Immerse yourself in Episode 39 of "Speaking from WATER," where we meet Jack Akrop, a Santa Cruz native whose life is intricately woven with the majestic waves and environmental consciousness. In this episode, host Sean Ruttkay takes us through Jack’s journey from his days as a junior lifeguard to becoming a respected figure in the big wave surfing community. Jack opens up about his early days in Santa Cruz, where his connection with the ocean began, shaping his future in surfing and environmental advocacy.

The conversation shifts to his thrilling experiences at Mavericks, one of the world’s most formidable big wave spots. Jack shares his perspective on the ocean's aesthetics, expressing his preference for water conditions and the electrifying sensation of surfing at Mavericks. A significant part of the discussion is dedicated to Jack’s com ...