On Water: The Session Mag Podcast

Framing the North: Chris Burkard Unpacks New Film: A Northern Life

In this episode of On Water, we sit down with acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, and creative director Chris Burkard to explore his latest project, A Northern Life. Created in partnership with apparel icon Faherty, this 14-minute film offers a sweeping yet intimate portrait of life among Iceland’s northern fjords, a place which Burkard has called home for years. Through stunning panoramics and deeply personal close-ups, filmmakers Ben Weiland and Brian Davis, under Burkard’s creative direction, co-create a cinematic love letter to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and its resilient communities. The result is a film that feels both expansive and deeply human. Our conversation dives into the making of A Northern Life, Burkard’s creative vision for its characters and locations, and the intentional choice to use Iceland as the backdrop for this collaboration. Chris speaks candidly about his connection to the country, its people, and its culture while also reflecting on Iceland’s future and the importance of moving toward a more sustainable, tourism driven economy - rather than extractive metals & energy -  that benefits both the land and the communities who depend on it. While we know Burkard as a widely known as a master visual storyteller, this episode reveals another side of him: a thoughtful, passionate advocate for Iceland and its preservation. We were honored to welcome Chris to our HQ in Burlington, Vermont, for the official launch of A Northern Life last December … and are even more honored to share this conversation with you. We have a feeling his words may change the way you think about Iceland as your next adventure destination. We hope they do. It’s a place worth experiencing—and protecting. Welcome to On Water, the official podcast of The Session Magazine. If you’re enjoying the conversation, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to our show. You can listen and follow along on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Play, or anytime at session-magazine.com [http://session-magazine.com/]. Thanks for tuning in—we’re glad you’re here.

Have We Lost the Soul of Surfing? Glenn Henning Asks Big Questions around the Surf Industry’s Explosive Growth, the Infusion of Big Money, and How it Impacts the Spirit of Wave Riding

In this episode of On Water, I sit down with Glenn Hening, founding father of the Surfrider Foundation [https://www.surfrider.org/], to dive deep into the relaunch of his powerful book, Waves of Warning. Glenn’s narrative is more than a story—it’s an exploration of what happens when cultures collide against the backdrop of the ocean’s unlimited energy. The book, divided into Volumes I and II, creates the perfect stage for asking the big, uncomfortable questions Glenn never shies away from. In this episode, Glenn challenges us to rethink what we believe about wave riding. In discussing Waves of Warning, we explore our awe of the ocean, the corrosive pull of commercialism and competition into the realm of surfing, and the responsibility we hold - as water lovers - to leave a legacy rooted in generosity, community, and care for the playground that gives us so much. Insightful, provocative, and grounded in raw experience, Glenn Hening isn’t afraid to unsettle anyone who claims to love the ocean while contributing to its cultural or environmental erosion. His perspective will push you to reconsider where—and how—we should draw the line between surfing’s explosive growth and preserving the spirit of sharing waves with respect and intention. Welcome to this episode of On Water, the official podcast of The Session Magazine.  If you like what you hear, please LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to this podcast now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Play and at www.session-magazine.com [http://www.session-magazine.com/] . Thank you for listening!

Safety Does Not Exist Until YOU Create It: The Legend of Jon Hoover

In this powerful episode of On Water, we sit down with Capt. Jon Hoover, a seasoned Search & Rescue (SAR) expert, water safety and risk management specialist and all-around waterman. With a rich history spanning big wave surfing, offshore sailboat racing, distance paddling, and an impressive career in water safety, Jon Hoover is one of the most respected figures in his field. From teaching Ocean Risk Management to local, state, and federal agencies, including Navy SEALs and first responders, to executing rescue missions in some of the most challenging conditions, Hoover brings unparalleled experience and wisdom to this conversation. We dive into his journey, the harrowing story of rescuing big wave surfer Greg Long, and Hoover’s top tips for surviving and managing risk in any water-related (or other) emergency. Today, Jon Hoover is an integral part of the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group (aka BWRAG) as a key instructor offering his experience in Emergency Action Planning, risk assessment and implementation of medical aid in places where there is none. This guy is fascinating. You’ll want to settle into this podcast with your full attention to gather some wisdom from Jon Hoover. Key Topics in this Episode: Jon Hoover’s Journey into Water Safety Hoover shares how he developed his calling as an expert in water safety and rescue. Greg Long’s Rescue: That Near-Fatal Incident at Cortes Bank The story of Hoover's crucial role in rescuing Greg Long after a near-fatal drowning incident at Cortes Bank, 100 miles off the coast of California. Water Safety in Extreme Conditions Jon opens up about his experience with big wave surfers, including his work with world-class athletes like Greg Long and Garrett MacNamara. Hear firsthand stories of dangerous rescues and life-saving missions. Top 3 Tips for Emergency Preparedness Hoover shares his expert advice on how to be better prepared in an emergency situation, both on land and in the water. This episode of On Water is brought to you by Session Magazine, the magazine for water lovers.  Please LIKE, SHARE and SUBSCRIBE to our podcast that is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Play and at www.session-magazine.com [http://www.session-magazine.com/] . We thank you for listening!

Otto Flores: More Than Just a Surfer - A Champion for Change

Professional free surfer Otto Flores is widely known for his remarkable surfing skills, riding the waves of Puerto Rico and beyond with style and precision. But what truly sets him apart isn’t just his skill on a surfboard; it’s his deep commitment to his community, his thoughtfulness around land development and his passion to protect PR’s marine ecosystems. Through his philanthropic efforts, Otto has proven that being a successful athlete goes far beyond personal accolades—it’s about giving back, mentoring, and working towards the betterment of the world around him. In this episode of On Water: The Session Magazine podcast [https://www.session-magazine.com/podcast/], Otto reveals how - for him - surfing has always been about connection: to the ocean, the people, and the land he calls home. As a Puerto Rican native, Otto’s love for the ocean runs deep, and his dedication to preserving it for future generations is his primary goal. From helping to protect Puerto Rico’s fragile coastal ecosystems from ‘unnecessary development’, to developing critical water safety programs like Rincón Water Safety and mentoring the next generation of surfers, Otto is making waves off the water too. While Otto Flores is celebrated as a talented and accomplished surfer, his impact stretches far beyond the waves. Through his work in water safety, ocean conservation, and youth mentorship, he’s using his platform to inspire change and protect the natural world that has given him so much. Otto reminds us that being a champion isn’t just about personal success; it’s about lifting up others and taking responsibility for the world we all share. Thank you, Otto.  This episode of On Water is brought to you by Session Magazine, the magazine for water lovers.  If you enjoy what you hear, please like, share and subscribe to this podcast now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Play and at www.session-magazine.com [http://www.session-magazine.com/] . We thank you for listening!

Paige Alms: Chasing the Biggest Barrel of her Life & Mentoring Younger Women to Do the Same

Paige Alms needs no introduction. A frontrunner and a mainstay in the big wave surfing arena, Paige has set records for women’s surfing at Pe’ahi, competed in The Eddie at Waimea, chased surging barrels around the globe and - when at home - enjoys gardening and making sourdough bread. Paige’s insight and wisdom into the world of surfing comes from a lifetime of commitment to putting in the time on the water, dialing in her equipment with shaper/fiance Sean Ordonez, and training her body - and her mind - to be fiercely on point when the swell arrives. In this episode, speaking with Paige is like a drenching of her positive energy, with the retelling of several formative waves from her career and her experiences around mentoring up-and-coming women into the arena of chasing giant moving mountains of water. Paige Alms is not just another surfer; she is a force of nature, exploring the discipline of downwind foiling in her downtime on Maui and waiting for the next swell to come.  This episode of On Water is brought to you by Session Magazine, the magazine for water lovers.  If you enjoy what you hear, please like, share and subscribe to this podcast now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, Google Play and at www.session-magazine.com [http://www.session-magazine.com/] . We thank you for listening!