In the isolated Bering Sea lie two remote islands, St. Paul and St. George, far removed from Alaska’s Aleutian chain. These islands are home to some of the world’s most untapped and challenging surf locations. Despite consistent swells and surf setups, the surfing population is nearly non-existent, with Ricardo Meculief being the lone surfer across both islands. Meculief’s knowledge of the waves and connection to the community became invaluable to filmmaker and surf enthusiast Ben Weiland, who has been documenting the area for years.
Weiland’s exploration of these islands began in 2022 with Island X, a documentary that highlighted the frigid yet raw beauty of St. Paul. His latest film, Return to Bering, takes a deeper dive into the community and surfing potential of this region. The crew, including Brian Davis and other teammates, not only sought waves but also aimed to connect with locals and introduce them to surfing. This included teaching children to surf—no small feat given the area’s freezing waters and intimidating swells. Equipped with small wetsuits and soft-top boards, the filmmakers conducted an on-land surfing lesson before heading to the beach. For many local children, this was their first time in the ocean, and their initial fears gave way to joy as they played and caught small waves.
Meculief, originally from St. Paul, had learned to surf in Maui before realizing his home island also had incredible surf potential. Watching the local kids surf for the first time was a proud moment for him, as it hinted at a future where he might share waves with the younger generation.
The film also explores the cultural and historical ties of the Aleut people to the land and sea. A local resident narrates the history of Alaska’s native peoples, highlighting their reliance on natural navigation techniques using stars, currents, and wildlife. These narratives deepen the understanding of the community’s connection to the islands and their environment.
Weiland’s journey to these remote locations began with a tip from Jeremy Sterling, a scientist studying fur seal populations in the region. Sterling had noticed the high-quality waves during his research and shared photographs with Weiland, eventually convincing him to visit. The filmmaker recalls how Sterling’s images sparked his interest, leading him to explore the untapped surf potential of these islands.
Returning to the islands brought new insights for Weiland. Initially, he viewed the islands as remote and untouched. Over time, he recognized the rich community life and the deep traditions and family bonds among the residents. Forming these connections has added a profound layer of meaning to his expeditions.
Surfing in this environment is far from easy. The average air temperature ranges from 30°F to 40°F, while water temperatures hover around 40°F. Despite the extreme cold, the islands offer a variety of surf spots accessible by road. However, the area’s volatile weather, including whiteout blizzards, dense fog, and relentless rain, makes travel and exploration incredibly unpredictable. Summer, in particular, is marked by thick fog that can ground flights for weeks. Weiland’s team faced delays in Anchorage before reaching the islands, underscoring the logistical challenges of such an expedition.
Once on St. George, the smaller of the two islands with just 30 residents, the crew encountered a pristine left-point break. The moment became a highlight of the film, showcasing the untouched beauty of the region’s surf. The team faced numerous challenges, including limited housing and food supplies, which required them to bring enough provisions for their entire stay. The unpredictable nature of the journey emphasized the importance of adaptability and perseverance.
Ultimately, Return to Bering is not just about surfing; it is a story of connection, exploration, and respect for a unique community and environment. By introducing the locals to surfing and documenting the beauty of the islands, the filmmakers have created a narrative that celebrates the intersection of adventure, culture, and the human spirit.
The project was supported by several sponsors who contributed to travel and equipment costs, enabling the team to bring additional gear for the children’s lessons. The filmmakers expressed gratitude to the communities of St. Paul and St. George for their hospitality and support, which made the experience deeply rewarding.