Elli's relationship with surfing has changed his perspective on his home country.

Growing up Elli Thor always planned on getting out of his native Iceland, and pursuing opportunities of adventure beyond the small island nation. His perspective began to change as he discovered the power and appeal of surfing. While it's a fledging pastime in Iceland, for those brave enough to confront the harsh North Atlantic weather, the opportunities for ocean adventure are nearly endless.

Elli's relationship with surfing has led to an impressive career in photography and film.

While outsiders may consider all of Iceland to be a "land of adventure" for those like Elli who were born on the island, entering into the true unknown only really begins in the northern half of the island. A mostly uninhabited region of snowy peaks, deep fjords, unpredictable weather, and for those willing to search, world-class surf breaks.

If you want to go swimming above the Arctic Circle, invest in a thick wetsuit and a Vaer watch.

Every watch we sell is "ocean-ready" thanks to thick gaskets, a screw-down crown and caseback, and easily interchangeable waterproof straps. That said, we had no idea how well they'd fare in prolonged sub-zero conditions, and near freezing arctic waters. Turns out - very well. Elli and the film's co-creator Steve Lewis braved several days of remote arctic surfing with their watches, and every watch they wore stood up to the test.

While this film was a challenge to create, we improvised and ended up with a great story.

As a small self-financed company, we only have budget to create one or two films every year. Our project with Elli started before the pandemic and had a completely different plot and premise. Global travel was completely disrupted, and we decided to center the film around Elli's own experience as a rare home-grown surfer in Iceland. While the film is humble in scope, its main theme of rediscovering the place you call home, is powerful and universal.