Sweetwater

These images are from an ongoing project documenting the surf community on the Great Lakes. Although there are waves throughout the year, typically the harshest winter months are peak season. It is during this period I focus my work. I believe that is partly what makes this so unique. I am fascinated by the individuals that brave some of the most extreme elements to find surf-worthy waves. Saltwater surfers, to a degree, are able to surf most every day at some point. In contrast, sweetwater surfers have to plan ahead, closely follow weather patterns and wind maps, travel great lengths to spots. And after all that work, they may arrive only to find placid waters. This project documents that operation, but equally charts their successes. It is all part of the process. I would be remiss to not mention, I am not a surfer, but rather someone who is visually intrigued by this phenomenon, its practitioners, and their relationship with the water. This is about people. About their experiences. About this place.