There’s a massive surge in the surf industry right now and its centered around DIY surf brands and cinema. Operated and owned by surfers who want to put a ton of enthusiasm and energy back into the sport that has given them so much. Ritual Vision’s ‘Ritualistic Tendencies’, Kolohe Andino and Steko’s ‘Fudo’ are just two DIY projects that spring to mind.
Former’s ‘Defect’ is another. The brand, founded and run by Dane Reynolds, Craig Anderson and Austyn Gillette, are sort of the OGs in the space of making it up as they go along. Almost a decade on from the birth of Former, the brand is shining brighter than ever and their latest project is testament to the hard work they continue to put in.
DEFECT brings together the entire team: Dane Reynolds, Craig Anderson, Shaun Manners, Timo Simmers, Dion Agius, Benny Howard, Jay Davies, Dillon Perillo, Gabe Morvil, Jake Kelley, James Kusitino, Kai MacKenzie, Matt Hoy and Kaito Ohashi.
The project has been one of intense labour, especially for Dane and filmer Hunter Martinez who edited the whole thing. It’s also been one of liability. Over the course of filming the team have dealt with broken bones, snapped ligaments, punctured lungs, bleeding mouths, hospital waiting rooms, rehab sessions, and scars that’ve become part of the story.
Sleepless nights in the editing bay were followed by a string of world premieres and now Defect is available for the public to watch online.
“I want this film to just inspire kids to ride waves, and make things, and see things a little differently. Hopefully it’s inspirational to surfing, and surf culture and the next generation of surfers from wherever they’re from. And I hope it shows all the interesting personalities and cool people that we support at Former …in the most authentic Former way,” said Dane.
“I’m so surprised that we’ve actually pulled this film off… It’s been really cool to represent these surfers and cultivate the type of surfing that me and Craig love, and showcase it in a film like this… I love the team that we’ve built and I want to give back to surfing and I think putting a full length film together does that.”
Do us all a favour and give back to the boys at Former by checking out the film above and showing it some love.
