All aboard! Let's embark on a thrilling journey into the life behind the cameras with Jason, our newest Jibs super fan. With his captivating personality shining both on and off the boat and camera, he's a true multi-talented explorer with a deep passion for adventure, the environment, and above all, family. As the star of the reality TV show "Below Deck," he leads by example, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment in life's voyage. Join us as we delve into his inspiring story!
Name: Jason Chambers
Location: Ocam Ocam Palawan Philippines
Instagram: @captainjchambers
Twitter: @captjchambers
SETTING SAIL...
Natalie: FIRST OFF, WE ARE OBSESSED WITH HOW ADVENTUROUS AND NATURE-DRIVEN YOUR LIFE IS. WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO HOW YOU BALANCE YOUR TIME AS A CAPTAIN, SUPER DAD (YOUR DAUGHTER IS SO SWEET!), SUSTAINABILITY ADVOCATE AND TRAVEL CONNOISSEUR?
Jason: I don't think my life was ever balanced until I had a daughter. She's my only purpose in life as of right now: knowing she has a fulfilled life.
I started off in different trades such as a plumber, professional footballer, and then I got into being a captain. That's how Below Deck: Down Under came around: it was an opportunity to do something different. I don't want to be stuck on one path: I am a bit of an explorer. I love that moment where you feel like you can't do it, and then you jump off the edge and you find out later that it's easy. When you do that enough times, it becomes easy.
CHICKY CHICK
Natalie: YOUR ENJOYMENT OF BEING A FATHER REALLY SHINES THROUGH. LOVE TO HEAR YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY WATCHING YOUR DAUGHTER GROW UP?
Jason: One memory that stands out is when we lived in Spain, we had some chickens, and the flying marsh used to come and take the eggs. I took her down one day to check out the eggs, and an egg had hatched. That was the day that she discovered what came out of an egg. In general, it's been such a great time watching her grow up. She's 8, about to turn 9, and her humor is coming out. She's becoming empathetic as well, so I am only looking forward to watching her grow up.
ALL AROUND THE WORLD
Natalie: IT’S A LONG VOYAGE ALL THE WAY FROM DOWN UNDER (PARDON THE PUN)! HOW DO YOU FIND LIFE IN AUSTRALIA COMPARED TO YOUR TIME IN THE PHILIPPINES AND IN THE US?
Jason: Yes, especially with the Philippines being a third-world country and having a strain in specific resources, but being surrounded by such a happy culture, especially for my daughter, is a blessing.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Natalie: WE EMBRACE THE ART OF ENTERTAINMENT! HOW THE HECK DID YOU LAND SUCH A COOL OPPORTUNITY TO BE THE (SHINING, IF WE MUST SAY) STAR OF A SHOW LIKE BELOW DECK?
Jason: I was in Australia at the time, and they contacted me through a friend. I was very hesitant at first, but once I started talking to the production team, I realized how fun they are. I thought it was another challenge so I thought, "Let's get it on!" The shooting was about a six-month process, which was mainly going through 4-5 interviews and seeing if I was comfortable with it. Going on a boat with more experienced crew who I didn't get a chance to hire was definitely a challenge.
ON THE BUCKET LIST
Natalie: YOU KNOW WE HERE AT JIBS ARE BIG TRAVELERS. WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES THAT YOU’VE VISITED? AND ANY TOP LOCATION SITTING IN YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Jason: My favorite place so far is Yevgeny. We got to give back to the village a lot by providing solar - power panels and water tanks for starters - and explore a lot of the other surrounding villages. I would say on my bucket list is Mexico, especially partnering with the Mares Foundation, which prioritizes ocean literacy for children. I am definitely looking forward to working with them more this year.
SHOE ISSUES = GOOD ISSUES
Natalie: LET’S LEARN ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS AROUND BEING A STYLISH HANDSOME MAN. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR APPROACH TO GETTING DRESSED IN A DAY - AND IF YOU COULD WEAR ONE OUTFIT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Jason: For starters, I have a shoe issue. I travel a lot, and they typically weigh a lot and take up a lot of room. Compact and lightweight is so necessary for me. I live in places, like the Philippines and Bali, where I wear sandals all the time and then I get to a place like Miami where I need to dress up a bit, so Jibs has been part of my "going-out" shoes. And my favorite part is being environmentally friendly, which is the shift I am trying to make for the rest of my wardrobe.
Natalie: WHAT PRODUCT HAVE YOU COME ACROSS LATELY, OTHER THAN JIBS OF COURSE, THAT YOU ADMIRE WHAT THEY'RE DOING TO BE BETTER TO THE PLANET? WE KNOW YOU LOVE BEING AS SUSTAINABLE AS POSSIBLE SO PLEASE SHARE YOUR SECRETS WITH US!
Jason: One worth mentioning is ByFusion, which rebuilds building blocks with recycled plastic bottles and sometimes fishing nets. A dream of mine is to incorporate that idea, especially towards impoverished areas like the Philippines and Asia uses cement building blocks, I think it would be an amazing opportunity since they have a lot of earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis.
