. >> reporter: pro surfer shannon ainsley made the 7,000 mile journey from south africa. >> when youin and you saw these waves, what went on in your mine? >> at first i was quite blown away there is so many perfect waves with amazing mountains in the background. and really good world class waves and extreme weather. it's very intriguing. >> reporter: ainsley is experienced in surviving the extreme. 17 years ago, he was attacked not by one, but two great white sharks near his home. >> it was the most amazing and scary moment of my life. >> reporter: today he joins an intrepid squad who trek here during the arctic's windswept summer and snow-packed winter. >> there had been times when i get out in the water in the winter and the hair freezes on my head and my gloves freeze on my fingertips. it's quite painful, but quite an experience. >> reporter: they are enticed in part by this man. >> this morning we had to shovel out the car for about an hour before we could even get out of the driveway. >> reporter: california surf photographer chris burkehart is credited with spreading the word a