Julian Wilson, Tofino, British Columbia

You think you got it rough, huh? You throw on your 3/2 steamer, and shiver as that lone droplet makes it’s way down your spine? Well, take solace in knowing that there’s someone out there who gots it worse than you. Actually, there’s a whole bunch o’ peeps who got it worse… way worse. Take the locals of Tofino, Vancouver Island in Canada for instance. Water temps of late’ve been sitting ’round 11.8 ºC, or 53 ºF. Water starts freezing at 0 ºC. That’s only 11.8 ºC of separation. More than enough to ensure complete testicle-retraction and a high-percentage loss of motor skills. Julian Wilson’s been over in Vancouver, competing in the British-Columbian stop of the O’Neill Cold Water Classic. You’ll notice here that he’s super-sealed, booties and all – a necessity for surfing conditions like these. But not even thick rubber can stop someone with Julian’s talents from whipping the fins over an unsuspecting Canadian section. Julian ended up going down to eventual contest-winner Josh Kerr in the semis, losing by 1.47 points. Josh’s get-up for the contest included not only booties, but gloves too – a practicality donned by most competitors, and far from unusual ’round these parts. Makes you kinda wonder if the pre-contest speeches included tips on how to best avoid hypothermia. – Elliot Struck