French premium wetsuit brand Manera have a released a moody short film to celebrate Breton powerhouse Ian Fontaine joining the ranks of their supple, toasty rubber-suited army.
He’ll be needing every bit of Manera’s considerable cold water credentials as he negotiates the well-formed pockets of icy swash around France’s north west tip.
Shop the Manera wetsuit range here.
The French might tend to regard Brittany (Bretagne) as grey, cold, damp northern outpost where folk speak a strange tongue – French Scotland then, if you like.
Meanwhile, across the gusty, tide chewed seas in the direction of the North Pole, lies Cornwall, which Britain (Grande Bretagne) regards as a balmy, sub tropic watersports idyll – Hawaii with pasties.
It’s all just a matter of perspective.
The Bretons did occasionally invade the Britons, hence Bretonside in Plymouth, scene of a 1403 massacre. Also scene of the much maligned Bretonside Bus Station (RIP) and its nightclub, Tramps, where I once stood too close to Leeds sound system Iration Steppas’ rig at the cost of a perforated eardrum.
Good times, alright.
Brittany also lays what some might consider spurious claims to King Arthur, Camelot – even the pasty. Why, Fontaine himself hails mince n’ spuds as his favourite dish, on the Manera site.
Coincidence?
Meanwhile, the film reveals Brittany is home to beautiful surf spots in hidden corners. What it doesn’t show are the delicious buckwheat crepes, best enjoyed with cider served in a tea cup, or the strong, perhaps unparalleled school kid sailing culture.
If you like a bit melancholy with your stoke, the ring puckering threat of a few shipping hazards with your navigation, you’ll love Brumenn.
Enjoy.
