There are over 2,000 volcanoes in Chile. It is also home to the driest place on Earth, as well as the world’s largest swimming pool. None of that is what Nate and Ivan Florence disappeared into the farthest reaches of South America.
While big brother John John Florence was planning to win his third world title, Nate and Ivan, aka Mr. Cool, went on an adventure. That’s pretty much what they’re doing. Nate took a break from the Slab Tour and was named Waterman of the Year by the Surf Industry Members Association to join Mr. Cool in Chile.
From what we can tell, a heavily bearded Ivan has been out there in the wilderness, hiking mountains, leaving fresh tracks on a snowboard, and enjoying everything Chile has to offer. When Nate comes into view, the two of them immediately go after some long, tapered left-hand point waves. Fun and playful, it looks like every man’s dream setup.
Then we get to culinary adventures in the form of fresh, raw sea urchins straight from the sea. Nate doesn’t seem to hesitate when it comes to crabbing in some of the heaviest waves on the planet, but when you crack open a sea urchin, he seems a little shy. Eventually, he and Ivan have no problem throwing the orange contents down their throats, but it seems like it took a while to get used to the idea.
Chile has long captured the imagination of surfers, especially goofy-footers, and after hanging out with Nate and Mr. Cool for a while, it’s a good reminder of how special it is. Organic, fun, and healthy, it’s good to live there.
Related: John John Florence Claims Third World Title, Wins 2024 WSL Final
