A piece written for Kobe Surf in celebration of the release of the new Ocean Wanderer Collection and film, shot by Clare James. A stunning short bursting with love, laughter and good old fashioned cold water fun. We celebrate the joys of cold water swimming, playing outside and bodyboarding on a cold, grey summer's day in Cornwall.
The new collection is designed for women of the water who yearn to explore, swim, surf and play on these shores whenever possible whilst brightening any grey, rainy day. The new collection uses Econyl; a company creating high quality materials from regenerated nylon, such as ghost fishing nets. Econyl collect harmful plastics from landfill and oceans.
Feeling comfortable in the skin you're in whilst wearing clothing that aims to help change our natural environment into a healthier, happier place are two things I really give a shit about. Kobe encourages girls and women to embrace our beauty and imperfections and step out with confidence whilst embracing the elements all around us.
Sea Dips In The Mist
We stand on the cliff’s edge peering down with necks outstretched at the wild scene unveiling below. Our bare feet sinking into the soft cliff moss, warm and comforting underfoot. Wrapping ourselves in thick towels protecting bare skin from the damp mist hovering round the North coast. A typical late summer’s day in Cornwall. Surging swells and onshore northerlies brandishing white horses out to sea. Pink sea thrift swaying to the rhythm of the wind. A globe of light rose pink roots itself to the cliff’s side. The sea thrift remains, refusing to stray from her ocean’s side, bracing against the elements, sturdy against the torrent of the storm. Ominous clouds loom overhead and squalls plot their route further out to sea. Despite the chill from the mist there is still a warmth in the atmosphere.
We dressed in cobalt blues and poppy reds. These bright Kobe colours breathing light and vivacity into a dull grey morning. Ready to brace bare skin against the chill of the late Summer’s gale we threw towels to the floor. With goosebumps bared, smiles broad and laughter shared, we skipped down steep steps with wooden bodyboards in tow to the beach below. Our footprints the only trails left on the golden, velvet sand. We ran along the shoreline with Meli playfully jumping between our legs. Embracing these colder mornings just as much as the hot summer days.
Shot by Hayley Green
I love it all the same. Whether the sun emerges baring resplendent beams that dance on the ocean’s surface; a kaleidoscopic performance of light on water. Or days like today, when the sun hibernates behind thick Cornish clouds tucked away in its blanket of rest. Regardless, I find myself loving these moments all the more. When the air retains its warmth with the memory of the sun only days prior.
The beach is our playground to run through hollowed caves carved within rock faces from years of winter storms. We embrace the water completely, with our boards clutched tightly to our sides. Leaping into the ocean we release a scream at the sudden shock of that icy Atlantic on naked skin. The feeling only fleeting. A comforting chill as the body is wholly embraced. Endorphins pulsing, surging round awakened limbs. Our minds awash with inspiration the open ocean so freely creates.
We play within the swell like giggling children. A rip attempts to drag us out into the ocean’s open arms, but we remain rooted just like the sea thrift. Firm and strong against the strengthening pull of the rip until the next wave rises, allowing us to drop into her open, clean face. Lying on the wooden board’s smooth surface I grasp tightly with numb fingers. We dance and play and dive and laugh until the cold places a firm hand against our skin. One more wave we call repeatedly back and forth until we catch a wave together, riding to the shore. Course sand and sharp stones scratch at our legs and we roll onto our backs laughing, up towards the sky. Soaked and smiling, we climb the steep ascent back to the cliff top above. That feeling of cold water invigorating skin. That sensation of being held tightly within the ocean’s grasp; completely enveloped, a liquid motherly hug.
Shivering on the outside, yet warmed on the inside, we grab towels and make tracks back to the comfort of home. We sit on the sofa with stray sunbeams warming our backs, bearing through the salt stained windows. We sit there warming evermore with toes tucked safely under fleece blankets and numb fingers wrapped round hot mugs of tea. Broad smiles etched onto our faces. The feeling of being outdoors, within the elements, held within the ocean’s grasp. The sensation we all recognise and love so dearly is ever present in this cosy room. As the kettle boils in the corner of the kitchen, ready for the next hot mug of tea we hatch a plan to repeat the adventure later that afternoon.
Emma x
*All images shot by Pia Schiele
*Watch the film here*
