It has been said that to know where you’re going you should know where you’ve been. Passenger founder Richard Sutcliffe talks roots, escapism and his home from home.
"Canada has been in the blood as long as I can remember. A home from home, the place that Passenger was born and the landscape that stirred our Waves & Trees initiative."
Photo: Mackenzie Duncan & Gavin Johnstone
Journeys around Haida with family, vanlife on Vancouver island a lifetime ago but feels like yesterday. Roaming deep into the dense green wilderness and adventures in the backcountry of BC with old friends are memories that I hold close and stories that never get better with age.
Once a year, I make a pilgrimage to the motherland to reset, recharge and grab some waves on the island. To be back in the waters, on the sand and soil where it all began, to stand among the pines and venture into the woods gives me purpose, space and renewed enthusiasm for the road ahead.
"I catch up with family & friends, we share stories, time flies and I have escapism on my mind. I pick up a van, load up some escapism essentials and hit the road. Keeping the plan as loose as possible I’ll roam in whichever direction feels right, but eastwards to Vancouver island is an old faithful."
It’s a personal journey for me, the itch to return is never far from my thoughts and it’s the escape where things really click into place, the core of Passenger was inspired by these places and it’s clear to see.
"To be back in the waters, on the sand and soil where it all began.."
We’re planting trees all over BC & Alberta, seeing this first hand is humbling and not something I’ll ever take for granted. It’s a magical place, the wilderness, surf and never ending treelines keep those canadian roots running strong. Being able to put something back to the places that mean so much makes sense on every level.
There’s something about the forests and coastlines that draws me. Misty days, hazy canopies and outback waves framed by driftwood. I’d take these places over all the sun and white sand in the world. Throw a hearty beach fire into the mix and it’s as close to perfection I think I’ll ever know.
Photo: Mackenzie Duncan, Gavin Johnstone & Robert Fiorella
We took this lifestyle back to our home in New Forest and live like-minded adventures surrounded by swell and forests. Scoring waves when we can, getting lost in the wild, exploring the forests, camping out and getting back to the simple life.
What is it that calls me there? What lies beyond the pines? All I know is I’ll be back on Vancouver Island soon enough, home from home.
Richard Sutcliffe
Founder
Photo: Mackenzie Duncan