Martin Bouzek (*1977, Prague) is a documentary photographer and a member of the VERUM PHOTO association, belonging to the admirers of black-and-white photography.

His journey into photography began in high school when he received a reflex camera as a birthday gift. He initially focused on capturing his travels across Asia and, over time, started collaborating with Photo Life magazine. After a years-long hiatus from photography due to sports, he rediscovered his passion and realized that great images can be found simply by looking around—there is no need to seek out exotic destinations. Another vital aspect of his life is water. With his camera always at hand, he and his loyal friends go down wild and remote rivers.

Seakayak – Sea Wandering is a photo essay complemented by a text written by Petr “Snížák” Snížek, editor-in-chief of Pádler magazine:

Seakayaking?

A sleek, narrow boat with sharp bows rising high above the water. On the deck: a spare paddle, a waterproof bag, a handy water bottle, and other essentials. Below the kayak, crystal-clear blue water, revealing the seabed even several meters deep. Further out, the open sea turns into a deep, dark blue abyss. Sleeping under the stars on sandy beaches, cooking over an open fire…

A romantic idea, isn’t it? But what is seakayaking really like?

An hour of preparation—packing everything into waterproof bags and squeezing them into the storage compartments of the kayak. A 25-kilogram boat with an equally heavy load. Then, getting in and…

“Where are we headed, Bouzína?”

“I think toward those buildings in the distance.”

“Where that red lighthouse is?”

“Yeah, somewhere over there. I’d say about three kilometers. Maybe… Three and a half. Four. Maximally.”

Then, you set the kayak’s bow in the right direction and start paddling. And paddling. Chatting for a while with the person paddling next to you—while still paddling. After some time, you realize that the destination isn’t getting closer as quickly as you thought, and eventually, you’re just grateful to reach the first checkpoint. You get out, stretch your legs, and plan the next move.

Another checkpoint. And the cycle repeats. Paddling… and more paddling. In the evening, an Adventure Menu meal, a quick swim in the sea, and then off to sleep, with satisfaction.

And the next day? Well, you can probably guess how it goes. And yet—we absolutely love it. Why? Maybe because it can’t be described. It can only be experienced.