WINTER2016
MOUNTAINLIFEONTARIO
45
O
n January 9, 2015, the mean temperature was -9C. That’s a cold day. Some
would argue that’s too cold for skiing. But for Jim Schorer, Josh Madryga and
Aaron Phillips, the perfect conditions on Georgian Bay meant it was a day
made for surfing.
Everyone thinks the Great Lakes surfer types are crazy. And for good reason. It felt
dangerous watching them jump off the icy shoreline into the frothing icywaters of the
Bay. The volatile, ever-moving liquid created blowholes and tossed around boulder
sized chunks of rock-hard ice. It seemed unsafe. But these guys made it look easy.
One couldn’t help but feel a little jealous of their passion. Of their dedication and
determination.
Deadly temps, rock-hard ice boulders, andblow-holes: surfingGeorgianBay inwinter
Words byColinField
Jim Schorer. COLIN FIELDPHOTO.
