Jamie Sterling is happy to be alive.

Surfing on the Great Lakes isn't my idea of a great time, yet it's undeniable that surviving an encounter with 20 degree water and negative wind chill is enough to put a smile on anyone's face.

Here Red Bull pro surfer Jamie Sterling experiences first hand just why the Midwest is called the heartland, becuase making it through a winter surf session in Lake Michigan without having your heart stop really is a hallmark of the home of the brave.