EXPLORING THE EMERALD SEA
SUP International|Issue 42 - Spring 2024
María Andrés and Chiara Socin embark on an adventure of a lifetime as they travel deep into the Indian Ocean to the wonderful island of Madagascar.
MARIA ANDRÉS
EXPLORING THE EMERALD SEA

The search

Some trips are memorable for the breathtaking nature, the experience, the people… or in actual fact a combination of all the above… other trips are memorable just because of how everything seamlessly flows and each moment feels heavenly, bringing a sense of fulfilment, so much so that you can’t hide the huge smile on your face. You simply can’t contain your happiness and start laughing out loud. The story I’m about to tell you is about an unforgettable escape to a paradise deep in the Indian Ocean.

As a collaborator for watersports mags, I was on the lookout for a remote paradise to shoot for some of my projects. I was looking for a place that hadn’t yet been too exposed, while being beautiful and picturesque with fantastic conditions for some SUP and wind sports. However, I was also seeking somewhere with fascinating culture and nature, which is not easy to find. After a bit of searching Madagascar popped up as the perfect location for it. Madagascar had been a spot on my bucket list for a while, so it was about time to pull the trigger and set up a new adventure.

I needed a photographer to join me to capture it all, and since I didn't have a travel buddy to join me, I thought about Chiara Socin, also a Fanatic team rider, and a very talented young photographer, hoping that she would like the plan. I didn't know her personally, but I liked the idea that she would enjoy the place as much as me, and that she is a young female photographer!

“Hey Chiara, nice to e-meet you! I am going to Madagascar for a month to shoot SUP, wing-foil and windsurfing. Do you want to join me?” - “Madagascar? One month in the ocean? I’m in!”. And that's how it started!

This story is from the Issue 42 - Spring 2024 edition of SUP International.

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This story is from the Issue 42 - Spring 2024 edition of SUP International.

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