Meet Cheyne, Fashion Model and Ocean Lover - by Oceana/Jon Frank

Cheyne Oglesby spends his days as a model with Ford Models, but when he’s not in front of the camera, he loves to be in the water – preferably surfing.  We met him at Nautica’s Fashion Week Presentation this fall and had the opportunity to chat with him about his love for the oceans. Here’s what Cheyne had to say.

Tell me about your connection to the oceans.

CO: The ocean has always played an important role in my life. I feel like the ocean gives me sanity. My parents put me in the water at an early age and I’ve always loved it.

You travel a lot for photo shoots — do you get to take time off in cool spots to surf?

CO: Whenever I’m fortunate enough to shoot at a location with surf, I try to take full advantage, usually by staying as long as possible when the job is over. Canary Islands were amazing! Beautiful black sand beaches, and dust blowing in the afternoon from the Sahara Desert, WILD!

What’s your favorite place to surf and why?

CO: My favorite coastal place to surf is a two-way tie between Hawaii and Australia. Hawaii has so many different breaks and the water is always warm, which I love, and Australia is just amazing all the way around, great breaks, amazing people and fun nightlife.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve seen out on the water?

CO: I would have to say the coolest thing I’ve seen/experienced in the water is sharing waves with dolphins. I love dolphins — they are the best “surfers” in the world.

What about the saddest?

CO: It’s really sad to see the beaches closed after a storm, due to storm drains over filling and run-off.  I’ve found some pretty unsavory things on the beach like needles, garbage and plastics.

Do you have a particular ocean conservation issue you are passionate about? Why do you think it’s important to protect the oceans?

CO: I’m really concerned about the amount of plastic that’s in the ocean, it’s not just plastic you can see, it’s also tiny particles that break down and tend to mimic krill and are being consumed by mass quantities of birds and fish. It’s messing up the entire ecosystem. We need to protect the ocean not only for ourselves but for future generations to enjoy; the ocean gives life and is vital in the circle of life.