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BERNHARD WACHE
Artist & Seatrekker.

Bernhard has been exploring the ocean for about 25 years now. He is the founder of Seatrekking. Seatrekking is a sport, lifestyle and form of art to explore the wonders of nature. Equipped with a self-developed waterproof backpack, he hikes, climbs, swims and dives along the coastlines of our seas.

As an artist and Seatrekking guide, Bernhard shares his expertise about the ocean and how to become one with it. We joined Bernhard on one of his Seatrekking adventures in Croatia and talked about his life, his art and the fundamental importance of nature.

Listen to his words while exploring this website.

German Audio (OV):

English Audio:

What do you do?
I work in arts, sports, and also a bit in religion. But these are systems, I do not truly resonate with. I'm only interested in what connects these things. Everything I do, whether it is Seatrekking, Photography, Drawing or Writing, is about nature and how we relate to it.

Why is nature so important to us?
Nature is the challenging counterpart of mankind, and we have to accept that. Nature is a huge gift, and we need to bring it more into society in order to connect more with ourselves. We have to stop revolving around our existence so much. That's what drives me because I think there's a future to it.

I like taking action, doing things and making decisions for myself. I like focusing on what is important now. On what needs to be done at this very moment. And nature makes you understand.

“Seatrekking is a tool to discover the world and oneself.”

What is Seatrekking?
Seatrekking is a tool to discover the world, discover oneself, feel joy and be happy. It's not about having a fixed destination at all. It is about becoming one with the ocean, the blue and the light. It is quite a sensual experience, but you must be open to feeling it. Don't get stuck inside yourself. Just open up.

When you move in such an unpredictable power, like the ocean, life isn't relative anymore. There is a certain unambiguity to it. Seatrekking shows you where life is supposed to go, and that's something that can easily be transferred into the lives we all live. You realize what is important to you and what kind of future you should build for yourself.

I could talk about techniques and skills and the insane beauty and majesty of the ocean. But what actually matters most is the pure directness you are faced with when you are out there. You feel what you are made of and your direct responsibility for your own life.

“Nature is the challenging counterpart of mankind and we have to accept that.”

“I hope my work has the power to make people understand.”

Do you have any long-term goals?
Life is not about the things you make up in your head. It is about what you feel and the things that feel just right. And I hope that my work has the power to make people understand.

Thank you.

_SEA GLASS
In the lagoon of Venice, scrap glass from the Murano glassworks has been dumped into the sea for centuries. Bernhard dives for these old chunks of glass and turns them into one-of-a-kind vases. More info here.

_EXPLORATIONS
Landscapes at night, lit by a single headlamp.

LINKS:
www.bernhardwache.com
@bernhardwache
Seatrekking Film

ABOUT THIS PROJECT
How we spend our days is how we spend our life. Therefore, creating an everyday life we truly care about is of fundamental importance. May these stories help you to get a different perspective on life and spark inspiration to follow the things you believe in.

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