Daniel Caban

More than just a funny name, my friends.

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing

How’s this guy? Woody Gooch has been taking photos for a little over five  years now, and has made a name for himself both in and out of the surfing  industry. He’s crossed the ditch 9 times, shoots with professional skiers and  modestly doesn’t like talking about his own photos. However even though he  doesn’t like talking about them, his shots can’t stay unnoticed for much longer  and at Coastalwatch we were quite happy to give the legend a call and  show you how good he is.

CW: Woody, you’re a Sunny Coaster and that area seems to be  producing huge amounts of talent of late. What’s so good about the  place?

WG: The Sunny Coast eh (laughs)? There is not much to offer,  but I guess if you know the right crew and are with the right group of people  you can make it happen. You just got to keep going and check out different  placers to what you normally do all the time. You just have to be motivated to  keep it looking different.

Have you got a few local setups that you have dialled?

I enjoy shooting all different types of spots now just so I  can mix it up and it depends who you are shooting as well, you know. If the  person is suitable for the area and the waves. I don’t really have one  particular spot that I know, there are numerous little breaks that I enjoy  shooting at but I’ve been shotting a lot of logging lately just out front and  that has been fun. But I think if you can manage to shoot everywhere just as  good as one spot you like, that’s a massive gain.

Who are some of the guys you are frequently shooting?

I’ve shot with Harry Bryant ever since I pretty much pointed  a camera at the ocean and Dane Peterson, one of the best around. Zye Norris, one  of the up-an-coming longboarders and only 19, Jake Vincent is sick, I’ve shot  with Wade Goodall a bit, that was really good, sick experience to shoot with him  and to step up for it and just trying to get stuff properly done with a big  name, and also Harrison Roach. Besides that, those main three or four guys that  I shoot with, I haven’t really shot with anyone else.

You’ve been killing it lately, getting run in mags and online, talk  us through some of the work you’re most proud of.

I got a few galleries on Swellnet ages ago,and I guess that was a good basis to start from, I met a few people through  that. But now I’ve had double-pages in Surfing World, and all my  logging stuff gets printed. I shoot heaps of skiing, I’ve done numerous trips  with a professional skier named Conrad Lucas, I did a stint down in Jindabyne  with him for a few weeks and worked on some stuff to get a different vibe with.  I think one of my first published photos was in a bodyboard magazine like two  Christmases ago, but there has been bit in Surfing World, Surfing Life.  It has happened really quickly though.

Do you have one photo that is hands down your favourite?

I hate talking about my own photos (laughs). I’ve had a few  that I’ve really liked, and then a few months later looked at them and thought  what did I ever see in those (laughs), but I think recently I’ve got some good  stuff done with Harrison Roach which has been really nice. I have some stuff of  him that is coming out in December that I really really dig and probably my  favourite so far of anyone or anything.

How does social media and the online world positively influence what  you do?

Well my blog is pretty much run through Instagram which is  really good as everything is on Instagram these days. But I’m actually making a  site right now, which is coming out probably within the next four to six months.  I’ve been trying to build up a good amount of photos that no one has really seen  yet.

Have you had many trips or other rad experiences?

I have a plan to go on a trip to France, but that hasn’t  really been confirmed so I don’t know about that just yet. But now I’ll get a  fair bit of travelling with the boys who I shoot with as they have all finished  school now, and hopefully I'll get to see some rad places. I’ve travelled a  number of times, I think like eight or nine times to New Zealand, and in I think  2011, I did a season with the family in Wanaka. That kind of built my passion  that I now have for photography, seeing something really dynamic and different  compared to the surf scene. Everyone was really chilled out and keen to shoot,  not that ego-tripping minds that are so lame. But it was good, that’s actually  where I met Conrad. It was weird actually, I’d never met this dude before, and I  was talking to him on Facebook and we just met at the top of the hill one day  and had a friendship from then onwards.

How long ago was it that you picked up a camera?

I’ve been shooting for probably five years now, but more  seriously now for sure. Five years of bullshit basically (laughs). I shoot with  a Nikon D700. It’s good with other guys because they use similar equipment and  it’s sick to talk to them about it.

Young, Free, Alright! is a fortnightly editorial series presented by  Coastalwatch and Arnette showcasing and profiling young and up-and-coming  photographers, filmmakers, bloggers, artists, musicians, shapers, surfers or  whatevers that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of Australian  surfing. Alright!

To follow the rise and rise of photographer Woody Gooch, add him  on Instagram – @woodygphoto

Ty Watson leans on the deteriorating white railing that lines the walkway of the famous stretch between Bar Beach and Merewether. Hidden underneath dark shaded glasses and an akubra hat, he picks the paint from the barrier with a silent grin on his face, for he knows that he has just taken out the competitions biggest threat, and local favourite, Jesse Adam.

“Men’s open final starts in 15 minutes,” bellows over the commentator’s speakers – Ty’s head rises.

The opening day had started just as any other Mattara Classic had preceded. In its 52nd year, prestige was no doubt, the winners list lined by surf and cult heros Michael Peterson, Nat Young, Mark Richards and Damien Hardman – a list looking in place as Australia’s best surfers of their era. Past winners returned, anxious to etch their name on the converted trophy for another year, young-guns joined, hoping to stamp their mark as the new guard and for the first time, a girl was granted entry into the contest – and she knew that with a $1000 cheque on the line, the boys weren’t going to play easy.

Pulling on her jersey for the first heat of the day, Philippa Anderson looked as confident yet cheerful as ever. Ranked as the 17th woman surfer in the world and living just up the road, the contest site was buzzing to see what Philippa had to offer. And 20 minutes later, a serious of backhand whips and a smile big enough to brighten otherwise disappointing conditions, she showed she had what it takes. While it may not have been on an international scale, or even a national scale, Philippa’s composition and technically-precise surfing was representative of the way woman’s surfing is heading, and the ability which they hold to match it with the men.

The rest of the day went as normal. Jackson Baker posting double-eights to easily surf his way into the next round, Jesse Adam mixing power with flair and cruising on through as expected and Paul Parkes, the man who creates almost a majority of the fields crafts, showed that wisdom does hold true.

What started in the morning with the peaky new swell, aligned by the slightest of offshore winds, certainly turned into a quite underwhelming line-up, mixed with the dredging inshore rip and trade winds. “There are still scores out there for sure, it’s still fun,” Jacko Baker offered in condolence.

As the field diminished with the surf, many a disappointed contender sunk their head, packed their boards and went home – at the same time the lowering tide was uncovering the remains left of the annual sea bird migration south. The ones who didn’t make it left buried in the sand – at least we could just go home.

The final came down to four – and four more contrasting surfers could not be found. Teague Robinson, super grom, stood 20-years junior to Parkesy, and when both went to grab their heat singlets a quiet handshake and acknowledgement that there was no love lost between them – they both had their reasons to win and wanted to win as much as the other. I couldn’t help but ponder the thought of the two switching roles, Freaky Friday style. Teague faced with a family and pro surfers knocking on his door wanting their newest stick, the pressures of being faced with an independent business. And Paul, living the days of a careless kid whose number one aim is to surf, party and not much else…  The hooter sounded.

The final is an unfortunate, uncharacteristic and unattractive slow one, with most of the time spent staring out to the coal-ship littered horizon, but to no avail did the waves arrive. In gutless windswept conditions, the aerials and modern surfing prevailed of Ty Watson, scraping though with a right in the dying minutes to take the trophy and bag the cheque. As he walked up the beach the wind gusted and the ocean grew flat, there was not a surfer in the water and Jesse Adam summed it up the best.

“He did what he had to do. It may not have been pretty, but he got the job done. Your 2013 Mattara Classic champion, Ty Watson.”

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing

Jake Vincent is a multi-talented 18 year-old from the Sunshine  Coast of Queensland. He surfs how he wants to surf, being reminiscently inspired  by other Sunny Coast punters before him, edits his own clips so he “doesn’t look  like a kook” and digs taking images of heavy street scenes. Rad!

CW: How do you manage being a part of surfing,  filming and photographic parts of surf culture?

JV: I guess I’ve always been into surfing since I  was young just by hanging out on the beach, and I’ve always liked taking photos  as well. I actually found a little digital camera on the ground once and kept it  and used to take photos of everything I saw when I was younger, and then last  year I went really good in a surf comp and decided to buy an SLR and went from  there. I’ve always had a passion for surfing and have always enjoyed watching  surf clips and got into that also, and once I bought the SLR I started taking  way more photos and started getting videos and stuff. I just do what I love I  guess.

Do you think having the laid-back lifestyle of the Sunny  Coast has affected all of it?

Yeah well we don’t really get the best waves a  lot so you have to have something else that you are into and enjoy doing.  Otherwise you would pretty much go insane.

There are a lot of guys who get pretty burned out around here,  like get into drinking and that just ‘cause you don’t get waves everyday. So its  really good being able to go and meet up with some friends and go for a drive  and take some photos and travel out the countryside and what not (laughs).

It would be pretty heavy seeing all that happening around  you and trying your best not to succumb to it. Are there local guys around that  you really look up to and seek inspiration from to not turn out like  that?

In surfing at home, Wade Goodall is my favourite  guy to watch for sure. He is pretty cool and I’ve been surfing with him a bit  and he is always throwing around high-fives with all the guys and I think that’s  really cool of him to not be up himself. Also Julian lives up at Coolum and I  see him out in the surf sometimes, he is absolutely killing it at the moment,  surfing so well.

My friend Luka does a lot of filming so we bounce stuff off each  other with filming and editing. I have a few friends who are into taking photos  and surf photography, my friend Izak is into portraits so we go out and shoot  together a lot, which is cool. I’ve got mates in all three  areas.

Coolum Carnival from Jake  Vincent on Vimeo.

Jake Donlen from Runamuk Visuals has been a major  supporter of your work.

Yeah Jake is so good. I’m only just getting to  know him better now, and he just set me up with a medium format camera. He is  really cool, helps me out on Instagram and stuff and seems like a really cool  dude.

What is your inspiration and style in your surfing? Do you  want to be a comp guy or a freesurfer or an aerialist or  what? 

I like comps to an extent I guess, I enjoy doing  them. I think unless you’re famous or something you have to be doing them to  make a name for yourself. But I don’t really like having a panel of judges  pretty much telling you whether you’re surfing good or not. You have to do  exactly what they want you to do, and I hate that, I want to do what I want to  do when I surf. I don’t do very well in comps usually, I’d rather go surfing  with my friends or go get some clips and stuff, I don’t know, just do what I  think is fun.

Do you enjoy editing your own clips to put  online?

Yeah, yeah I edit all of my own stuff, and then  work with some other guys to get stuff filmed. But everything that is on my  Vimeo channel is edited by myself.

I always thought that would be cool because there is no  outside influences on what you produce. You can put up what you think is rad,  not having someone put up a clip of you which you might think is  rank.

You can get an idea for a clip, and make it into  yourself. I kinda visualise how I think it would look good and then choose which  waves I think look best instead of having other guys choose different waves. You  get that creative control so you can turn it into the way you want it to look,  instead of someone else doing it and then thinking, "Fuck, I look like a kook in  that section." (laughs) It’s fun as  well.

Have you ever thought about choosing one out of  photography, videography or surfing and which one you would like to do the  most?

I think about that a fair bit actually, I really  don’t know. I don’t, it’s a hard one. Probably surf I think, being a  professional freesurfer would be unreal and you can still do all three. But  travelling around the world doing street photography and stuff would also be  pretty rad.

How does having a few sponsors help out in  promotion?

I am with C-Skins; they help me out a lot, giving  me wetsuits and stuff. Wetsuits cost so much now so it helps. They are a good  bunch of guys. They have their website up and running and have a few photos of  me on it, so it helps with publicity. So like they help me out and I'll help  them out, you know?

I’ve been getting some clothes as well from a local brand up here  called Voice clothing and they have some cool gear and I take a few photos for  them as well. We just help each other out which is  cool.

Young, Free, Alright! is a fortnightly editorial series  presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette showcasing and profiling young and  up-and-coming photographers, filmmakers, bloggers, artists, musicians, shapers,  surfers or whatevers that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of  Australian surfing. Alright!

To immerse yourself further in the genius and strange world of  Jake Vincent, bookmark his tumblr.

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing

Noa Deane’s clips have have been at the forefront of young  progressive surfing over the past 12 months and could be seen as a  benchmark for short freesurfing films today. The young man behind the lens of a  lot of these has been Mikey Mallalieu, a South African turned New Zealander  turned Australian who has found a love of his new home on the Gold Coast, and  for our eyes sake, we hope he stays and keeps pumping out clips.

CW: What’s it like hailing from the  Goldy?

MM: Well I was originally from South Africa,  that’s where I was born but I grew up in New Plymouth, New Zealand and it was  good. But there wasn’t too much opportunity over there so I came over here for a  bit of a change after I finished school and haven’t looked back  really. 

And you are loving the lifestyle and filming side of  things?

The Gold Coast is so good in terms of talent to  shoot, as there are just so many good surfers around here. But everything has  been shot before really and nothing is really new. It’s a good place to  obviously surf and learn things but it’s difficult to shoot new stuff so I try  to find new places. The most action probably goes down at D-Bah though I  guess.

Whereabouts are some of the other spots you shoot? And  what was your experiences travelling and shooting overseas like?

I’ve done few trips around with Noa; the best was  when we went to Japan last year in October. Around September through to October.  That place was just phenomenal; there is so much going on over there. We scored  some really fun waves as well, which was a bonus I guess.

Run us through the surfer/filmer connection between Noa  and yourself.

We are kinda just really good mates and throw  ideas back and forth to each other and it works out really well. We both know  what we want to get out of it so it definitely works well. He is really good to  work with. The last few months he has basically just blown up. Its kinda gotten  to the stage now though that everyone wants a piece of him, which is sick, but  hopefully we will be able to work on some more stuff in the future for sure.

Do you think it’s a positive having your name as a filmer  alongside Noa’s as he blows up to gain more publicity as he does?

Yeah definitely, I love working with other guys  as well, but it would be sick to just work with Noa. But I have done some stuff  with Jack Freestone and Mitch Crews as well. I guess Noa is kinda having a lot  going on right now with a few things that are happening. But we are really good  mates which is an added bonus, but down the track I really want to hopefully get  some more stuff done with him. It’s totally right though that as he does keep on  getting better and becomes more known that it will be good for  me.

What about working with those other guys that you  mentioned like Jack and Mitch?

Obviously it so good for my profile, but everyone  kinda bounces off each other and it makes them look a lot better and it  definitely helps me out as well. It so sick to work with them because you are  always going to get banging clips no matter what the conditions. I guess its  pretty much a dream to shoot those guys.

When did you start filming initially?

I got into it a lot when I was around 12. When  dad got me a little HandiCam kinda thing and made my first little movie by just  joking around with my friends back home in New Zealand just down the beach and  that. Just surfing and that, I wouldn’t really put them anywhere, but I guess  that was what I got stoked off and it just grew from there. But when I initially  moved to the Gold Coast I got a full time job so I had to kinda put it on the  backburner there for a little bit, but that did allow me to save a bit of money  and get some better equipment and that. I got pretty fed up with a 9-5 gig and  thought that I could definitely make a living out of filming, so I just yeah  went for it and so far its been working out alright.

What are some of the cameras you have been though over the  years and what are you working with now?

I do a lot of stuff right now which I just use my  7D set up for and a whole range of lenses. That’s the main camera I have and I  have some 60mm film cameras as well and hopefully I save some more money and get  onto the RED program I guess. I guess that’s where I want to go next.

Have you got any projects coming up in the future that you  are anticipating?

Yeah a few things in the pipeline that sorta  aren’t really 100% confirmed just in case people have to pull out at the last  minute for different reasons. I’m just working on some things with Crewsy at the  moment and want to do a few more personal projects with a few other guys around  here and yeah hopefully I aim to get some stuff that people like. I really hope  that that just works towards getting some jobs and shooting  more. 

Young, Free, Alright! is a fortnightly editorial series  presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette showcasing and profiling young and  up-and-coming photographers, filmmakers, bloggers, artists, musicians, shapers,  surfers or whatevers that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of  Australian surfing. Alright!

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing

When Coastalwatch spoke with Jack Taylor, a 19 year old from the  steel city of Newcastle, he was surf-tripping across the other side of the  continent in Western Australia. And it became obvious very quickly that he was  super amped on the waves he had been scoring whilst his hometown was doing its  best impression of the neighbouring carpark. This stoke and positive vibes are  what makes him a perfect fit for Young, Free, Alright! Rad!

CW: Firstly, tell us a bit about who you are.

JT: I’m Jack Taylor, 19 years old from Merewether. I have  lived there my whole life but I only started surfing here when I was 13.

How long have you been shooting surfing?

I have been shooting for about 3 years now, that’s all I  have shot really.

How did you get into it?

When I was in school I got pretty sick and couldn’t surf for a while,  so I bought a camera. I was shooting one day and Jesse Adam was out and he came  in to tell me that he has a 7D and a lens that I could use. So I started  shooting with him a bunch and that lead to shooting with Ryan (Callinan), Craig  (Anderson), Hoy (Matt Hoy), Spen (Michael Spencer) and some other guys. Then  about six months ago I bought a 1D.

Have you found a favourite location to shoot since?

Probably just Merewether. But Newcastle is good too and there are a  few other little places around that can be fun.

What do you think are some of the best things for your photos about  Newcastle? Like do you find the backdrops are awesome or anything else in  particular?

Just the waves and people really. Nothing too great. It’s just a good place. But there are a few cool angles.

Have you had much of a chance to travel and take photos?

I haven’t really travelled much. Just been up to Queensland a bit and Forster  for day trips.

What dudes that are the top of your list if you want to shoot?

All the guys I guess… Ryan, Craig, Jesse, Spenny, Hoyo, Mitchel Ross,  Jacko (Baker). They are all good and nice. We all hang out and surf  together.

What’s it like having a good relationship with some of the best surfers in  the world like Ryan Callinan and Craig Anderson?

It’s really good. They help and teach me heaps.

What about having Bosko, one of the most known photogs, being a fellow  Novocastrian?

I think it is good. We have become friends through Craig and Ryan and I’m  happy about that.

Run us through a few of your most memorable shots.

One would be one of Craig at D-Bah during the Jim Beam Tag Team Event at the  start of the year. It was by far the biggest air I have seen. Then maybe one of  Ryan at home on a really stormy day. They aren’t anything special but I like  them. I also like some photos that are just empties in the morning or afternoon  with nice colours on the horizon.

And how about a few of your Stab Full Frames, they must do a  whole heap for confidence and promotion.

Full frames are good. They help me get heaps of exposure and a bit of money. 

You run a blog, but mainly use your Instagram, @jackgrom, do you feel like  in the modern surfing world you don’t need a website, that social media is  enough?

I tried having a website for a bit but I didn’t really like it and I haven’t  put anything on there in ages. Instagram is good though. I only put photos on  there. Websites are good as well, they just allow you to show more photos and on  a bigger screen.

Young, Free, Alright! is a fortnightly editorial series  presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette showcasing and profiling young and  up-and-coming photographers, filmmakers, bloggers, artists, musicians, shapers,  surfers or whatevers that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of  Australian surfing. Alright!

To keep an eye on this young Novocastrian camera-clicker, follow his  instagram page at @jackgrom

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing 

In an age of short web clips saturated with air reverses and patterned socks, it's easy to miss out on timeless style and ol’ fashioned power. Well meet Shaun Green, born and raised on the west coast this young surfer has managed to slip through the cracks of the industry, while getting very barrelled along the way. Landing his first double spread in the last issue of Tracks, Shaun's talent won't go unnoticed for much longer.

Shaun Green, style and comfort amongst some West Oz thunder.Photo: Samelko

CW: What was it that initially drew you to surfing?

SG: I suppose my parents bringing me up on the water’s edge and my old boy being a fisherman and surfer, what else was I to do (laughs)? My mum showed me the beauty of the ocean and my love for it grew as I did. Once my friends started surfing it was full steam on the surf train from there.

How old were you at that stage?

About 10 years old.

And you developed your surfing around the heavy reefs of WA?

When my parents stopped in Ulladulla in 2007 I made friends like Jake McKeown, Sean Mawson, Matt King and the DPK. To have a bunch of mates who just wanna surf is the best. In WA we don’t really have as many young people surfing. Once I got back to WA though I was pumped to surf some different waves and the variety helps. 

How do you think the waves and culture of WA have shaped the way you surf? 

I guess as there is a bit more power it develops my surfing to that style and helps me to bury the rail. I think the WA nature has made me pretty relaxed, but I still generally try to surf where the masses aren't.

Do you think having solid waves in your backyard gives you an advantage in modern surfing?

I think it’s always been an advantage having that big wave game which so many people don’t have these days.

Tell us about getting a part as a stunt double in the movie Drift.

I had to surf in some pretty chilly conditions and make it look summery, which meant wearing boardies and stuff (laughs). It was a great experience though for sure.

Is competing something you’re into, or do you more look up to someone like Mark Mathews who just chases slabs?

Yeah I like surfing comps! But I think it's so hard to compare the two. It looks to me like Mark trains just as hard as the competitive pros and they all have the same goal... to win. Mark only has one personal goal and not many people are that committed and have the motivation to do things for themselves like that. He seems pretty fearless to me.

Do you get the opportunity to work with many filmers and photographers?

Yeah I’ve had the pleasure to work with crew like Rick Rifici, Russel Ord, Rick Jackovich, Mike Riley, Jamie Scott, Carsten Reimers, Ivan Tanjung Asher Samelko and a few others. They are all so nice and real good at what they do.

What about your profile from your sponsors, how does that help?

They're great for networking and meeting new folks, invaluable really. Helps so much with getting me to where I hope to be.

Are there any surfers you aspire to be like?

To put it simply I would want to be a Tom Curren and Dane reynolds combo. That is the ultimate surfer to me.

And tell us a bit about the clip that you featured in on Coastalwatch in Sumbawa.

Best waves I’ve surfed by far! All the crew who were on the trip and that I met were legends and it was uber fun!

Young, Free, Alright! is a fortnightly editorial series presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette showcasing and profiling young and up-and-coming photographers, filmmakers, bloggers, artists, musicians, shapers, surfers or whatevers that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of Australian surfing. Alright!

Chances are, unless you have been living under a rock, or live in Bonney Doone, you would have seen a Dane Singleton clip or seen a photo of his on his near famous Instagram. This is his story. And a big thanks to Arnette for making all these Young, Free, Alright!'s happen.

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing

Whilst being categorised as a ‘surf-filmmaker’, Dane Singleton, a 19 year-old from the south coast town of Ulladulla, certainly has aspects to his style which set him apart. Whether that be the elegant way he captures surfing, his fine portrayal of coastal landscapes or just a reflection of his humble personality, Dane’s clips are constantly racking up the stats, and his 5000 Instagram followers speak for themselves.

CW: Dane, tell us a bit about your filming, what gets you stoked?

DS: I enjoy creating films that are a little different, creating a bit of emotion to keep the viewer interested. I like each film to be different to the last one and have an artistic approach. Working with cool lighting and showing more lifestyle and personality. I also love shooting photos as well.

What's your favourite thing about filming?

I enjoy shooting with cool people and accomplishing what we planned. Having plenty of good clips to work with so I can put together something I am happy with at the end of the day. It’s also really cool when you shoot something you didn't plan. It makes it more interesting when it comes to editing.

What’s it like coming from Ulladulla and trying to crack into the surf industry?

It’s not too bad since it's only three hours from Sydney. We get lovely waves all along the coast so that makes it easier to get clips.  The dudes I like to shoot with live pretty close so it isn't very difficult.

How satisfying is it getting recognition for a good clip?

It’s pretty nice, keeps me psyched and it also helps out the surfers getting them out there. I guess if someone likes one of your films they will probably be interested in seeing the next one you create.

How did you get into it?

I have surfed my whole life and I love using cameras so I found I get a lot of enjoyment out of combining the two.

Do you enjoy shooting lifestyle as well?

Lifestyles shots are some of my favourite to shoot. You can get really creative working with different lighting and different people.

Do you have anyone you enjoy shooting with particularly?

Matt King and I have been working together for a long time now, he surfs really well and he gets better every time. That combined with his smooth style makes him easy to shoot and get the goods. Pama Davies is also one of my favourites to shoot. He's a really creative surfer, along with his personality (laughs). Young Kipp Caddy is good entertainment too.

You and Pama Davies seem pretty tight and work well together.

Yeah we have been shooting for a while now. I think we are both pretty weird; we both get psyched on the same things so we get along really well. We have plenty of projects that we're planning which I'm pretty thrilled to get into!

Dream surfers to shoot?

Any surfers that have an interesting personality. Anyone can point there camera at a good surfer but these days it’s not just about close up surf shots. Obviously Craig Anderson is one but I have always liked Andrew Doheny's surfing and the way he is portrayed. Most professional free surfers are pretty entertaining. And I can't not say Dane Reynolds.

Do you look up to any filmmakers?

Riley Blakeway is easily one of the best and it’s clear the dudes at What Youth produce good things.

What are you doing to help your future in filming?

I just plan to work on more and more projects, travelling and documenting. I have plenty of ideas that keep coming and I guess I will continue experimenting and exploring.

What do you think about social media? How has that helped your profile?

Well I don’t have a website right now because when I do eventually make one I want it to be more legit with more material than what I have to show right now. Other websites kind of put me out there with sharing my clips and yeah, Instagram is definitely a good way of promoting myself as well. I will get a site together once I have the time and skills and enough material. A good site can be really cool and work as your personal portfolio that anyone can view.

Young, Free, Alright! is a fortnightly editorial series presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette showcasing and profiling young and up-and-coming photographers, filmmakers, bloggers, artists, musicians, shapers, surfers or whatevers that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of Australian surfing. Alright!

To keep up with the clips of Dane Singleton, check his Vimeo.

Blake Mellross is a legend from the surf coast of Vicco. Do him a favour and check his clips. yew.

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing

Every year when structures of scaffolding and signage start taking shape over the car park of Bells Beach, signalling the start of each year’s Rip Curl Pro, you know the region of Torquay is going to be a bustling surf Mecca filled with every pro and ‘next big thing’ for the next few weeks. But after that, when the signs are taken down and the tour moves along on its dream circuit, all that is left are the locals to enjoy their icy winter. One of those locals is 17-year-old Blake Mellross, a filmer who works at his local surf shop and shapes boards for fun. What a legend! Meet Young, Free, Alright! (lucky) number 13.

CW: What are some of the best and worst parts about shooting down in Torquay?

BM: I was actually thinking about that just the other day. It’s good in a way because it’s not as crowded and all that kind of stuff, but it makes it really hard to get exposure compared to somewhere like the Gold Coast ‘cause all the stuff I want to be involved in is either there or on the Northern Beaches in Sydney. But I’ve had a few opportunities with Tracks when the Rip Curl Pro is on down here at Bells, but that’s just about all that happens down here.

What about some of the guys who rip from Torquay, have you shot with them?

Yeah like Cahill Bell-Warren and Todd Rosewell and guys like that. They are a couple of the top guys around here and it’s cool because it’s a pretty tight community and it means I get to meet and know them all which helps a lot. It’s been really good shooting with them; not only because they are such good surfers, but they are such nice guys.

Are there many local guys you get to know through filming?

I know a few really good photographers like Ed Sloane and Nick Alcock but there aren’t that many filmers that are trying to get into it. There are a few older guys who film a bit, but no young guys that I know of that are really coming up.

You're into taking photos as well? I've seen some nice ones on your blog.

I mainly just shoot film. I take a few analogue cameras wherever I go, just because instead of digital it really feels like you're making something yourself. You have to really work on the photos rather than just editing it to make it good.

But filming is the way you’re going?

Yeah filming is the way I want to go over photography, for sure.

How did you actually get into it at the start?

I started off using this JVC camera, but I could never work out how to put it onto the computer (laughs), I just filmed a bunch of animals and stuff on my farm. Once I figured how to put it onto the computer I was hooked!

What are your thoughts on being young in the film industry and working for yourself before anyone picks you up?

Well last year when the Rip Curl Pro was on I got to do the Fingers in the Bowl with Tracks Mag and I’ve just been locally filming the boardriders. Just making a few clips for them gets me a bit of money, but I haven’t really had much of a break yet.

And to pay for all this you’re working at a surf shop?

Yeah well I’m only in year 12, as I’m 17, and I’m also doing a little ding repair business and then working at Strapper Surf Shop part time and filming the boardriders. A few weeks ago I bought a 60d, I had a d5100 but that was getting a bit old. I’m really stoked to get the new one, but I haven’t had a good chance to film on it just yet, hopefully the next couple of weeks the waves get good.

Have you travelled around much?

I’ve only done little trips down the coast at the moment, I’ve never really gone out of state or anything just yet, but I would definitely love to travel in the future.

Is there anywhere in particular you had in mind?

I’d really like to go somewhere around say Mexico or even do a season in Hawaii. Just because a lot of the guys that are around there are such good surfers and that’s where the whole industry goes at different parts of the year so to get exposed that’s where you have to go. To see some of the best filmers and some of my favourites would be awesome as well.

Like who for example?

I have a few. I really like Toby Cregan’s stuff, he is so good. But there are so many to look at! Guys like Nat Lanyon, Jack Belli, Jon Frank, and Nathan Oldfield… any of them are so good.

Another film still from the lens of 17 year-old Blake Mellross. That's some cold Victorian looking coastline right there.

What about surfers? Any in particular you'd like to film?

I really like guys like Ellis Ericson, Al Knost and Ozzie. Any of those guys would be so cool to film, and then I like the Gudauskas brothers. It would be really good to do something with any of those guys, and it would be so sick to have my name on a clip with them.

On your Instagram you have some pictures of a few boards you shaped, is that something you’re into?

I shaped a couple last year, and I stuffed them up completely (laughs), but I shaped a single fin a few weeks ago and it just got glassed. It's real fun to do and it’s something I have been getting into lately.

And do you think it influences your filming at all? Like, does it change how you look at surfing?

It totally gives you a different perspective on things compared to someone who doesn’t really surf, and know what it is like to ride waves and what waves really are. It gives you a bit of knowledge about where everyone will be surfing and where to film and the conditions and all those things.

Are you working on anything at the moment that you want to mention?

I started doing a documentary at the moment actually on one of my close friend’s bands called Cosmic Trash and I think we are going to be doing that a lot over the next few weeks. That will be fun to do, do something that’s not surfing and get a new perspective of filming.

Is school your focus right now, or are you just waiting to get out so you can film more?

I’ve always been planning to take a year off after school and just cruise for a bit and try and film as much as I can. Hopefully meet heaps of new people in the industry and that. But then I was hoping to go study at that SAE Institute in Byron for a couple of years and improve. That’s just something to kind of learn and meet new people.

What are some of your best clips to date? And have any been put online?

Nah, not really on any of the big sites, which I really would like, but I have been talking to a few guys from smaller sites, nothing too major. Hopefully something will come up soon.

Young, Free, Alright! is a fortnightly editorial series presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette showcasing and profiling a young and up-and-coming photographer, filmmaker, blogger, artist, musician, shaper, surfer or whatever that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of Australian surfing. Alright!

To see more fine work from young lensman Blake Mellross, bookmark his Tumblr.

Tyler Bell is a guy with sophistication and skills way beyond his years. Already working alongside names like Kai Otton and Nick Riley, kid is being noticed.

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing How many 18-year-olds do you know who are not lucky enough, but good enough, to be able to make a living by doing what they love? Tyler Bell is one of those 18-year-olds. By filming his friends surfing he has developed a passion and love for documenting the sport he has grown up with and his new website – a clean and simple canvas to put his creations on – provides a basis for his work to be shown to the world. Meet Tyler Bell. 

  CW: How did you initially get into filmmaking?

TB: Just living at the beach and being a surfer really. My dad is pretty creative, not in the filming industry, but he is in the creative industry and having him overlooking you the whole time, it helps. I kinda have it in my blood I guess to do something like that. And then surfing and having all my mates surfing and everyone getting alright made it easy. There are so many good surfers from where I am from so I guess it kinda had to happen eventually. I had a camera in my hand from a young age as well so I developed into shooting the boys and having a love and passion for it.

It must help having the Northern Beaches surfing lifestyle you live in.

Yeah, everyone is trying to do it, which is epic, 'cause there are so many people you can talk to and hang out with who are doing the same thing. It’s good and bad, but mostly for the best I’d say. Just being here with all the really good surfers and skaters, musicians, artists, everything pretty much. Having that around is so epic.

Being open to so many good surfers from the area, do you have any favourites?

From the Northern Beaches obviously guys like Kai Otton, Sam Page, Luke Cheadle, Nick Riley and then guys from Narrabeen way like Davey (Cathels) and Cooper (Chapman) and then Jordy (Lawler), who is shredding so hard. That is pretty much all the guys who you would regard as being ‘the best’ in regards to shoot who stand out, but there are so many other guys who are just doing their own thing which is cool.

What about the clip you managed to shoot with Nick Riley for O’Neill?

Yeah we went over to Indonesia for three weeks and we were just over there to do a little webisode series that O’Neill is doing for the Lose Yourself Somewhere campaign. Jordy’s (Smith) clip and all the other are online now so they wanted to do one of all their team riders, so we went over there. The waves in Bali were kind of average, we were in Canggu and Keramas but it was just kinda your average Bali clip, you know? So we wanted to go over to Sumbawa, and that place was amazing, up there is just out of hand. Anyway you stand on the beach, you’ve got an amazing backdrop, it’s so epic. Then you have the pumping waves, and we were lucky enough to get one of the best swells of the year to date was when we were there. It was super lucky we were over there. So that was such a good trip, I was so stoked to be a part of that.

Is that the trip to Sumbawa you pulled the clip together for Coastalwatch?

That clip was from Super Suck, one of the gnarliest lefts… like ever. Ry Craike, Matt Hoy and these three Hawaiian dudes; Koa Smith, Alex Smith and this other guy, who were pretty much putting everyone to shame, were all over there. Unfortunately I couldn’t use any of that footage though, even though it was pretty much the best footage I have ever shot in barrelling left handers. They e-mailed me when they were still over there and because they were shooting for their blog called Last Name First Tv, I couldn’t use it, but I sold my footage to them so they can make a video for their blog. It’s going to be basically mind-blowing these barrels they are getting, and they have such a good guy editing. I basically gave all my footage to them, and they had another guy over there filming who was covering another angle. So the two angles are going to be looking into this left barrel and looking out of it, it’s going to be pretty sick to watch.

You must be pretty stoked to have your footage with names like Koa and Alex Smith as they are becoming big things in Hawaii.

Yeah totally, those guys are pretty much the next big thing coming out of Hawaii. I guess it’s all about networking and getting yourself out there so I was pretty happy to both be over there and to be there the same time as them. It was pretty sick.

What about some of the other clips you shoot that aren’t surfing like the commercials?

Well I get most of that television commercial work through my dad’s company. They are an advertising agency, and they have begun to do a few advertisements now. It’s pretty much the best experience to see how that stuff all works, because you see how much work goes into it. There's so much more than you would have thought that goes into the production of it all. Also to look at the hierarchy and see and meet who is high up and who is working for who, and who is doing their own job. It’s a really good job to do just because it’s different and a good experience to keep on doing and I’m always hoping it will maybe lead to some more stuff within that field. It’s definitely something I want to get into, seeing as shooting surfing is so hard to keep going with. You have to be able to do some other stuff.

And you’re showing your good enough to only be shooting surfing now instead of a regular job?

At the moment I’ve been lucky enough to be only 18 and be making a living off freelance filming. I’m hoping it just keeps going the way it is and jobs and offers keep popping up as they are and just keep networking myself. I take advantage of everyday and count myself lucky to not be out doing a trade or something. It’s so sick to be able to do something that I love and make an income from it as well.

Are there any particular filmers you're influenced by?

Yeah well there are the Kais (Neville) and the Taylors (Steele) and the Rileys (Blakeway) who are all just absolutely killing it right now and basically running the whole thing. So yeah definitely to be something like that is what I want to do, but now there are so many other people out there who are doing their own thing, which is still so rad, and who are nearly the same level as all them. But of course Kai, he is pretty much the king out there right now, so I really want to look into doing something like he has by starting his own production company right now by making What Youth and have people working for him.

He is such a business man, you know? He has it all down pat and now he is just pretty much running the show. The whole What Youth franchise and company with the website is just next level.

What about your new website you just made?

Well I made this new site like last week; it’s only been live for a few days (at the time of interview). It’s just something with all of my work up there which is easy to view so when I send my work through to someone it’s not just a massive list of crap on there. It’s got your contact and is an easy viewable site with all the different range of stuff I’ve done. I think it is definitely something you need to get yourself out there.

Young, Free, Alright! is an editorial series presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette where every fortnight we'll be showcasing and profiling a young and up-and-coming photographer, filmmaker, blogger, artist, musician, shaper, surfer or whatever that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of Australian surfing. Alright!

To see more of Tyler Bell's excellent work, hit up his fresh to death site here.

Angst is a new website brought to you by Byron Bay legends Soli Bailey and Kaius Potter. With Soli being one of Australia's biggest future prospects and Kaius one of Australia's next big filmmakers, Angst is a website sure to turn heads. The boys got me to do a little something telling everyone what exactly Angst is. Be sure to head over there soon.

Born from the creative young minds of film maker Kaius Potter and surfer Soli Bailey, Angst is the home of all things radical, raw and free. Documenting not only high-performance surfing, but realistic views in the lives of modern innovative youth, the Byron Bay duo provide a unique take on the contemporary surfing culture and Angst is their profile.

  The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing

Nick Jones is a Sunny Coast kid with a very bright future. He is currently managing to combine completing his HSC with filming one of his best mates daily, to cut edits with sophistication beyond his 16 years. He has certainly come a long way since he started three years ago with a HandiCam to film and his school laptop to edit, and is becoming known as one of the next generation of surf filmers in Australia.

CW: Tell us about the landscape and area to shoot around your region?

NJ: It’s pretty hard. The waves are so off and on. We might get a swell every two or three weeks and you just have to be in the right spot with the right people and try and make the most of it.

With the lack of swell, does it help to shoot longboarding as you do?

Yeah, I just started shooting longboarding, but it’s so much fun. It’s like a whole different type of style of filming to what I was usually doing. It’s good to have other influences on my filming.

What about the lifestyles you shoot?

The lifestyles in the clip are pretty much how you portray the vibe I guess. You can just throw in any random lifestyles; it has to be something relevant to the clip. It’s one of the personal ways in someone’s clip that they showcase their own style.

You’ve shown you can make clips as well as take a photo, how does that help?

Taking photos is something I do when the waves aren’t extremely pumping. When I have nothing to do I just go down and try getting some shots whenever I’m not working on a clip for sure.

But filming is the way you’re going?

Yeah I’m way more into filming than photography.

Tell us about some of your particular clips.

I usually film with Harry Bryant, because he is super easy and good. He is so sick to film and always up to shoot and you know when you make a video of it is going to get past Facebook and out into the surfing world. That’s what I really like about filming him.  He rips too and he is starting to get out there more which is so good for me.

So linking up with someone like Harry could turn into a partnership like Riley Blakeway and Chippa Wilson? It’s going to help you both mutually?

Exactly. Shooting better and more exposed people surfers in the community gets your work out there way more because I guess everyone wants to see them surf. So shooting people who are good and sticking with one guy can have its advantages.

Have you shot with many other guys from the Sunshine Coast?

Yeah I’ve been shooting with (Dean) Brady a little bit lately, just trying to work on a little something with him. But he is working heaps now so it’s a bit hard. But as I said, I try to focus on Harry a bit more than anything as he is coming up in his career.

Explain the ‘Cabbage Patch’ clip (above) of Harry.

Yeah we got this one day of really good waves at our local beach break which never gets good. But it got that good, so we were like this footage is a lot better than what we have got before so we thought we should make a clip and work on it and just use the good footage. Then he went to Lennox for a few weeks and got some cool footage there so it just built up. But that clip I definitely put a lot of work into, so I’m stoked it turned out good and got a lot of attention.

Have you had much of chance to film other than Noosa?

Yeah we have done some little trips down to like the Goldy and that, nothing major. I went to the Central Coast of New South Wales once, but I haven’t really been outside the square much. Haven’t had the opportunities just yet. But in the future, it’s looking good.

How is school going?

Yeah, yeah, just working on my HSC and once I do that go to TAFE and get a few courses behind me. I really just want to make the most out of those 12 years being at school and get a few little courses, so I am keen on staying, but then again I really do want to travel. Hopefully there will be time for that in the future.

What are some of those courses?

I’m doing my Certificate Three in Film and Television. It’s like a little TAFE thing that I’m working on while I’m at school.

Are there any filmmakers that you like?

Yeah, for sure. There are always the top guys that everyone froths on, but I like one of the top local guys from here called Nat Lanyon. He has done pretty well. He goes down the coast a lot.

Do you know him personally?

No, not really. I’ve talked to him a bit, but not heaps. He has given me a bit of feedback already which is super nice of him and so good for me. To know someone like him and to sort of have him in your corner is awesome.

Is there one certain direction you would like to head with? Like do you want to only be Harry’s filmer or make clips of contests or make documentaries?

I don’t care really, I just want to shoot anything as much as I can, you know? I don’t want to turn down any opportunities and want to make the most of everything. This is something I want to do.

What’s hard about being a grom filmer?

I guess not being able to shoot many guys, and there aren’t too many guys around here to start with. On the Sunny Coast it gets hard to shoot different people so you have to go down the Goldy, that’s why Harry is so good, he just lives down the road and we get waves all the time.

Young, Free, Alright! is a new editorial series presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette. Once a fortnight we'll be showcasing and profiling a young and up-and-coming photographer, filmmaker, blogger, artist, musician, shaper, surfer or whatever that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of Australian surfing. Alright!

To follow the ascending progression of Sunny Coaster Nick Jones, bookmark his Tumblr over here.

  The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing

Wouldn’t it be rad to get shots you took of your best mates getting barreled off their melons at your local break run in some of the biggest surfing and bodyboarding publications in the country? Well 17 year-old Sam Venn, regularly seen under the lip at Shark Island, is no stranger to this thrill. He's not only a fine photographer, but focused on his dream and digs being in heavy waves with his mates. Meet your Young, Free, Alright! profile number 10.

CW: Tell us a bit about what it was like growing up in the Shire.

SV: Yeah, it’s great. I’ve had heaps of support from the local guys and being able to paddle out and everyone being so nice to you is really good. And the waves are good so it’s sick.

Waves like Shark Island? You do a lot of water shooting out there, right?

The first year I got a housing for my camera and shot big swells out at the island, and it’s scary but its great fun and it’s a thrill to do it. To watch guys dropping into these crazy waves is so good. I’ve been shooting there for three years I think. It’s the main place I shoot.

How long have you been shooting for altogether?

Well all my life, but with a proper digital SLR camera around four years now. It’s the first proper, good camera I’ve ever had.

What is it like shooting a lot of bodyboarding?

Well that’s kinda where I started out just taking photos and that. All my mates are bodyboarders so... It’s kinda surreal to be able to shoot both bodyboarding and surfing. Watching surfers drop into the Island when it is big is crazier than watching bodyboarders ‘cause it seems a lot harder to handle such big waves.

What is the bodyboarding photography industry like compared to the surfing side?

I hang around a lot in the Emerald Bodyboarding shop in Cronulla so I’ve had heaps of help from Des, who owns the shop there, and I’ve been able to send heaps of photos to bodyboarding magazines and websites and they were the first ones to really take them on. That’s where I started out.

What’s it like having shots run in mags?

Well recently, yesterday it actually came out (at the time of interview), I had two photos in Riptide Magazine. One was a double page spread. The other one was of a really good mate, it was kind of a profile on him, so that’s great. The first shot I ever got published I was the most stoked on ‘cause it was of a good mate Jack Irvine and it was out at the island. He is one of the guys who runs Space 44 and they support me heaps. I have a gallery there. They got me to send Surfing World a shot and they liked it enough to publish it, so I was stoked that Aaron (Girgis, also behind Cronulla's Space 44) and Jack helped me with that.

That was a cool shot huh.

Yeah, I really like it. I was super stoked. The rest just sorta came from shooting and sending photos to mags and getting numerous replies and just waiting till they actually liked one enough to publish it.

There's a lot of good young talent coming out of Cronulla right now, with you and Nick Hollman amongst others, what’s the vibe between all you guys?

Well of course there is a lot of competition between all of us ‘cause we are always competing so send our stuff away first and get the best replies. But Nick and I help each other out a lot like sharing our gear and going out together and having good experiences out in the waves. But he more shoots surfers, and I can get help off him from that, and I shoot more bodyboarders and I can give him advice and can tell him more of what we look for in a photo.

And you guys are close going to school together as well.

Yeah I’m in year 12 at Cronulla. I’ve got a lot of classes but only one photography class. Its not that we take it as a joke, but ‘cause Nick and myself are a little more experienced than the others we finish our work fairly quick and find it kinda easy.

Is there anything outside of school that helps your photography?

I’m doing work experience at The Leader (local Sutherland newspaper)soon. Just doing some work experience with the photography section so I can get experience at some other places and get better.

Living in Cronulla, are there any local photographers you like? Or any other guys?

I really like this south coast photographer Ray Collins. He shoots some of the best bodyboarding and surf stuff I’ve seen as well as lifestyle I really look up to him. Local guys who have really helped me out are guys like Mitch Pearson. He takes some amazing stuff.

How was it having a stall at the Art of Living Festival this year?

Yeah the festival is in Bundeena and I also exhibited photos in the gallery they have. In the actual art exhibition gallery. I sold one so I was pretty stoked about that. It was good to show my stuff around to all the people there and to get feedback from the people who hadn’t seen my work before and being able to actually sell one was great.

So what do you want to do when you finish school?

I want to work in the surf industry of course. But in the surf industry I don’t think there is heaps of money behind photography unless you’re really, really big which of course is hard ‘cause there is so much competition out there. Definitely I would love to do that though if it was possible. But I would love to work for a magazine or a newspaper like where I'm doing work experience. That’d be great as well. 

To check out more of Sam's work head over to his Facebook page.

Young, Free, Alright! is an editorial series presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette. showcasing and profiling young and up-and-coming photographers, filmmakesr, bloggers, artists, musiciasn, shapers, surfers or whatever that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of Australian surfing. Alright!

On a weekend not so long ago, at a beach not so far away, I was lucky enough to be invited on a trip with some of Australia's finest young lensman as part of the Young, Free, Alright! series I have been writing for. Read on.

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing – Special Feature

As part of Arnette and Coastalwatch's Young, Free, Alright! series, six of our featured up and coming lensmen (aged 16-to-18) went on a little weekend surf trip with some of Arnette's surf team. They hung out, made friends, experienced an editorial surf trip for the first time and took hold of the opportunity to shoot some pro surfers. The swell wasn't great, it rained like Genesis and poor old Nick Alcock's camera fritzed out not too long after trip's beginning (he then used the medium of K-Mart purchased disposables) but the groms' enthusiasm never waned. This is what the young stoked out legends came up with… – Ed 

Photos: Nick Hollman, Blaise Bell, Nick Alcock & Harrison Dancaster Clips: Kaius Potter & Owen Milne Surfing: Otis Carey, Benny Godwin, Pama Davies & Kalani Ball Story: Dan Caban

  Young, Free, Alright! Weekender by Kaius Potter

  Young, Free, Alright! Weekender by Owen Milne

  Flights were booked...

...cameras were packed and anticipation was rising by the minute. A classic east coast road trip was about to start, and for some of Australia’s best young photographers and filmmakers this was going to be a weekend to remember – begin Young, Free, Alright! Weekender Part I!

This trip wasn’t about shooting the next cover, or making the next web super series; it was about the future, about being groms, about being free.

The cabins quickly filled with boards, lenses and tales of the journey everyone had just made to get this far. Kaius Potter, a talented filmer hailing from Byron Bay, and Nick Alcock, a San Remo plumber with a keen eye for composition, spoke of their delay aboard flights, whilst Kalani Ball, aerial specialist and trip grom, and Nick Hollman, a Cronulla photographer who digs swimming out in heavy reef setups, were craving more Krispy Kremes after an earlier pit stop enjoying the 2-donuts-and-coffee deal. The typical arguments over who gets the double beds began and continued as the boys readily fixed housings, applied wax and headed to the crisp odd two-footers that greeted them.

Suitably, post-surf, as the sun dipped below the eucalyptus filled headlands, and the camp fire sparked under observation of Otis Carey, bonds were forged and vibes were high.

Goofy-footer Benny Godwin had everyone in stiches with his infectious laugh. Young filmmaker Owen Milne kept up with Benny, mocking any unfortunate person at his disposal with his larrikin humour long into the night before turning in, and like all the crew, hoping to wake to clean lines.

However once the moon's luminescent glow began to fade and a new sun broke the horizon it became evident that Huey the wave god hadn’t produced, instead leaving us with some irritated surfers, and lensman, who needed their daily fix of surf. But after a few scoffed bowls of cereal waves were found at a neighboring stretch of sand and without hesitation rubber was applied, tripods were unscrewed and everyone was foreseeing some giant punts about to go down.

Certainly not the ruler edged lines drawn in the column of a schoolboy's maths book, but there were enough waves to go around and Otis, Kalani and Bondi surfer Pama Davies made the most of the conditions at hand, throwing caution to the wind on almost every wave, whilst the Young, Free, Alright! lensman scoped out different angles capturing every moment.

The circle surrounding the campfire that evening was filled with stories of past travels, epic waves, amazing shots and bantering between new found mates. Northern Beaches photographer Harrison Dancaster took the most talked about frame of the day – a Kalani Ball air reverse with fellow Northern Beaches photographer Blaise Bell shooting just in front and Nick Hollman capturing it from the water.

The morning of day three was filled with unfortunate déjà vu; only this time mixed with heavy rain and howling winds. Sheltered under cabins and barbeque pergolas, it came to a point of near surrender, until someone made the trek to check the waves just over the hill – and wouldn’t you know, it was pumping.

The southern corner provided protection from the winds, yet leaving enough exposure to pull in an overhead groundswell, offering up ramps, walls and the odd barrel.

Kalani showed he's capable of more than aerial antics by wetting his rail on some serious waves, Pama threw his fins whenever the opportunity arose, Benny G hunted the lefts and threw some full rotation punts into the wind, but Otis was the standout, whipping his tiny board in the pocket, hucking big airs and toying with the barrel at any chance.

As the rain pelted down, and the towel-covered cameras began to be at risk of water damage, the boys were forced to seek safety in the carpark, frustration common amongst their faces.

Nonetheless, the vibe wasn’t dampened by the rain, and everyone was still in nirvana to be shooting serious talent. But as all good things do, the trip was coming to an end.

Phone numbers were scribbled onto serviettes, offers were made to sleep on lounges, future collaborations were in plan and cars were packed. No-one protested when Otis suggested a coffee stop, no one wanted to start the long road trip back home; wherever that may be.

The café, along with coffee to shake the core of the drenched bunch, was the first place reception was available, and one by one the cursing started. “Dude, you need to check the swell coming tomorrow!” pretty much wrapped up the thoughts of the whole crew, as the sole man to be staying around, Benny G, sat and smirked in the corner, knowing that he was going to wake up and score empty perfection the following morning, when the rest were back at their schools and day jobs.

“You boys should stay another night, I’ve got free space,” Benny laughed as everyone piled back into the cars. “It’s sure going to be pumping.”  

Young, Free, Alright! is an editorial series presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette. Once a fortnight we showcase and profile a young and up-and-coming photographer, filmmaker, blogger, artist, musician, shaper, surfer or whatever that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of Australian surfing. Alright!

Tasmania is home to Shipstern Bluff, Marti Paradisis, Digby Ayton, and, well.. not much else. Nonetheless, there are some very good images being taken on Digby's camera, and I was lucky enough to shoot him a few questions to find out how he handles shooting in Tassie and working at a grocery store. Check the newest YFA!

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing

Isn’t it kind of rad to see a young dude working like a dog to follow his passions? Tassie photographer Digby Ayton slaves down at the local grocery store so he can afford his cameras and lenses, then pulls on a super thick wettie and goes out to shoot in near freezing temperatures. Talk about commitment. He has already had double page spreads in Surfing World, sold his own work for sweet cash money dollars and now got himself a place as our next candidate for Young, Free, Alright!

CW: What’s it like shooting surf photography in Tasmania?

DA: It’s good; it’s definitely colder than everywhere else. But it’s really nice ’cause often there's less people around and it’s a lot more remote and the places are a lot nicer.  Well I think so anyway.

Is there a big surf community to shoot?

There are a fair few like older guys that are pretty good and a few young guys that are coming through. There are good waves. More often than not there is good surfers.

Are you all a tight group?

Yeah it is really small. Especially in winter, ’cause not that many people surf in winter. But its good knowing everyone and being part of it.

What’s it like in winter?

We pretty much just have to rug up. Everyone has big jackets and stuff here. It’s not that bad really, sometimes it actually really nice. When I go swimming and that I just have to wear a real thick wetsuit and hood and gloves and booties I suppose. It is kinda nice.

Do you shoot much in the water?

Yeah I got a housing at the start of this year so I've been getting in heaps and its really fun. I’ve got a beach down the road which has this little shore break which is kinda fun shooting. Yeah, I've just been trying to get in as much as possible. It’s a bit cold these days but still.

How do you afford to pay for the housing?

Well i'm only in grade 12 at the moment and I just work at the grocery store to pay for my camera gear. Around twice a week normally. I sell a couple of photos here and there which is helpful as well.

How does it feel when you sell a photo?

It’s great, it’s really good. Its great to earn a bit of money from doing something you love, you know? Yeah it’s great fun.

Is it hard to get the exposure needed when you’re living in Tasmania?

Yeah it is a little, ‘cause it’s not as big and not as many people and all that so it makes it hard. I try and send out photos to mags and that every now and again if they’re good enough. I’d like to try to get down to Shippies and that. That’d be good, and shoot from the water there or something, ’cause there are a lot of good guys that go down there. That’d be nice with the big waves.

Have you had many trips?

I do a fair bit; cause if you want to get good waves here it’s a bit of an adventure. I live in Hobart and on the east coast it’s real nice and there are some good waves. Down the bottom of Tassie too. They’re some good trips.

Talk us through your double page in Surfing World a few months ago.

I was so stoked. I sent it in a couple of weeks before and they didn’t send me a reply but then I got this message saying it was going to be run as a double. I was stoked. I didn’t actually know who the surfer was, but then one of the photographers from down here knew who it was so we got in touch with him as well. I was real happy.

Have you had any other shots run anywhere?

Yeah I couple on the surf forecast websites and that. Just things like that. Not much really. I'd like to get some more.

What would you like to do after you leave school?

I'd like to continue on with my photography. I’d also like to take a gap year and travel overseas and still take photos. Go to somewhere like Indo or Fiji. That’d be real nice. I don’t know, just keep having fun and enjoying it, see where it takes me.

Do you want to be a surf photographer?

Not sure. I would like it but I’m not sure if I want to do it as like a proper living or just do it on the side kind of. Just shoot where and when I want, and have a normal job. We will see.

Are there any photographers you like?

I really like Trent Mitchell at the moment, and guys like Chris Burkard. I really like their work. But there are so many these days, so many good photographers it’s real hard to pick. But those guys are my favourite probably.

To follow Digby's work take some time out of your day, maybe even put on some nice music, and slowly click through the large range of impressive pixels he has on his site over here.

Young, Free, Alright! is a new editorial series presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette. Once a fortnight we'll be showcasing and profiling a young and up-and-coming photographer, filmmaker, blogger, artist, musician, shaper, surfer or whatever that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of Australian surfing. Alright!

Today I surfed some pretty pumping waves with Otis Carey, Benny Godwin, Kalani Ball and Pama Davies whilst it torrentially rained for hours on end. To save their precious cameras and gear all the photogs and filmers bailed until their was one left - standing alone, in the cold all to get that one clip. His name was Owen Milne, and he is a creative filmmaker from the Cenny Coast who was featured as part of Coastalwatch and Arnettes Young, Free, Alright! series which is live online now. Check it. Yew!

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing

The Central Coast of NSW is a breeding ground for talented surfers – and in the case of 17 year old Owen Milne – talented filmmakers alike. A humble, quietly spoken and polite high school student, Owen is consistently producing superb clips of not only surfing, but all action sports, and is evidently getting the recognition he deserves of some well-known brands. His enthusiasm is what Young, Free, Alright! is all about, so here he is as the latest to be featured in the series. Stoked!

CW: When was it that you started shooting and making little films?

OM: Probably when I was in year 5 or 6, and I’m in year 12 now, so that’s around six years I guess. I started off doing photos and stuff, ‘cause I used to have pretty bad cameras, but I bought a 7D which had the video, so I started getting into videos. That’s when I really got into shooting videos. By the end of the week I should have a housing for my camera which will be really good as well.

Did you start off on the Central Coast?

Well I’ve lived in the same house for 17 years so. So I’ve only shot around Copa and the Central Coast area.

Are there many guys that you get to film around your area?

Yeah, I shoot with Josh and Brendan Hay; the Hay brothers, and when Micro and Ace are around I do stuff with them and then I’ve been doing a fair bit of stuff with Andrew Mooney over the past few months as well. A few young guys like Sandon Whittaker and Caleb Tancred are other guys who I shoot a bunch of.

What’s it like shooting with so much talent?

Guys like Mooney are so good to shoot with, because he just knows what he is doing and is real good. We’re planning a few trips this winter and hopefully off to Papua New Guinea at the end of the year which should be some fun trips.

And what about the website you and Mooney have?

We started that a couple of months ago and have like a little clip per month of whatever we have or whatever we’ve filmed on footage. It’s so good for both of us so people can see what we’re doing down here.

It must be rad to work with him in terms of promotion and views on your clips seeing as how good he is.

Yeah it’s always good to shoot with Mooney ‘cause everyone knows him and he is real good in big waves. Real good at airs and all that kind of stuff as well.

Have you got around to other places with guys to film at all?

Not really. Only just around the Central Coast. Especially being in high school it makes it hard. I’m super keen but to travel for sure.

Is school a burden when you’re trying to shoot as much as possible?

Yeah it is a bit now as I’m doing my HSC, it’s hard to get time off school to shoot. But I’ve always wanted to get my HSC so I’ll stay in school until I get that, it’s only a few more months anyway. Then hopefully I can travel and film a lot of surfing.

What’s it like working with Riot Collective and Continue the Casualness?

They are two brands run by local guys, really good brands, and I do all the filming for their ranges of clothing and all their riders. It’s really different ‘cause I shoot skating and BMX and snowboarding. It’s just something different, and helps heaps.

Does shooting different sports help your surf filmmaking?

Yeah, it just gives you a different perspective and point of view compared to when you’re shooting surfing. Which is always good.

Are there any guys’ videos that you really dig?

I really like watching Riley Blakeway’s stuff cause that’s all insane, and Kai Neville. I watch all his feature films 'cause they are always crazy – they're too good. Jacob Wooden is another dude who does sick stuff.

Are there any guys who are in all the big movies that you want to shoot someday?

I’ve always wanted to shoot Kelly Slater, but that’s probably going to be a long way down the line. But anyone that is surfing well is fun to shoot. No one in particular.

What are you doing now to set yourself up in the future?

Well I do a lot of work with guys who shoot music videos, like producers and directors. I do country music videos and help out all these local guys that do them. It’s cool ‘cause I’ve had the chance to work with artists like John Williamson, Kasey Chambers and the Wolfe Brothers. I also did some stuff for a wedding last weekend which was really good, it was my first. Also tomorrow I’m shooting a TV commercial, which should be pretty good, I’m not sure exactly what for yet though (laughs). Hopefully by the end of the year I will have done some work experience with Australia’s Surfing Life in Queensland, which will help a lot.

Do you have any mates around your area that film?

Not really, there are heaps that take photos and stuff but. They are cool for inspiration ‘cause they are always good to look at and see what they are doing. Also because I used to take photos myself I can relate to it pretty easy.

When you say you started filmmaking instead of shooting photos, what was the definitive moment when you began?

It was just as I always wanted to video, but I was stuck with a camera that couldn’t film. But as soon as I got the chance I pretty much jumped on it. It’s heaps better.

Do you have any clips you’re really stoked on?

My favourite one I did was probably the Mooney Mondays one. Which I just did with Mooney over like an hour session at our local point break. I think that one came out the best.

Young, Free, Alright! is a new editorial series presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette. Once a fortnight we'll be showcasing and profiling a young and up-and-coming photographer, filmmaker, blogger, artist, musician, shaper, surfer or whatever that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of Australian surfing. Alright!

To follow Owen's work keep a close eye on his Vimeo page here and the blog he keeps with Andrew Mooney over here.

If anyone ever actually reads this, you probably will remember Kaius' feature for Young, Free, Alright! from a while ago, which is below. Well since then I was lucky enough for Kaius to ask me to write up a word for his website. Not only is he one of the nicest guys I know, but gee can he make a film. Be sure to check him out. Yeah Kaius!

When I first saw the work of Harrison Dancaster, it was safe to say that I was blown away. So it was my privilege to chat with Harrison for Coastalwatch and Arnette's Young, Free, Alright! Yeeew!

The Rad and Creative Youth of Australian Surfing

Harrison Dancaster is a migrant to the warm and vibrant Northern Beaches of Sydney from the much less balmy city of Melbourne, where he grew up through his grommet-hood. Though it wasn’t until the move north that his passion and skills for surf photography were honed along the surf filled coastline shooting mates and enjoying every minute. It was this froth and talent that got us stoked and made us book him in for our latest installment of Young, Free, Alright!

CW: What is your favourite thing about taking surf photos?

HD: I think the best part of it all is having shots that I can look back on from any session. When you’re on land shooting your best mates getting barrelled and stuff, it gets to you, but it’s worth it in the end, getting the shots.

There are heaps of dudes on the Northern Beaches shooting, how are you trying to stand out?

Yeah there is (laughs). I don’t really know, I’m just doing the same thing and shooting good surfers I guess. I’d rather not worry about it all though.

Does being younger make it hard to get time to shoot with school and other commitments going on?

Yeah it does, but you make time for it and in the end it’s worth it. A few days a week I finish before lunch so I normally just go shoot. I’m doing year 12 so I don’t have long left. I just got my license which has helped a lot.

How much satisfaction is it getting a good shot run?

It’s the sickest feeling, knowing that someone is actually enjoying your stuff, that’s probably the best thing about it all.

Have you been in any heavy situations shooting in the water or anything?

I have never shot water at all. It’s something I am aiming to do in the near future for sure though. Once I get some money saved up I’m definitely buying a water-housing to expand my shots. Although there was one heavy situation on land a few weeks ago shooting the women’s final at Bells. The rain was so heavy; I stood beneath the cliffs in a shirt using my jacket to cover up my gear whilst trying to get the shots. I got so drenched.

How long have you been shooting surf images?

I’ve been shooting properly since the start of the year. End of last year I’d stroll across the road to Freshwater beach and take fun shots of the boys surfing out there which was still pretty sick.

How did you get into it?

Well I used to live in Melbourne for 8 years and we’d always go on little weekend trips with a few boys to Torquay or Phillip Island. I always wanted a camera just to get a few shots of the trip but I never really thought of buying one. Until I moved to Sydney last year, that’s when I finally went and got it done.

Have you nailed any shots that you'll never forget?

Yeah, for sure there’s been a few, but the one that stands out the most is a shot of Taj Burrow at Bells a few weeks ago, it was in his semi-final against Nat Young. It was pretty early which meant the light was favourable. I just liked the shot, it came off clean.

Do you enjoy shooting lifestyle shots as well?

Lifestyles are so fun. When I go on trips with the boys it’s something I aim to have in my collection at the end of it all. Just recently I got back from the south coast where I ended up with loads of them. I’m frothing to start shooting more portraits as well.

Do you film many videos? What do you prefer?

I’ve done a few clips, it’s definitely something I consider doing a lot when I’m around good surfers, but at the moment I’ve just been concentrating on shooting stills. No doubt I’ll work on a new clip sometime soon.

Do you have anyone you enjoy shooting with particularly?

Yeah there are loads! I shoot a lot of juniors who are mostly my age so we all get along really good. Shooting the likes of Matt King, Pama Davies & Chris Robertson is always funny and definitely worth it, we always seem to meet up for constant trips; even though we’re all from different parts of NSW.

Is there anyone in mind you'd be really keen to shoot?

Well yeah I mean, shooting someone like Dane or Chippa would be crazy, but as for now I’m pretty keen to get some stuff done with Cooper Chapman as he lives pretty close.

How do you find the surf scene on the Northern and the guys you get the opportunity to shoot?

There’s so much talent around here to shoot, the only thing holding it all back is the waves. They can definitely turn on and produce, but a lot of the time it gets hard.

What was it like shooting at the Bells contest this year?

Bells was a trip I won’t forget, it was definitely worth the early mornings and the 2-hour drive from Melbourne in the little Corolla (laughs). I got loads of footage and the landscapes around there are mental!

Do you look up to any photographers?

Yeah for sure, I think the younger guys like Matt O’Brien and Duncan Macfarlane are standouts, thier stuff is so sick and definitely something I look up too. Andrew Schoener is another, he shoots film a lot and that’s something I want to get into.

What are you aiming to do after you finish school?

I’m definitely hoping to get right into the photography industry. I’ve decided it’s what I want to be doing in a year's time, but at the moment I’m just saving up money, I just got a job at a surf shop, which should help out.

What are you doing to help your future in photography?

I’m just trying to get as much exposure as I can with my stuff. I just finished off my new website which I’m pretty stoked with. I’m hoping to buy some new gear shortly as well. Hopefully things keep going as good as they have been lately and some new opportunities can arise that I can make the most of!

Young, Free, Alright! is a new editorial series presented by Coastalwatch and Arnette. Once a fortnight we'll be showcasing and profiling a young and up-and-coming photographer, filmmaker, blogger, artist, musician, shaper, surfer or whatever that we've been digging. The rad and creative groms of Australian surfing. Alright!

To follow Harrison's work have a geeze at his brand spankin' new site over here.