Surfin’ Antarctica?! Argentine Brothers Go to Extremes to Promote Marine Conservation
Duo wants governments to conserve region’s vulnerable biodiversity
Nobody will mistake this for Hawaii. And yet, surfers must surf. Battling icy rain, punishing winds, and extreme isolation, Argentine brothers Julián and Joaquín Azulay spent three weeks during the Austral summer of 2023 scouring the coast of Antarctica (yes, that Antarctica) in search of rideable waves. But the brothers and their small team also had an ulterior motive: to persuade the 27 members that make up the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to do more to protect the thriving yet vulnerable ocean life in one of the fastest-warming regions on the planet.
To help in that effort, the Azulays turned their Antarctic surf safari into a documentary, “Antarctica—Domain One,” which was released Aug. 27 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
It’s the latest in a series of surf films that the duo, who call themselves Los Gauchos del Mar, have created to bring attention to remote areas that would benefit from conservation.
Domain One refers to a proposal now before CCAMLR to establish a marine protected area (MPA) off the Antarctic Peninsula (Domain 1 on CCAMLR maps) and South Scotia Arc. The 460,000-square-kilometer (177,606-square-mile) MPA would help to conserve areas that offer foraging habitats for whales, penguins, and seals and important breeding grounds for krill, a tiny crustacean at the center of the Southern Ocean food web. The MPA would prohibit fishing in some zones and seasonally restrict fishing in others.
In October, members of CCAMLR will meet in Hobart, Australia, to discuss the Domain 1 MPA and how best to manage krill fishing in the frigid waters. Following several years of stalled efforts to conserve more of the Southern Ocean, it is important for countries to agree on a path forward to establish MPAs and krill fishing management measures to ensure that marine species are protected.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What first drew you to combine surfing with conservation?
Julian: Our career as filmmakers began by chance. When we first started filming, we never imagined we would become part of such a creative community. Surfing is a sport that teaches you what it means to face the grandeur and beauty of nature. It encourages you to understand and respect it. As we grew naturally as human beings, we became increasingly aware and conscientious of the ecosystems around us.
We realized that, in our small way, we could help bring environmental issues we encountered during our travels to the attention of the public who followed us.
Can you share some highlights of that career arc?
Joaquin: In 2015, we undertook a 53-day hiking expedition in Peninsula Mitre, the southeasternmost tip of Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, to document an area that had never been filmed before. At the time, a legislative proposal to protect the area had been stalled in the local city hall for 30 years! Our film served as a call to action, and more than 164,000 people signed a petition that put pressure on decision-makers, and the area is now permanently protected.
And you’re hoping to replicate that success with CCAMLR?
Julian: Yes. Before this expedition, we were not aware of the territorial or political dimensions of Antarctica, but our goal has always been to create content that raises awareness about environmental issues. This project is unique because it directly supports the establishment of a marine protected area—a cause rooted in global responsibility. Compared to our previous work, it carries greater political and ecological significance, underscoring the critical need to protect one of the planet’s last pristine frontiers.
People can get involved by signing a petition to support protection of the Antarctic Peninsula waters.
Tell us about surfing. How does it compare with more conventional breaks you two have ridden?
Joaquin: Antarctica cannot be compared with any other place in the world where we have surfed. Remote, raw, wild, naturally imposing, and far from any kind of civilization. Searching for waves by sailboat on an uninhabited continent is not easy, especially with the constant challenge of the climate, dancing with the planet’s strongest storms, and surfing in the coldest waters we’ve ever experienced. All that said, finding a world-class wave and getting barreled, just the way we love, has a truly special flavor. We would go back and try to find new waves there a thousand times over.
Before setting out in search of the world’s southernmost wave, what did you know about Antarctica?
Joaquin: Our interest began with the connection between Antarctica and climate change—and the effects of climate change on the white continent. We connected with marine biologist and wildlife conservationist Rodolfo Werner, who has devoted his professional career to the study and conservation of the Patagonian Sea, the Southern Ocean, and Antarctica.
Through Rodolfo, we gained a deep understanding of the work being done to protect this region, particularly efforts to manage activities like krill fishing and the importance of establishing a large marine protected area to provide shelter for numerous species and ecosystems. We also learned about the central role Antarctica plays in regulating the Earth’s climate and how changes there impact other parts of the world.
Did that prepare you for the conditions you encountered there?
Julian: Based on what Rodolfo told us, we were aware of the extreme and unpredictable weather we would face—not only in Antarctica but also during the crossing of the Drake Passage. But once in Antarctica, even as first-time visitors, we could see the effects of global warming, especially based on seeing masses of sea ice collapsing and rivers of water coming from the glaciers. This connected with what Rodolfo had told us about the impact of increased rainfall—but most importantly the reduction of sea ice—on one of Antarctica’s key species, krill.
And you sailed to Antarctica—on a sailboat! What was that like?
Joaquin: Intense and demanding! The brutal weather and harsh conditions pushed us to our limits. Surviving storms with fierce winds and freezing temperatures, especially while filming or surfing, required constant vigilance against risks like hypothermia. The entire team’s professional skill and mental resilience were crucial, and we learned a great deal about confronting both physical and psychological boundaries in such an extreme environment.
What did you learn about the ecological importance of the waters covered by the proposed Domain 1 MPA?
Julian: The region is ecologically vital because the entire Antarctic marine ecosystem depends on krill, and concentrated fishing of krill is a significant concern. The area faces other threats linked to climate change, glacier melting, shifting habitats, and the potential introduction of invasive plant species and fungi species, which have already been documented. Protecting Domain 1 is essential for the survival of native species and maintaining ecological balance. And of course, for the well-being of our planet! Antarctica is the air conditioner of the world and has a major role in the interdependence of ecosystems.
What’s your biggest takeaway from this journey—as filmmakers, surfers, or conservation advocates?
Joaquin: Pushing physical and emotional limits in pursuit of a meaningful goal can lead to profound personal growth. This expedition reinforced the importance of patience, respect, and teamwork. Surfers and explorers alike learn that when there is a greater purpose—such as conservation—the experience becomes deeply fulfilling, offering new perspectives and a strong sense of achievement. And these kinds of deep and meaningful trips reinforce our advocacy and commitment to help out in the common good and conservation of species and parts of the world.
Was there a moment that stands out as unforgettable?
Julian: The entire expedition. The vast, raw continent will remain with us for the rest of our lives. The most challenging aspect was the weather, particularly the violent storms. One unforgettable moment occurred when Miguelito, our South African camera operator, was instructed to keep filming during a life-threatening storm. Moments like these—marked by survival and teamwork in the face of adversity—are deeply etched in our memories, especially when they demand intense focus and resilience.
