When it comes to people who chase waves for no other reason than the love of chasing waves, there are just a few names at the top of the list. Many are names that no one really knows, simply because they’re chasing waves in solitude, not caring whether anyone knows if they’re doing it or not. Ian Battrick is on that list, although his name is relatively well-known. He’s found a way to travel the globe in search of waves, and it requires a bit of promotion. Knowing exactly what kind of gear he needed to make the most of things, he started a brand called Lunasurf — and his adventures are the perfect testing grounds.
The term “surfer’s surfer” applies perfectly to Battrick. He’s willing to go much farther than most to find a perfect wave. Warm or cold, comfortable or not, hungry or thirsty, Battrick has developed a taste for the far-flung. He regularly cuts himself off from the world for months at a time, going feral on an isolated beach somewhere. From icy Scottish tubes and living out of a car in Iceland to gaping French barrels and perfect Indonesian sunset funnels, Battrick is the epitome of the surf adventurer.
Battrick grew up on Jersey, a tiny island in the English Channel, and after the loss of three of his best friends at the age of 17, something in him changed. He made a promise to himself that he would live life to the absolute fullest. He promised himself that he’d follow his heart and, instead of putting off his dreams until he could fit them in, he’d follow them down whatever road they led him down. It’s worked out well for him, because Battrick has led a life any traveling surfer would be envious of.
“He’s one of those people that you really feel grateful to come across in those elements when the weather is at full velocity,” says Dane Gudauskas. “He’s just smiling like he’s the happiest he’s ever been. Batty is just one of those crazy dudes… I’ve never met anyone like him.”
The video you see above was mostly self-documented. Part of his adventure means being alone, which, as you’d imagine, can make capturing footage difficult. Using a GoPro or a camera on a tripod, Battrick films his travels to some incredibly epic places — and it’s clear he’s keeping that promise he made to himself.
