers and lakes, surfed beautiful waves, drew lines in fresh powder, took hot showers to warm up again, cooked tea and boiled water for pasta. We felt compelled to honor water more than ever.
How does your appreciation of water fit in with your overall approach to taking care of our planet?
We wouldn’t call ourselves environmental activists by any means, but we do take steps everyday to reduce our footprint: we try to reduce our plastic intake, buy mostly local, minimally wrapped products from our town, take our own reusable bottles and boxes wherever we go and just choose reusable whenever possible. We haven’t achieved a totally plastic free life or invisible carbon-footprint: We drive by car and love “vanlife”. We eat a really good slice of meat sometimes when it's from the farmer from our town, where we know how the cows were treated and how they were fed. And we go shopping sometimes and just buy what we like at that moment. So yes, just normal girls in this western living world.
But we try our best. We take little steps closer to a more sustainable way of living. Some days more, some days less. But we live with that mission in our minds. The mission of trying.The mission of keeping our planet clean and healthy so the next generations have the opportunity to go and explore this beautiful planet like we do.
We understand that a road trip has an impact, so we did our best to minimize it. This meant keeping the speed low while driving, using as little fuel and energy as possible, taking our environmental friendly cleaning items without wrapping, not using the chemical toilet, buying local, unwrapped vegetables and fruits, eating mostly vegan (we just couldn’t resist the cheese from Switzerland and some fresh fish from a local fisher and Pastel de Nata in Portugal though!), keeping our camping areas clean, buying one big canister of water instead of single water bottles, and always having our Mizu bottles and Mizu Cutlery Sets at hand which made it easy not to leave plastic or other waste behind.
What inspires you to get outdoors and see the world?
We both love skiing and surfing, but not only in the physical way. These two sports are such beautiful and amazing opportunities to connect with our wonderful and beloved Mother Nature. We were told since we were young girls: what you love, you should know and care about. And we learn the most about what is happening outdoors while just being out there and experiencing it. So we are young and curious and just want to explore. We couldn't discover the world by staying at home. Meeting new people, getting the chance to get to know other cultures and learn how other people are thinking about life continuously inspires us in what we are doing. Being open minded is something we’ve learned by being outdoors.
We know that reducing single-use plastics is important to you. Was there a certain instance you recall that really opened your eyes to the importance of reusing whenever possible?
Plastic water bottles! We luckily live in a town in the middle of a mountain chain where we don’t just have really good, drinkable tap water -- it's fresh and delicious too. Driving through countries – especially by the ocean – it reminded us that this isn’t the case everywhere and you can’t just take your bottle and fill it up at any sink you find. So sometimes you have to buy your water in plastic bottles. We bought large containers of water in the supermarket, kept them when they were empty and filled them and our Mizu bottles up when we found drinkable tap water. If we wouldn’t have done so – we would have collected at least three water bottles a day, which would have been 21 a week and over 63 bottles the whole trip.
Reusing can be hard while on the go. Do you have any tips to help make going reusable a little bit easier while on the road?
What definitely helped us not even get to need a plastic bag or bottle on the go was always having our little plastic-free essentials. An insulated Mizu bottle full of hot tea on the snow adventures or fresh cold water for the beach days, our Mizu Cutlery Set (or at least a pocket knife), and a tote bag just in case. With those three essentials you are always prepared.
What was your favorite Mizu product on this Mission?
We loved taking our Green Insulated D7 bottle with us but not only because we love that color so much! There is just no better bottle for having a cup of tea on the top of the mountains or a warm nice coffee after a good surf session.
What does “Enjoy the journey, leave nothing behind” mean to you?
For us it turned out to have two meanings. On the one hand, you just don't want to leave anything undiscovered. We always try to explore places in their pure state of being – we just can't leave anything behind unexplored, unseen or just unaware of its natural beauty. But the more we spent time travelling and time outdoors in clean and pure nature, the more important it got to always respect the places and environments you visit – to take care to keep it clean and just like you found it.
Do you have advice for others to inspire them to continue their own mission in reducing single-use plastics?
In our eyes it's important to start small in reducing single-use plastic. A good first step is to make sure you always carry your own water bottle, coffee mug and jute bag with you -- it becomes a habit really fast to always have them with you.
Mizu does a great job of making that step easy in our everyday lives, especially when you travel. Soon enough, you’ll become increasingly aware of the other areas in your life where you can skip plastic.
Want more Clara and Kattha content? Give them a follow and stay up to date on all of their epic adventures!
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Meet our newest Mizu ambassador: Sierra Prescott. An LA-based skateboarder, photographer, author, and all-round rad human, Sierra has a smile as big as her portfolio. And whether it’s her vibrant 70’s-inspired outfits, her smooth skateboard style, or her striking fashion portraits...
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Meet our newest Mizu ambassador: Sierra Prescott. An LA-based skateboarder, photographer, author, and all-round rad human, Sierra has a smile as big as her portfolio. And whether it’s her vibrant 70’s-inspired outfits, her smooth skateboard style, or her striking fashion portraits, Sierra leaves a mark wherever she goes.
Mizu co-founder (and fellow photographer) Jussi Oksanen spent a day cruising Venice Beach with Sierra. Below are some of the things he learned about (possibly) the world’s happiest skateboarding photographer.
Q: Who is Sierra Prescott, and how would you describe your world?
A: Sierra- I am a skateboarder and photographer born and raised in Los Angeles. Super fortunate to say that skating and taking pictures are my top passions and I’m stoked to be living, working and growing with them everyday.
Q: We can’t get enough of your style. Where do you find your style inspiration and is it a lifelong thing?
A: Sierra- Definitely a fan of the 70’s look with a sprinkle of spunky 90’s in there. Muted color palettes, ripped high waisted jeans, corduroy, horizontal stripes with pops of bright color mixed in and probably laced up in Vans! Denim is a need for its durability and I also need stuff that I can jump and move freely in, so I try to pick stuff that can take a solid skate sesh, full day of production—or both.
Q: What’s life like being a female in the heavily male dominated world of skateboarding?
A: Sierra- Getting more equal every day... I mean, growing up it wasn’t a thought, it just was what it was and we all skated together, not boys and girls, just skaters. Recently, more girls are in the spotlight gaining recognition and a lot more eyes are on women skateboarding overall. With that comes the ups and the downs and the ups far outweighs the downs, but there will be jealousy based on skill level -- “Wow an Ollie and you got 4,000 likes” — and the clear difference in profits between genders, but that world is evolving. More skating, less hating!
Q: What would you say to other girls who might feel intimidated hitting their local skatepark?
A: Sierra- The hardest part is that first push. But make it happen, and your focus will shift. Focus on what you set out to do. Are you gonna drop in? Are you gonna learn to tic-tac, kick turn, or get your first grind in? Who cares what anyone else is doing, just do YOU and have fun. Each try will lead to progress, and we all start somewhere.
Q: We’ve got a copy of your book Shredders: Girls Who Skate in our Amazon cart right now! Where did the drive to write a book come from?
A: Sierra- As a photographer, a book has always been a thought, a goal, a dream but it wasn’t something I thought was imminent. The book actually came to be from a contact form reach out on my website. An editor from Ten Speed Press had reached out asking if I’d ever thought about a book, and if given the opportunity, what it would be about. Anne picked my brain for months, and roughly nine months later, I had a contract offer from Penguin and I hit the ground running to make the book happen.
Q: Let’s chat about your photography for a moment. We know there’s a funny story in there about how you got started - could you share it?
A: Sierra- Haha, sure! When I was about five and just back from the grocery store, I pulled out a disposable Kodak from my jacket which I had inadvertently shoplifted— within minutes we were on our way back to actually purchase it and my parents rolled the dice and handed the family point and shoot down to their five year old. From then on I was always snapping away.
Q: Who would be your perfect muse?
A: Sierra- At the bare bones I got into photography because of action and the beauty of it— a moment so graciously caught. A style so badass your jaw drops. A muse to me is anyone doing what they love, using their body and mind, and doing it with ultimate style. If you can get lost in your world doing something you love (like skateboarding does to me) then YOU are a perfect muse to capture.
Q: What’s your favorite Mizu product?
A: Sierra- Ok, I’m bad with favorites but I have a top two! Always important to keep fresh water on me, and I prefer it cold so I like the insulated products and dig the V8 as it lasts a while. Also, I’m a coffee nut, and I love the V5 bottle with the vacuum lid in all stainless steel. It’s so rad and I love to drink coffee out of it.
Q: What will be the go-to lunch in your new Mizu Lunchbox?
A: Sierra- Hmmm probably a bunch of snacks! Raw almonds, cheese, pretzels, hard boiled egg, baby carrots, snap peas, purple grapes and a protein bar: never leave home without one of those.
Check out the links below to read more on Sierra and follow her epic adventures:
Follow her on instagram here: @sierra_prescott
Check out her website: SierraPrescott.com
Snag a copy of her book: Shredders by Sierra Prescott
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Jono Wood is something of an enigma. Insanely talented both as an athlete and an artist, a self-proclaimed “quiet loner”, and yet a creator of art and graphics so bold and striking they make you stop in your tracks to take a second look.
This Brit who now calls the mountains of Morzine, France home, is also a passionate advocate for the protection of wildlife and the nature around us. No wonder our paths crossed!
Jono recently created a limited edition graphic collection for Mizu that draws attention to three amazing ocean dwellers that are now under threat from the abundance of plastic in our oceans: turtles, polar bears, and whales.
We took five to check in with Jono and ask a few questions about his work, his inspiration, and WHY HE ALWAYS WRITE IN ALL CAPS.
We know you as a previous pro-snowboarder, cyclist, passionate wildlife advocate, and, obviously, artist. Who is Jono Wood, in your own words?
HMM A TOUGH ONE. I THINK I AM BIT OF A QUIET LONER. PASSIONATE ABOUT THE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO ME LIKE FRIENDS AND FAMILY. WITH SO MANY GREAT ARTISTS OUT THERE I HAVE NEVER BEEN ONE TO SING MY OWN PRAISES BUT HUMBLED BY THE PEOPLE AND BRANDS WHO HAVE BEEN WILLING TO TAKE A CHANCE ON ME AND MY WORK.
We've followed your art for years and love how striking and balanced it always seems. How would you describe your personal style?
I WOULD SAY I AM BEST KNOWN NOW FOR HAVING A CLEAN BOLD GEOMETRIC STYLE. I HAVE DABBLED IN PRETTY MUCH EVERY ASPECT OF ART GROWING UP. I STUDIED ANIMATION AT ART COLLEGE AND ALTHOUGH A LOT OF MY CURRENT WORK IS DIGITAL I FEEL MY REAL PASSION LIES IN ROLLING MY SLEEVES UP AND PAINTING ON CANVAS. IT DOES HOWEVER TAKE A LOT OF WORK SOMETIMES TO MAKE SOMETHING LOOK SO CLEAN, SIMPLE AND CRISP.
You are passionate about wildlife and nature. Tell us more about that...
I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GROW UP IN THE COUNTRYSIDE AND MY LOVE OF ANIMALS STEMMED FROM THERE AND WAS PASSED DOWN FROM MY PARENTS. GROWING UP MY MUM ESPECIALLY WAS ALWAYS CONVINCING MY DAD TO TAKE IN WAIF AND STRAY ANIMALS. WE HAND-REARED DUCKS IN THE KITCHEN AND SAVED SHEEP FROM GOING TO THE ABATTOIR.
NOW, SPENDING THE MAJORITY OF MY TIME IN THE MOUNTAINS I LOVE SEEING THE EAGLES SOARING ABOVE MY HOUSE AND JUST KNOWING THERE IS SO MUCH WILDLIFE ALL AROUND ME. I CAN JUST ESCAPE ON MY BIKE OR RIDE SOME POWDER AND WITHIN MINUTES FEEL COMPLETELY ISOLATED WITHIN NATURE.
What's the backstory behind the graphics on the Mizu x Jono Wood graphic bottles?
CHATTING WITH CRAIG AT MIZU EUROPE WE WANTED TO CREATE A SERIES OF BOTTLES THAT NOT ONLY LOOKED BEAUTIFUL BUT ALSO GAVE A SUBTLE NOD TO THE IMPACT WE ARE HAVING ON SOME OF THOSE MOST ICONIC SPECIES IN OUR OCEANS. I MUST SAY THE EXECUTION OF THE PRINT ON THE BOTTLES IS JUST STUNNING. I AM VERY HONORED TO HAVE MY NAME ASSOCIATED WITH THEM. IF I HAD TO CHOOSE I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THE WHALE IS MY FAVORITE. THE ICY POWDER BLUE ON THE V6 REALLY POPS.
You've created graphics for some great brands over the years, such as Capita Snowboards, Nike, and Habitat Skateboards. Are you selective about who you work with
YEAH IT IS IMPORTANT TO ME TO WORK TOGETHER WITH BRANDS THAT I TRULY BELIEVE IN AND ADMIRE AND PROJECTS THAT CAPTURE MY IMAGINATION.
IT IS ALWAYS GREAT TO DESIGN PRODUCTS THAT I ACTUALLY USE MYSELF.
What's your go-to Mizu product?
I’M AN AVID COFFEE LOVER. RIGHT NOW MY GO-TO HAS TO BE THE THERMAL TUMBLER [ TUMBLER 16 ]. IT IS CERTAINLY A DAILY STAPLE ON MY DESK.
Final question: what's with the ALL CAPS?! (if you follow Jono, you'll see that he always writes in CAPS)
GROWING UP I STRUGGLED WITH DYSLEXIA. ART WAS ALWAYS AN ESCAPE FROM ‘THE RULES’ ASSOCIATED WITH READING AND WRITING BUT AT SCHOOL I COULD NOT ESCAPE THE RESTRAINTS OF THEM. THAT WAS, UNTIL STUDYING BIOLOGY. DURING MY GCSEs MY TEACHER WROTE EVERYTHING OUT ON THE BOARD IN CAPITALS. I JUST COPIED IT LIKE FOR LIKE AND HE NEVER MARKED ME DOWN.
SO I HAVE DONE IT EVER SINCE FOR MANY MANY YEARS. IT IS OFTEN MISCONSTRUED AS SHOUTING BUT AS SHOCKING AS IT IS TO SAY, THIS WAS BEFORE THE INTERNET AND SOCIAL MEDIA EVEN EXISTED! MY FREEHAND WRITING IS ALSO CAPITALIZED.
The Jono Wood x Mizu Collection is available at mizulife.com in limited quantities in the US. The full collection can be found at mizulife.eu in Europe.
]]>Meet Todd Glaser: Surf Photographer And New Mizu Ambassador
Picture this… It’s 6 am at Fiji’s famous, awe-inspiring surf break, Cloudbreak. You’re out in the water amongst some of the best surfers on the planet, only you don’t have a board. You see the next heavy wave picking up and know it’s going to be fast, barreling perfection over Cloudbreak’s shallow live coral reef. You have one job to do and you can’t mess it up: capture the moment on camera as one of the world’s top pro surfers drops in.
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Meet Todd Glaser: Surf Photographer And New Mizu Ambassador
Picture this… It’s 6 am at Fiji’s famous, awe-inspiring surf break, Cloudbreak. You’re out in the water amongst some of the best surfers on the planet, only you don’t have a board. You see the next heavy wave picking up and know it’s going to be fast, barreling perfection over Cloudbreak’s shallow live coral reef. You have one job to do and you can’t mess it up: capture the moment on camera as one of the world’s top pro surfers drops in.
Welcome to Todd Glaser’s world. A renowned surf photographer whose iconic images have been featured on multiple SURFER magazine covers, in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, the New York Times, and much more, Todd is our newest Mizu advocate. While Todd may be well-known for his years capturing pro surfers’ most iconic waves and world title captures from both in and out of the water, he is equally talented shooting the lifestyle too. He’s also a great caretaker of our beautiful planet, having traveled to some of the world’s most far-flung corners and seen the impact our human actions are having on it. We couldn’t think of a better fit for Mizu, and we’re stoked to welcome Todd Glaser to our team. Read on to get to know Todd better.
Q: You've traveled with multiple-time World Champion surfers, found new waves, and made images in places that hadn't been seen before. How was that experience, and what was your biggest takeaway from the time you've spent on the road?
A: Todd - Getting to turn my passion for surfing, the ocean, travel, and photography into a career is something I never really could have imagined. Growing up pretty shy I used the camera almost as a reason to share the room or space with a lot of people I’d only seen in films or read about in magazines. I’ve always admired their passion for surfing and finding new waves and am so grateful that together we’ve shared the ride! It’s one thing to admire surfing, but to see some of these athletes’ genuine consideration for others and freakish talents outside of the water is a mere glimpse into what they do in the water. It takes a special breed to not only be able to put on a contest jersey and win titles but also drop everything at a moment’s notice, fly halfway around the world to surf what might be the swell of the year and to go the path of -- what at times might seem the most resistance -- in hopes of finding new waves all in the name of fun. Prior to the lockdown, we were on the road around 150-200 days a year for several years...When you’re living a life so much on the road it seems oddly normal being surrounded by so many doing the same thing, following their dreams, and seeing the world at the same time. It’s only when you slow down and take a step back that you realize how fortunate we all are for those opportunities and however great they are, having a good routine at home is equally fulfilling.
Q: What’s it really like to be in the ocean -- just you and your camera -- navigating some of the world’s most intimidating and powerful waves?
A: Todd - The ocean is constantly changing, which teaches us to be patient but open to change, while also being prepared for any sort of situation. With a lot of sports, you wake up knowing that the big game is two Sundays from next week, whereas with surfing and water photography you’re working with nature. Maybe not even working with… more responding to nature. There was a time when my phone would ring and I’d be on the plane that night swimming around in really big waves halfway around the world the next day so we always had to be prepared. Being in the ocean with or without a camera is my happy place. It’s where I feel most comfortable and it’s up to me and my own experience to decide where I should be and when. To me, there’s no better feeling in the world than swimming around being both physically and mentally challenged by the ocean.
Q: We’re seeing you around North County San Diego more than we ever did before which we guess means you are spending less time chasing waves. What does life look like for Todd Glaser today?
A: Todd - It’s kind of funny, but there was a time when I don’t think I spent more than 6 weeks in San Diego at once for more than 15 years. Crazy to think about that now considering it’s September and I haven’t been on a plane in 9 months! Life is really good right now and I’m not living a life of reactionary impulse based on the size of the storms in the ocean. We have friends at home that my wife Jenna and I can make real plans with knowing that we’re not going to flake. Enjoying simple pleasures like walking to the beach, going for a swim, or heading out on a bike ride has brought our relationship closer. What’s more, I’ve developed a passion for cycling (which Jenna loves) so we’ve been able to get that same sense of adventure but much closer to home.
Q: Rumor has it you and Mizu co-founder Jussi Oksanen are friends and can be spotted wearing Spandex together on your road bikes. What’s up with that?
A: Todd - Let’s just say Jussi is no slouch on the bike… He’s fast, real fast, but besides that, you can feel that sense of adventure that he has in his blood since so many years of snowboarding. Similar to the way I love to surf and make images in the earliest rays of light, that’s when you can find Jussi on his bike. His idea of a mellow ride is totally biased and usually makes your legs hurt but in the best way possible. The only way to slow him down is to ride in the afternoon when it’s hot -- his Finnish blood can’t handle the heat!
Q: We also heard you are showing him the ropes on how to take underwater photography. True story?
A: Todd - He’s a natural! Photography is such a great way to connect with fellow photographers, artists, musicians, and people in general. When Jussi mentioned he wanted to try water photography I knew he’d be a natural, but also have a fresh perspective. Most importantly I wanted his first experience to be safe (that’s the inner lifeguard in me.) But going back through the images after our session I really understood that a creative is a creative, and given a little time they can compose, capture, and create in any situation. We’ve only shot in the summer, but I’m excited to get him out there when the surfs a little colder...
Q: We are so stoked to have you join Mizu as an ambassador. Why did you feel it would be a good fit for you?
A: Todd - I’m so stoked to partner with a brand like Mizu that embodies the ethos of living a life of adventure, minimal environmental impact, and maximum fun! The increase of waste and plastic consumption is filling our landfills and beaches, all while depleting our natural resources and creating a pro-consumer/waste life. No one is perfect and unfortunately, as the world gets busier it is easier to make excuses in the name of ease. But what’s better than leaving a place looking better than you found it? Part of that is being responsible for how we choose to create a reusable system in our day-to-day lives. My wife and I have used the same cutlery set for three years now along with our reusable bottles and coffee cups. Last year we made a pledge to see how many cups we could NOT use and over the course of a lot of traveling ended up using only 6 paper coffee cups in total.
Mizu not only stands by its products but the company was born out of necessity by environmentally conscious athletes themselves. They genuinely want to inspire positive change. Also, in addition to helping us minimize our waste further through our partnership, Jussi promised to show us some of his favorite camping spots, haha!
Q: What 3 tips would you have for any budding surf photographers who are reading this, and wondering how to make a career out of their passion?
1 - Fall in love with the ocean, your craft, the outdoors. It’s so important to love what you do and embrace the challenges that arise…Anyone who has ever succeeded in their passions has put in more work, more time, more training than the others. For some, it comes easy, but without a work ethic, you will never know your full potential.
2 - Set your alarm clock early, then set another one an hour before that! Morning light is so beautiful and has the greatest range of tones from pitch black to purple dawn, orange skies to bright blue all within an hour or so. It’s the beginning of the day, a new beginning…capture it!
3 - HAVE FUN and leave the beach cleaner than when you got there.
Friday 09-18 at 9am PST
Instagram Live Q&A with Todd Glaser @mizulife
Hosted by Mizu Co-Founder Jussi Oksanen
You can find out more about Todd Glaser at tglaser.com and follow his adventures on Instagram
]]>Mizu loves partnering with like-minded brands to give them a premium reusable canvas to tell their brand story.
This week we are featuring Active Water Sports.
]]>Mizu loves partnering with like-minded brands to give them a premium reusable canvas to tell their brand story.
This week we are featuring Active Water Sports.
First, tell us about your brand.
Active Water Sports is a tournament boat dealership in Portland, Oregon. Aside from being the largest wake boat dealer in the PNW, we also offer an abundant selection of all water sports gear from wakeboards and water skis to tubes and hydrofoils.
Active Water Sports started when owner, Warren Freece, taught his friends how to waterski in the late ’70s and eventually went on to become the first tournament ski boat representative in the Pacific Northwest. Fast forward 38 years and Active Water Sports continues to thrive with three locations, five boat brands, a large selection of retail and a highly trained service department. And in the words of Warren, “We’re just getting started…”
“Taking Your Fun Seriously Since 1982”
How did you hear about Mizu?
Rob Aragon reached out informing us about Mizu’s story and the product you guys offer, we knew right away we could incorporate your product into our offerings and it was only a matter of time before we put in our custom order.
What about Mizu made us a great fit for your brand?
Sustainability is the direction we all need to be heading in, our sport lives in the outdoors and waterways around the world, and doing our part in keeping these places clean and reducing single-use products is essential. Mizu’s high-quality reusable products (including customization) mixed with the companies push towards a sustainable future checked all the boxes for us.
What are you going to be using your Mizu custom products for?
Instead of selling our Mizu x AWS party cups, we are giving these away to our valued customers and the people who have shown continuous support for our business.
Check out Active Water Sports here: https://www.activeh2o.com/
Follow Active Water Sports here: https://www.instagram.com/activewatersports/
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Our mantra at Mizu goes like this: Enjoy the journey. Leave nothing behind. We believe in adventure, exploration, and taking our fill of all the fun our planet's playgrounds have to offer. We also believe we can carpe diem like the best of them without leaving a trace.
Lifestyle and action sports photographer Chris Lehnert rolls the same way. His recent Mizu Mission took him from Düsseldorf, Germany to the beautiful Algarve coast in Portugal. Check out his inspiration, his journey, and catch a few virtual waves with Chris as he gives us a visual glimpse into his travels. And rest assured, he left nothing behind but good vibes.
Q: Who are you?
A: Chris - My name is Chris Lehnert and I'm a part-time professional photographer from Germany close to Düsseldorf.
I specialize in action sports as well as lifestyle photography.
Q: Where did this Mizu Mission take you?
A: Chris - My Mission took me to the beautiful Algarve Coast in Portugal.
Q: Had you been before or is this a first-time excursion?
A: Chris - Actually this is my fifth, I spent around a week there to catch the sun, a few waves, and to recharge my batteries.
Q: Why did you choose this location?
A: Chris - This place is only three flight hours away, cheap for living, almost always sunny, warm and the beautiful vibe feels like home.
Q: What’s a must-see and/or do in Portugal?
A: Chris - Grab a few drinks with your friends and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets on one of the huge cliffs at Arrifana and there’s a Pizza Party every Friday in Tojero which is wild.
Q: What was so special about this Mission? Tell us a little about the purpose of this Mission/why you did it/who you did it with/etc.
A: Chris - Once a year I try to travel alone for a week at least just to get out, slow down, and have time for myself. During the time, I look at my goals I have set at the beginning of the year and check if everything is going in the right direction, read books, meet new people or take my camera and just take a few pictures to remember. It just feels good to be completely on your own in a foreign country, no appointments, no commitments and just having time for yourself. This time my brother came with me also with the aim to escape everyday life and the week could not have been better.
Q: Tell us about one or two memorable experiences/highlights of this Mission.
A: Chris - During the week we spent a day surfing in Luz in the south of Portugal. Normally there are no waves at all but the swell came in very well and so we spent several hours in the water. The best thing about this trip was that a group of dolphins swam by very close to us, that was pretty amazing.
Q: What are the guiding principles and beliefs that you live by?
A: Chris - On my surfboard is written the famous quote from Steve Jobs "stay hungry, stay foolish". I can identify with this very well and I always try to be curious to see new things and never stop learning. I think that fits also very well with the quote: enjoy the journey, leave nothing behind.
Q: What inspires you to get outdoors and see the world?
A: Chris - I have always been a curious person but especially as a photographer I want to see the beautiful places of the world with my own eyes and make the experiences by myself. It’s the same thing with taking photos for me and my friends to give them a special memory and to make them happy.
Q: What advice can you give to those who want to travel but can’t seem to pull the trigger?
A: Chris - Each and every one of us has so much potential that should be used to go out, see the world, experience things and make beautiful memories. In the end, none of us wants to say that he regrets something and therefore use your time and try to live the best life.
Q: Your work takes you to many other exciting places – do you have a personal favorite destination and why?
A: Chris - The most exciting place that I visited was Iceland for sure. Because of the fact that it’s a volcano island and there’s a low population it’s just so different compared to all the other destinations that I’ve visited. Almost every place looks so untouched and wild- I always had the feeling I had to stop every 15 minutes to get out of the car to take a photo because it's so beautiful.
Q: Being an advocate for reducing single-use plastics is important to you. Was there a certain instance you recall that really opened your eyes to the importance of reusing whenever possible?
A: Chris - There were several moments that made me go away from plastic to reusable bottles as well as plastic boxes. Not only because of the massive pollution of the seas, oceans and countries but also because of my health risk due to microplastics whenever I drink from plastic bottles or eat out of plastic boxes. There are so many documentaries and studies that prove it, and if you keep an eye on packaging afterward then you can only shake your head because there is so much plastic used where it's not needed. Another fact is that for example in many regions of Portugal it is actually healthier to drink from the faucet than from bottled water. It's so easy to just use a reusable bottle and do something good for yourself and for the environment.
Q: Do you often see a lot of trash on your travels? If a memorable experience stands out, please share.
A: Chris - One of the worst experiences with trash was the visit to Thailand.
When we drove through the streets with the scooter and you could always see big fires on both sides of the street where the garbage was burned because there is no regulated system where the garbage is properly disposed of and therefore the people throw the garbage just on the street. That's just so sad to see.
Q: Reusing can be hard while on the go. Do you have any tips to help make going reusable a little bit easier while on the road?
A: Chris - Bring your own reusables, plan meals and cook to reduce food waste, fill up water to avoid buying bottles, shop local, leave campsites and picnic areas better than you found them and always talk to the locals if they have any secret tips for you.
Q: What was your favorite Mizu product on this Mission?
A: Chris - My favorite product in this mission was the M15 because hydration is important especially after an exhausting surf session.
Q: What does “enjoy the journey, leave nothing behind” mean to you?
A: Chris - Just to make the most of your time you have. Always remain ambitious and full of energy and on top of that never shut up for crazy ideas or new things. You should always maintain a fundamental belief that it will work and nothing will hold you back.
Q: Do you have advice for others to inspire them to continue their own mission in reducing single-use plastics?
A: Chris - Open your eyes and learn how to use less plastic. It's easier than it sounds. We only have one world so do your part.
Show Chris some love and give him a follow here: https://www.instagram.com/chrislehnert/
Check out his website here: https://chrislehnert.de
THE LIFE OF AN ENCINITAS LIFEGUARD IN SUMMER 2020
The lifeguards in Mizu’s hometown of Encinitas are part of an iconic brigade. Watching over some of Southern California’s best beaches, they save us from rip tides, soothe our feet from the pain of a stingray, and generally make sure we are all safe while enjoying the surf.
Although summer is always a hectic time for our lifeguards, they’ve faced a whole new lot of challenges this year — beaches closing during our shelter-in-place orders; having to enforce social distancing rules once they reopened; and dealing with the additional pollution created by the rise of disposables (masks, cutlery, plastic bags and more) during this period of Covid-19.
At Mizu, we love our local lifeguards and understand how critical the role they play is in keeping our community safe. We checked in with Becca Trosch and David Huff at the Encinitas Lifesaving Association to find out how Summer 2020 is going for them and make sure they are all kitted out with insulated Mizu bottles to keep their water cold on the longest, hottest summer days.
Q: Why did you decide to become a lifeguard in the first place?
A: Becca - I am a creature of the ocean and I love the challenge. The ocean is a dynamic force of nature. Some days it is calm and non-threatening and other days it becomes a wild beast that will swallow you up and spit you out. Most people come to the beach to have fun and they let their guard down. I train hard to handle the elements so that I am prepared for whatever is thrown at me. People depend on us to make water rescues, respond to medical emergencies and so much more. It is very rewarding knowing that you have made a difference in someone’s life whether it’s rescuing them from a rip current or soaking their foot in hot water to relieve their pain from a stingray.
A: David - I grew up around the ocean all of my life and always felt the most comfortable while in the water. Growing up at the beach I would witness crazy rescues and be amazed at the abilities of the lifeguards. One day in Pacific Beach, I was checking out the surf and witnessed a really bad wipeout. I noticed right away that the surfer was in distress and that no one else had seen what I had witnessed in the water. I immediately ran down the stairs and swam out through the surf and helped the surfer back to the beach. His gratitude was immediate and thanked me for helping him and potentially saving his life. I knew right then I needed to do whatever it took to become a lifeguard so that I can make an impact in someone’s life.
Q: What do you love about the job?
A: Becca - I love the teamwork aspect of being an ocean lifeguard. We all work hard together to make sure everyone in the ocean and on the beach is safe. No matter what happens we have each other’s backs and work as a unit to get the job done. The camaraderie is what keeps me going.
A: David - Everyday something different happens or you experience something new. The interactions we have with the public reflects upon how they see ocean lifeguards — so in that aspect I love that I can make a difference in someone’s life in a positive way by my actions. I also love the teamwork aspect of being an ocean lifeguard. I always know the person next to me has my back and I have theirs no matter what happens. Everyone is my family.
Q: What new challenges have you faced this summer due to Covid-19 and restrictions put in place for social distancing?
A: Becca - When the beaches re-opened during the first week of May (after being closed for a month) we went into full summer mode. It was a scramble to get all the dunlevy towers out to their locations and get everything ready. The beaches were crowded, and we were required to enforce many rules, including; no laying on the beach, no playing organized sports, no fishing, etc. It was very frustrating, and we got a lot of kickback. But, at the end of the day, it’s hard to complain when you get to work at the beach.
A: David - When the lockdown first happened, city beaches closed before State beaches so I felt it was very difficult to try to enforce the restrictions that were in place. People love coming down to the beaches and it’s hard to not want to do the everyday things that make you happy. Once we re-opened the real challenge was getting beachgoers to comply with the mandated restrictions. It was a lot of extra work to ensure compliance without alienating the public but ensure public safety.
Q: We've noticed an uptick in the pollution around town with disposable masks. Are you finding the same on the beaches?
A: Becca - I have noticed many disposable masks left behind on the beach. I wish we could enforce a rule that everyone must pick up their trash before they leave the beach. We do our best to pick up trash when we see it and we appreciate all of the groups that come down to do beach cleanups.
A: David - I have noticed many disposable masks left behind on the beach. One of the things I do while on patrol is to look for trash as well and pick it up before it ends up in the ocean. This is a real challenge for Encinitas due to the lack of sand and loss of beach during high tides. We have a saying on our tide boards “pack it in, pack it out”. It just seems that people forget this.
Q: What 3 items are always with you in your lifeguard tower?
A: Becca - The essentials: rescue can, fins, and sunscreen.
A: David - Always my rescue can, fins, and sunscreen.
Q: If there was one thing you wish everyone knew about our Encinitas beaches, what would it be?
A: Becca - I wish that everyone was aware of the dangers of the eroding bluffs and would take us seriously when we recommend that they move farther away from the bluff. While Swami’s, Moonlight Beach, and Beacons have more space to hang out on the sand, the other beaches disappear during high tide. People tend to retreat to the bluff when the tide comes in and we do our best to get people to move.
A: David - This goes back to your question about pollution. Sitting off our coast in Encinitas is a natural preserve and it’s a very diverse aquatic life. I wish everyone that comes down to the beach would realize that leaving their trash on the beach affects the sea life around us.
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