Beyond Bahamas

Heading to San Salvador Island for a photoshoot, Chiara Socin finds herself fitting nicely into nature’s rhythm and the relaxed island tempo, time interspersed with plenty of cameos from the local fauna…

Words: Chiara Socin
Photos: Toby Bromwich, Chiara Socin, Anton Bredow, Klaas Voget

Close your eyes and imagine being whisked away to the year 1492. After weeks of sailing on the open sea, you finally spot land. What lies before you is an island of unspoiled nature, breathtaking untouched landscapes awaiting discovery. This is the sensation you experience upon arriving at San Salvador Island in the Bahamas, named after the first land to the west discovered by Christopher Columbus, over five hundred years ago.

Our adventure began at an incredible beachfront house, which boasted an amazing lagoon sat directly in front. This spot right on our doorstep was our initial playground, where we rode and explored the incredible surroundings, fully immersing ourselves in the beauty and tranquility the island had to offer. The lagoon, with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, was a haven for both relaxation and exhilaration, providing us with a perfect blend of calm and adventure. Encouraged by our explorations near the house, our curiosity and adventurous spirits were drawn to a small, secluded island about a mile-and-a-half from the main beach for a photoshoot.

This pristine destination presented us with a unique logistical challenge: how to transport our crew and equipment without a boat. With his camera equipment secured in a waterproof backpack, Toby kited across while Klaas undertook a more daunting challenge, loading the video crew's gear onto his Sky Air wing board and masterfully balancing the additional weight as he, Anton and Chris wingfoiled their way to the Island. Upon arriving, the untouched beauty of the island and the serenity it offered, punctuated only by our gear and laughter, created an idyllic setting for some unforgettable moments.

Yet, the tranquility of the island was just the beginning of its story. Our days mostly unfolded in the water, and our break times were spent on this small island, half rock, half sand. On one break, we were engrossed in conversation when a noise caught our attention behind us – a shark had just beached itself. We looked at each other incredulously, all thinking the same thing, “Out of all the beaches where it could have beached itself, why here?” Surely it wanted to make us aware of its presence. It was a small shark that had gotten beached on the shoreline probably while trying to catch its prey, and we helped it back into the water. On the same day, on the same beach, we were taking photos when I noticed a huge ray swimming in my direction from the distance. Thinking it would see me and get scared, I didn’t move any further, but who would have thought I would collide with it head-on and fall onto the ray? Not me certainly, but that’s what happened. From that moment on, we understood that the island, which seemed so deserted and untouched, was not actually so deserted, but had its own life and inhabitants. Our interactions with the local wildlife, reminded us of the vibrant ecosystem that thrived on this seemingly deserted island. Exploring further, the clear waters around the island revealed a rich tapestry of marine life. The visibility allowed us to appreciate corals, rays, fish, turtles, and small reef sharks. Our adventure was also marked by moments of resourcefulness, such as Golito's successful fishing in the lagoon that provided not just food but a shared experience that brought us closer to nature.

There are a few trips in life that bring out such a special feeling, when booking flights, when checking out locations on Google Maps, and way before actually getting on a plane. The Bahamas is definitely one of those for me. Waking up right at the spot with not a soul around and a huge wingfoil playground just a footstep away. A couple of days into the trip the conditions really started to turn on and everyone got into full freestyle mode. There was one session when Gollito and I spent a couple of extra hours out on the water after the shooting, learning the “Tack 720” in flat water. That was one to remember. Sessions like that, focused on that one move you want to learn, no matter how long you’ve already been out there, don’t come along that often. But these are the ones that are most enjoyable, most memorable.
Stefan Spiessberger  

From the serene beachfront house to the solitude of the distant island our experience on San Salvador Island evolved into an unforgettable journey. It was here, and these moments, gliding over the ocean amidst the pristine beauty, that we found a deeper appreciation for our environment, reminiscent of Christopher Columbus’s discovery centuries ago, deepening our connection with nature; it served as a reminder of our responsibility towards preserving these relatively untouched landscapes.

Our journey to San Salvador was an enticing experience that saw us engaged for a whopping 20 days in scouting out new spots for wingfoiling. As soon as we landed, we immediately understood that our rhythms and habits would change radically for the entire duration of our stay. The island, with its low population density and the absence of supermarkets or large stores, forced us to organize food well in advance, ordering it by air or sea, in a sort of special “home delivery” service. However, this lack of distractions proved to be a valuable aid in focusing on our main goal: wingfoiling. Our days followed a well-defined pattern – early wake-up calls, breakfast at dawn, and then straight into the water to make the most of the fresh morning breeze. Usually, we headed towards the bay between the main island and the surrounding islets, exploring the crystal-clear waters and stopping for a break on the island across the bay.

The Bahamas trip was a revelation, blending the serene beauty of its waters with the exhilarating challenge of wingfoiling. Each day presented new conditions, perfect for pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the water. This journey not only tested my limits but also deepened my connection with the ocean. The pristine, crystal-clear waters and the diversity of spots in the Bahamas provided an unparalleled experience. It was a harmonious blend of adventure and tranquility, reminding me why I pursue this sport. The Bahamas is truly a paradise for wing and foiling enthusiasts.
Gollito Estredo

The spots could be fickle and there was a large sandbank on the way out to the main spot where we shot. If you’re lucky, you would catch the right moment when the tide gives you those extra crucial 10cm to get over it, or if you’re really lucky, you be able to come across the channel, maybe 30 x 30 centimeters wide with deeper water. So, every time you crossed, you were always ready, and aware that at any moment you could crash with the foil onto the sandbank, slam onto your face, and you would have to do the walk of shame for 10 minutes to get over it. But in the end, I must say we even managed to appreciate those moments (sort of).

At sunset each day, we returned home tired but satisfied, hoping that someone from the team had already started preparing dinner for everyone. The day ended with sharing stories and laughter, ready to start the adventure again the following day.