Jarod O’shannessy “Trip of a Lifetime”

by Dan | Feb 17, 2024 | Indo Surf Tips

Jarod O'Shannessy, Water Photographer and Mental health spokesman

“Photography helps a lot with my frame of mind. For someone who suffers with a life long illness, it makes me feel at peace. Nothing else matters at that time except the moment. I want people not to put labels on themselves if they have a mental illness, but to use it as a super power.”

Jarod O’Shannessy, is a 25-year-old aspiring water photographer from Kirrawee,Sydney.
Over the last few years Jarod has become a spokesman for people battling with Mental illness and hopes to help others by sharing his story.
He recently shared his inspiring journey as a guest speaker at the 60th anniversary of the St George Photographic Society, read about it here
His story has also been documented in TRACKS magazine in a story titled “Life through a Bipolar lens” you can read it here
Despite facing challenges such as Bipolar Disorder, Autism, ADHD and being hospitalized several times due to these conditions, Jarod has found solace and purpose behind the lens, especially when hes in the ocean.
He discovered his love for photography at a young age, and has found photography in and around the ocean to be a source of peace and mindfulness.
Jarod penned this short story below about his adventure. . . his first trip ever overseas.
Accompanying the story are some epic images captured by him of his first tripto the Indonesian island of Simelue

You can see more of Jarod’s work on his Instagram Profile @oserenity_photo

Trip of a Lifetime

Three friends embarked on an adventure to an island in remote Sumatra they had never visited before, experiencing many firsts which made it a trip of a lifetime.
Jarod O’shannessy, who lives with mental illness, Jack Kay (of the up-and-coming band Pacific Avenue), and Ray Collins (an award-winning photographer and Jarod’s mentor) boarded a flight from Sydney, Australia, and ended up in the north western part of Sumatra, Indonesia, at a place called Simelulue after three flights and lost baggage.
Because of the lost luggage Jarod went three days without camera gear and wore the same clothing for those three days.
The boys arrived at Aura Resort and werent dissapointed with their chosen place to stay. They enjoyed two weeks in a tropical paradise with perfect waves straight out the front . . .
They explored the culture, met people, savored food, admired scenery, engaged in sports, and much more . . .
They were stoked to meet respectful, loving, and kind people. It was an eye-opening experience for all of them.
They ventured to the city of Sinabang, where Jarod got a cut-throat shave and a haircut for $2.50 , the cost of a paddlepop in Australia!
While he was traveling, Jarod was reading a book called “Wim Hof,” a book which through its core components of Breathing Techniques, Cold Exposure and Mindset Training really helped him conquer challenges during his mental health journey.
Wim Hof, also known as the “Ice Man,” is a world-renowned author of the Wim Hof method. The book encouraged Jarod and the boys to combat anxiety and challenges through the breathing method of Wim Hof.
They did their first ice bath, which became a daily routine, and it also encouraged Jarod to swim 100m from the boat back to shore on his own with his camera housing and fins.
Living at Aura Resort meant they were living on the beach and had the opportunity to swim, surf, and photograph the ocean every day.
The water was a peaceful place for the boys, as they loved to surf and photograph the amazing scenes in the ocean, putting their own spin on images and creating art to share with their viewers.

Every day was a new adventure. . . They always started the day with two shots of Pure Indo Coffee and omelettes, which fueled their artistic endeavors.
During their time there, they continued to step out of their comfort zones and try new things.
Their last day consisted of a $20 all-you-can-eat seafood buffet at Aura Resort. This was Jarod’s first time trying lobster, and he loved it so much he ate four big ones!

After an adventurous two weeks filled with fun, adventure, photography, relaxation, focus, and delicious food, the boys were disappointed that it had to come to an end.
Boarding their flight back home with no sleep, they were super excited to go through all their images and look back at all the memories they had created.
They are now all looking forward to their next adventure.

by Jarod O’shannessy