Photo: Blue Banana
Undreamed Waters begins with Lucía Martiño challenging our preconceived notions of what “surf” means. “When you pronounce that word, what comes to mind?” she asks in voice-over. “I bet inevitably a lot of idyllic images that have been imposed on us over the years. Although that lifestyle that is sold and we tend to idealize also hides a darker side.”
In the edit, filmed by Carlos Farrera and Ibai Mielgo and produced by Blue Banana, Lucia goes on to confront that “darker side.” For her, it’s a loss of the joy that once came from her passion – a result of the endless grind of being a professional surfer. The solution, it turned out, was a trip to Iceland of all places.
In Iceland, the frigid temperatures, limited daylight, and remote surf breaks challenged her relationship with the sport – her dedication to something that had become rote. It also introduced her to Iceland’s small but dedicated surfing community, a group of people whose passion for surfing is tested every day by the island’s uninviting waters.
“This experience taught me that you don’t need perfect waves to enjoy surfing,” summed up Lucia. “It’s the challenge, the connection with the environment, and what you share with people that makes it all worthwhile.”
