Philly & Alan Stokes - SUNLIGHT Adventure Crew (EN-INT)

They are the British dream couple of surfing: Alan Stokes is one of the most successful UK surfers of all time and Philly a trained photographer who has documented the scene for decades. No wonder their SUNLIGHT primarily knows beach life and ocean views.

What drew you to the ocean and to surfing – and what kept you there ever since?

Philly: The sense of calm it brings, I’ve always loved how the ocean influenced my mood, it would create calm, create clarity and presence. It would always bring me into the importance of the present moment and bring me so much joy. There is nothing like it! I think when you’re someone that spends a lot of time in the sea, or if you spend a lot of time in nature, then you rely on it mentally and physically. It’s a mental release for me and it’s also where I go to play, to surf, to exercise. It just becomes the most important thing in your life and without ocean, I feel completely disconnected.

Alan: I grew up on the beach in Cornwall playing in the waves and naturally picked up a surfboard, it was fun, and I became addicted. I then started to get sponsors at a young age, competing and the drive to constantly be better. I haven’t stopped since, I love surfing and everything about it!

What's one thing about the surfing world that most people don't realize?

Alan: Surfing is 99.5% paddling. It’s a paddling sport!

What’s the most underrated surf spot you’ve ever visited?

Philly: I don’t want to spill any secrets! But Cornwall will forever be my paradise, when everything aligns, there’s no place better for surfing. We can still find empty surfs and even when you can’t, everyone is so friendly in the water here. There’s no place like it.

Alan: If you love surfing as much as me, no where is underrated. I can have fun anywhere. The best surfer is the one having the most fun, no matter the conditions.

What makes Cornwall such a special place?

Philly: Wow, so much. The water, the waves, the wildness. I love living here, there’s something special that you just can’t explain.

Alan: Cornish pasties.

If you could surf with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Philly: Always my husband, it’s how we met and something we’ve forever loved to do together. We get less surfs together now we have a little one, but my favourite surfs are always with him. He’s incredible and so in tune with the water, we always has the best time together.

Alan: Tom Curren in the 90s at Jefferys bay.

you can never replicate a moment exactly, and that's the magic in it.

Is there one shot you are still chasing?

I’m always chasing every shot. That’s what I love about photography, I can capture a moment and stand time still, a moment that will never happen again.

I think that’s what keeps me photographing, you can never replicate a moment exactly, and that’s the magic in it. Blink and you could miss it. It’s another type of presence just like surfing.

What’s great about the SUNLIGHT as a photographer, as a pro surfer, and as a family?

Philly: We can see so many parts of the world we wouldn’t have seen otherwise and to be immersed in nature! Our last trip we stayed right on the beach, had the waves in front of us and woke up every morning to surf whilst our little one played on the beach. There’s not many places you can do that!

Alan: The garage space was amazing for storing surfboards, wetsuits plus so much more! It was huge and a life saver when you are travelling as a family. We could also have a hot shower after the surf.