The world’s most unusual watermen and women: Watch our new 4-part doc series
- Text by Shelley Jones
- Photography by Ossi Piispanen
Antero Joki is more like a dolphin underwater than a human. The 48-year-old freediver who grew up near Lake Paijanne, in Southern Finland, can almost hold his breath as long – and dive as deep – as some of our most beloved marine mammals. But what’s his secret?
Antero’s story is the lifeblood of a new documentary we have made as part of a series Journey From The Source, directed by surfer Mikey DeTemple, hosted by National Geographic photographer and adventurer Cory Richards, and made in partnership with Finlandia Vodka and 1% For The Planet.
The series investigates people who have an unusual relationship with water – celebrating the fact that Finlandia is created with some of the world’s purest water in Finland, and their dedication to conservation efforts.
Our first episode, in Finlandia’s home quarters, focuses on Antero’s story and explores the dangers, and delights, of the Finnish character’s extraordinary pastime.
Antero approaches freediving with the control and calmness of a true master. He introduces us to the extreme mental and physical pressures associated with the sport, which can affect even the most expert competitors. Earlier this year, for example, Natalia Molchanova, widely regarded as the greatest freediver in history (male or female), took part in a recreational dive off the coast of Ibiza and never resurfaced.
But like every episode – which will takes us from Finland to Virginia and then Florida and Colorado to uncover more breathtaking stories and individuals – Journey From The Source digs into the most exciting happenings in watersports around the world and then peels back the layers to reveal the inspiring people at its heart.
The first episode launches 11.11.15 on Finlandia Vodka and Huck YouTube channels. Join us for the ride.
Latest on Huck
Bernie Sanders introduces Clairo at Coachella, urging young Americans to “stand up for justice”
Coachella charmed — The Vermont Senator praised the singer-songwriter for her efforts in raising awareness of women’s rights issues and Gaza.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The Changing Face Of Brooklyn, New York’s Most Colourful Borough
After three decades spent capturing stories around the world, Magnum Photographer Alex Webb finally decided to return home to Brooklyn – a place that champions chaos, diversity and community spirit.
Written by: Alex Webb / Magnum Photos
The mundane bliss of New York’s subways in the ’70s
NYC Passengers 1976-1981 — During a very different decade in NYC, which bounced between rich creativity and sketchiness, photographer Joni Sternbach captured the idiosyncratic isolation found on its rail networks.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Analogue Appreciation: lullahush
Ithaca — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. Today, it’s Irish retro-futurist lullahush.
Written by: lullahush
Spyros Rennt captures connection and tenderness among Berlin’s queer youth
Intertwined — In the Greek photographer’s fourth photobook, he lays out spreads of togetherness among his friends and the German capital’s LGBTQ+ party scene.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The rebellious roots of Cornwall’s surfing scene
100 years of waveriding — Despite past attempts to ban the sport from beaches, surfers have remained as integral, conservationist presences in England’s southwestern tip. A new exhibition in Falmouth traces its long history in the area.
Written by: Ella Glossop