Adventures in Focus: Jim Martinello’s Journey Through Photography and Exploration with Red Equipment

Today on TotalSUP we delve into the adventures and insights of professional photographer Jimmy Martinello who has seamlessly integrated Red Equipment into his outdoor pursuits. From navigating the rugged terrains of the Yukon and North West Territorities Canada to capturing stunning landscapes in Iceland, Jim’s experiences highlight the durability and innovation of Red Equipment products. Jimmy shares how these versatile boards enhance his workflow and protect his gear in challenging conditions. With a profound appreciation for the joy that standup paddle boarding brings to communities worldwide, Jimmy reflects on memorable moments and offers invaluable advice for aspiring photographers eager to explore the great outdoors.

Welcome to TotalSUP today Jimmy! We are honoured to have you here sharing your experiences as an adventurer photographer for Red Equipment! Can you tell us how you first got involved with Red Equipment, and what attracted you to their products?

It’s was about 12 years ago myself and a couple good buddies of mine Tim Emmett, Trevor Mcdonald, Sean Leary planed a trip to the Yukon and NWT Canada to paddle the Little Nahanni into the main Nahanni river in which we wanted to use SUP boards. The plan was to link up 2 climbing areas along the way, the Cirque of the Unclimbable and the Vampires Spires, rock climbing and base wingsuit jumping added into the mix. We thought that paddle boards would be the versatile craft for the job, and we heard great things about Red Paddle Co boards. Tough and durable – just what we were looking for to complete such a journey and adventure. We reached out to Red Paddle Co to see if they would sponsor us with boards. They kindly agreed and set us up with 4 boards, paddles, and a kit for the team and away we went. We made a 4-part series called R.A.W (Rock, Air, Water) which Epic T.V. sponsored us to film and document such wild times (worth a watch by the way). The boards and gear held up more than we could ever imagine. We bounced and dragged them over rocks, all while-being packed down with two weeks of gear strapped to the top in dry bags. Red boards where a sold deal for all of us to use afterwards and to this day they have not let us down on any adventure.

Photo Jimmy Martinello: Justin Sweeny and Hoji sailing into Bute Inlet from Squamish Arcteryx Mystery Mountain Expedition

That is incredible! As a professional photographer, how do you prioritize your gear when choosing your equipment for shoots?

Prioritizing really comes down to the elements and conditions I will be shooting in. Pelican case for shooting on the river strapped down with d-rings to the board, camera kit long lens, wide-angle lens, and a drone in the case as well depending on what I’m shooting. I use a Red Equipment waterproof bag in calmer waters, lakes and oceans. If condition get rough I usually have camera gear in the pelican case which provides easy access for shooting.

Photo Jimmy Martinello: Kman soaring Hvar Island Croatia

I can imagine it must be hard to keep your gear safe from the elements, but easy when you have Red Equipment’s gear to store it in! Can you tell us about a specific outdoor shooting experience where Red Equipment made a significant difference in your workflow?

Iceland, crazy elements and weather to work in the time of year we arrived. The Red Boards were super reliable, paddling through ice and icebergs, surfing in -20 weather having to break the ice frozen onto our inflatables SUP surf board 9’8. I couldn’t believe the conditions the boards could hold up against. The Red dry bags held up as well keeping all our gear from getting wet and the Pro Change robes true savoury in the freezing cold conditions. The winds were blowing sideways, freezing rain, and I truly can’t say enough about how proud I am of the gear Red Equipment is producing! I am so grateful, and big shout out to Red Equipment for keeping the standards high. Also the NWT Mountain River trip 275km of up to class 4 water, I mentioned earlier – the boards and gear held up amazing!

Photo Tim Emmett

Thank you so much for sharing your stoke about Red’s Equipment with us! What features do you find most beneficial in Red Equipment gear while on location or during travels?

Pro Change Robe keeps you dry and warm in any conditions. Compact board series amazing for travel and also great for hiking and alpine lake missions and SUP surf trips. Red Voyageur 12’6 is my favourite expedition board! It can go anywhere and is up for all tasks! The board can hold an incredible amount of gear, enough food and kit for 2 weeks or more. We also carry our Red SUP Surf inflatable on the Voyageurs when we do our multi-day SUP surf explorations, West Coast Vancouver island, Olympic Peninsula etc.

Photo Jimmy Martinello: Todd Lawson and Christina Tottle air time, Thompson SUP river adventure

It sounds like you have had a lot of incredible experiences traveling and capturing lots of adventures on many different boards! It’s truly amazing to hear! Can you share some tips for aspiring photographers and adventurers on how to pack efficiently for outdoor photography projects?

Always try to have a dry place for your gear; using dry bags is the best option, as they provide waterproof protection and ensure your belongings stay safe and dry. Additionally consider utilizing a Pelican case for items that need extra protection, especially when you are out on the water. Make sure to securely strap down any cases or bags to tie-downs on the board, utilizing the D-rings that Red Paddle Boards offer. This will help prevent any loss of equipment during your adventure and ensure that everything stays organized and accessible, allowing you to enjoy your time on the water without worrying about your gear.

Photo Jimmy Martinello: Family trip SUP, surf trip Raft Cove

Great tips! Thank you! Is there a location for a Red Equipment shoot you’ve had that the pleasure of visiting that has stood out to you and why?

There are so many places! I love going off to remote countries and sharing the idea of Inflatable SUP boards, kids, families, everyone loves it. I love seeing the happiness it brings and smiles world wide and everyone can try it and have a go! I’d have to say Madagascar, and Burma (Myanmar) are a couple of really special places where the locals really embraced it.

Photo Jimmy Martinello: The amazing spirits local fisherman Myanmar

What has been your most memorable photograph taken while using Red Equipment gear, and what makes that moment special?

Local Fisherman in Myanmar (Burma), loved sharing the concept of the inflatable boards with them. In exchange they shared their crafts with us and we shared the great fun of standup paddling which was absolute pure joy. One of the photographs won 1st place at the Vancouver International Film Festival, also published in multiple publications, such a special time and moment that will last forever.

Photo Jimmy Martinello: Learning the true skills Local Fisherman Inle Lake Myanmar (Burma).

That is beautiful! Before we let you go, what advice would you give to aspiring photographers who are considering shooting in the outdoor adventure space?

Go have fun! Don’t have too much expectations, be present and in the moment.

Photo Jimmy Martinello: Vikki Weldon and Emilie Pellerin explore the sea cliffs of the Howe Sound Squamish BC

Thank you Jim for joining us today on TotalSUP! It’s evident that Jim’s passion for adventure and photography is deeply intertwined with the reliability of Red Paddle Co’s equipment. Jim’s exhilarating experiences showcase the profound impact that well-designed gear has on his outdoor pursuits. His stories not only highlight the joy of capturing nature’s beauty but also emphasize the idea that adventure is about connection and exploration. As Jim continues to inspire others through his lens, we’re reminded of the endless possibilities that await those who embrace the spirit of adventure with the right tools in hand.

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