In 1968, Yvon Chouinard made an epic journey that changed his life and, it turns out, many others. Chouinard and his best friend Doug Tompkins took to explore untouched nature, mountain ranges to be climbed and waves to be surfed, from California to deep Patagonia (Argentina). They were transformed by the experience which they filmed, and eventually led to 2 million acres of wilderness being saved.

In 2007, Jeff Johnson set out to retrace their steps. He was on a path to relive the journey and be changed by it. He climbed the untouched mountains, sailed the unfamiliar seas, and surfed the unsurfed waves like his predecessors, which opened his eyes to the environmental threats and those trying to save them. You may recognize Chouinard, who is the founder of Patagonia, the outerwear company. The film weaves he and Tompkins’ story with Johnson’s, which is lovingly produced and directed by Woodshed films. Art direction is by the classic designer Geoff Mcfetridge. The stories wash together, and this classic tale of the journey, the perfect road trip is made more unique by its environmental, back to nature appeal. Check out the trailer below, and watch for the film coming soon.

An epic journey, even if by VW bus, is true inspiration for the long road of endurance. The classic quest endures.

180 South