Tag: documentary

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A story of bravery and inspiration! Adaptive Surfing SA

SA Team member, Caleb Swanepoel, supporting his team mates.

Adaptive Surfing Champs changed my life

I really did not realise what I was in for when I signed up to go to the Adaptive Surfing World Champs in California last year. I had helped at a couple of Adaptive surfing clinics, I was aware of how inspiring these were, but I was not prepared to witness the level of inspirational bravery and camaraderie that I witnessed at this event.

The Project

After chatting with the team and Surfing South Africa, we all decided that Adaptive Surfing in Sa needed some exposure. They needed their story to be told. I put up my hand to follow the team’s journey and to film it for a documentary. For that purpose I filmed a few clinics, training sessions and went to the ISA Adaptive World Champs in La Jolla, Sand Diego.

The Adaptive Surfers

Watching the process these surfers go through, each time they want to surf, blew my mind. Watching the hardships, the difficulties and even just getting to the water. Never did I see an unhappy face, hear a complaint or even remotely feel any negative emotions. Everyone one there, from the competitors, helpers and even people who just happened along on the beach, had huge smiles on their faces and they left feeling better about themselves and life in general. These peole, these surfers, embodied what surfing is all about.

It Changed my Life

I was severely obese – though most would not have said it – unable to surf a shortboard properly and very unhappy inside. I arrived at this event in turmoil emotionally. I left with a new lease on life, a determination to change my situation and a new feeling of hope. Watching and experiencing the Adaptive World Champs literally inspired me to change my life. No more excuses, no more, I am not surfing as the waves are terrible, no more self pity. These brave and inspiring individuals forced me to look at myself and not only realise how lucky I actually was, but that I had no excuses!

The Movie

I hope you enjoy this film I have made and that it gives you a small taste of what I experienced with these incredible people. Please support them and Adaptive Surfing! You will not regret it for an instant.

Support Adaptive Surfing South Africa – HERE

Watch the 2018 World Champs – HERE

Enjoy the Movie and please share, like and comment! This film needs to be seen by all.

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20 Years of Snowboarding with Vans – Movie

Since the day Snowboarding moved away from hard bindings and into soft botts and lumo clothing, Vans have been there. This is a pretty dam cool look back at the last 20 years and the good times, deep powder and anarchy that has been part of the journey.

Vans presents 20 Years: Off the Wall, On the Snow, a definitive retrospective film honoring over two decades of Vans Snow heritage, filmed and directed by respected filmmakers Mike Hatchett and Travis Robb of Standard Films.
20 Years takes a look back at an influential era in snowboarding, paying homage to a pivotal period in defining a new generation of snowboarding culture as told by original Vans riders Shaun Palmer, Circe Wallace and Kurt Wastell. Reminiscing on years of style, innovation and true originality, Hatchett’s passionate narrative tells the history of Vans on the mountain, encapsulating the humble beginnings of the snowboarding industry along with the people who continued to progress the sport into the culture it is today.
20 Years features the unique perspectives of the Vans global snowboarding team such as Pat Moore, Jamie Lynn, Darrell Mathes and more, as well as iconic Vans athletes including legendary skater John Cardiel and big wave surfer Nathan Fletcher.

20 Years: Off the Wall, On the Snow from Vans OffTheWall.TV on Vimeo.

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The Crash Reel – The fall & rise of Pro Snowboarder, Kevin Pearce

Today I felt like I needed some inspiration and then this trailer literally jumped out of my recommended watch list on Youtube. I cannot wait to watch the full movie.

The epic rivalry between half-pipe legends Kevin Pearce and Shaun White is documented in this exhilarating ride into the world of extreme snowboarding. With both practicing more and more breathtaking and dangerous tricks leading up to the Vancouver Winter Olympics, everything suddenly changes for Kevin when a horrific crash leaves him fighting for his life. When he recovers, all he wants to do is get on his snowboard again, even though medics and family fear it could kill him.

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The Motivation – Inside the lives of 8 Professional Skaters

I am so excited to watch this film! The Motivation takes us behind the scenes and into the lives of 8 of the biggest names in professional skateboarding, to show us how they got where they are and what it takes to stay there. For any kid planning on attempting this life, this movie will be a must see!

Eight of the world’s best pro-skateboarders prepare for the upcoming Street League Championship in NYC. Each equally talented, they all must overcome unique challenges – family pressures, injuries, money, fame and their own internal struggles – for a chance to win $200,000 and the title of best street-skateboarder in the world