Full Circle
10 - 2019 // Patagonia, Chile
Following Roots
When 180° South was released in 2010, it made a lasting impression on me, a 17-year-old growing up in Northwest Oregon. Seeing the struggles of real adventurers on camera resonated with me, particularly Chouinard’s line, “For me, adventure is when everything goes wrong—that’s when the adventure starts.”
By 2019, inspired by the legacies of Johnson, Chouinard, and Tompkins, I decided to attempt the first human-powered ski descent of Corcovado with Stein Retzlaff, Rafael Pease, and Thor Retzlaff. With minimal preparation, we assembled a team and headed to Chilean Patagonia. Our journey was arduous, filled with dense jungle, heavy packs, and relentless rain. Despite reaching the snow line, melting ice prevented us from summiting.
Though we didn't reach the top, my focus remained on capturing the essence of our struggle. My film, Full Circle°, pays homage to the spirit of true adventure, drawing inspiration from Johnson and 180° South. My work embodies the purity of exploration and the deep connection between man and wild landscapes.