NATHAN GOLLAY
Compassionate ∩ Curious ∩ Persistent ∩ Innovative ∩ Collaborative
Eclectic Adventures
This is a selection of some of my most interesting adventures and hobbies that frequently inspire me. I think it is essential to push a diverse range of your own limitations in the form of new types of creation and exploration- in other words, eclectic adventures.
Free Diving in Maui
Climbing Mt. Fuji
I climbed Mt. Fuji on the very last day of the accessible season in 2022, on the Yoshida trail, beginning, summiting, and descending in one day. A religous experience for some of the local population, its hard not to feel some of the special energy from the journey. Much of it was above the clouds, with little stops on the way for supplies.
Surfing: Chasing Typhoon Swells in Japan
During my month in Japan, I was determined to find waves. I had my bodyboard with me and kept an eye on the news for any talk of nearby typhoons, which create large, short period waves.
Figuring out where the best waves are in an unfamiliar places takes digital detective work. I used satellite imagery and swell predictions to figure out where a typhoon swell in Japan was going to hit the hardest. As a result I showed up at this very remote stretch of beach on a small island and immediately met the resident crew of expats and local surfers who regulate that spot, who informed me its a very well kept secret, and vetted me well to make sure I’d actually found it how I told them I did (as opposed to someone telling me about it).
Localization in Japan is often more intense than in the states. I was very lucky that this crew took me in for the weekend and let me paddle out with them to some of the best waves in the world. I ended up staying with one of them at his house just up the coast from the spot while I was there- the Kiwi who’s voice is in the background of the video.
Surfing: Finding Waves in India
When I was on the west coast on India near Chennai, I met some of the Indian National Surf team, and had the opportunity to surf with them, becoming good friends. A month later on the southern most tip of India, I took a photograph from my hotel room of the only member I had not met- only I didn’t know it at the time. It wasn’t until I paddled out and we realized we knew who each other were.
Surfing in India is how I’m told it used to be everywhere: a tight knit community with a profound connection to the ocean. I chased waves up and down the west coast of India, sometimes in rural villages and sometimes with the ‘Founder of Surfing in India’- Murthy, a lifelong friend I met out there.
Scuba Diving Maui (Day Time)
I’ve been a certified scuba diver since 2017, and acheived my Advanced Open Water (AOW) certification in 2022 in Malaysia. Spending extended time under the water makes you appreciate how much of a different world exists in our oceans. I think that much more of our creative works are inspired by the ocean and the things in it than we realize.
I also do underwater photography, capturing what I consider some of these special moments of inspiration. I’ve dived in Maui, Catalina Island, Borneo/Malaysia, Sipidan Island, India, and Vietnam.
Scuba Diving Malaysia (Night Time)
If the ocean is a different world during the day time, it is a different universe at night. All sorts of creatures that defy logical existence come and make themselves known. Here is an example of one such creature I encountered just 45ft deep in Malaysia: Flamboyant Cuttlefish. If you look closely, you can see their little feet taking adventurous steps towards me.
Big Mountain Skiing
Skiing is an instant trip to flow state for me. Some combination of the g-force, required concentration, and nature brings me directly into the present moment.
Across Sri Lanka on a Vespa
While in Sri Lanka in 2022 I went off on expedition around the coast on a rented Vespa. I decided inutively on a minimalist trip, leaving my luggage with a Sri Lankan friend I had just been staying with and jetting off with only what I could fit on my Vespa- a change of clothes, jacket, towel, phone, phone charger, and my bodyboard strapped to the back. Its really amazing how far a phone and a bit of problem solving skills can get you- no matter where you are.
On the first day of the journey I got stuck in a festival- all of the roads were taken up by a festival surrounding the coming full moon. I was guided through on my little scooter, sticking out like the sorest of thumbs in infrequently travelled areas.
On another night, after staying in a tree house, I left to make some signifant mileage through the forrest, only to be turned around by the army police because the elephants had recently been attacking motorbikers. It was late at this point, and I had no accomodation. I truned around to the nearest town- about an hour behind me- and was only able to find accomodation at 1am thanks to the drunken Sri Lankans fresh out of the bar who noticed me and found me a room for 7$ with one of their Uncles.
On a final memorable night, every single road and gas station in Sri Lanka closed once again for a festival. This led to a series of events that I wouldnt trade fo rthe worlkd. Naturally, I ran out of gas riding form closed gas station to gas station. Finally, stuck, I struck up a conversation with some local guys about my age who offered to help me out. They first leaked some of their own gas into a water bottle to pour into my tank, and then guided me to one of their father’s houses who proceeded to fill my tank with an emptied out liquor bottle. Then, they informed me they were off to a music festival and invited me along, which, of course I accepted. After a night of innumerable unforeseeable turns, I ended up staying in a very nice place with a very nice dog and all was right with the world.
Offroad Exploration
If the ocean is a different world during the day time, it is a different universe at night. All sorts of creatures that defy logical existence come and make themselves known. Here are an example of one such creature I encountered: Flamboyant Cuttlefish.
Drone Photography
A relatively new means of photography and exploration, drone photography has had an interesting impact on my creativity. I own a DJI Mini 3 Plus, that is very small and unobtrusive both to wildlife and passersby, not to mention accessible for traveling. This is a landscape portrait of Montaña De Oro, a beautiful place from any vantage point.