Learn to Surf with Andy Irons
Directed & Co-Written by Angelo Mei
Trailer | Photos | Production Notes
Three-time world champion Andy Irons hosts this revolutionary, fun, and hilarious instructional DVD. Filmed in Hawaii, The Fundamentals is sure to make you think, laugh, and paddle out today.
Presented by Billabong and Transworld SURF. Three-time world champion Andy Irons hosts this revolutionary, fun, and hilarious instructional DVD on the fundamentals of learning how to surf. Volume 001 in this collector’s series focuses on the basics while all skill levels will find helpful tips on surfing better. Filmed in Hawaii and bro-hosted by TransWorld SURF magazine’s Chris Cote, Learn to Surf: The Fundamentals is sure to make you think, laugh, and paddle out today.
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Trailer
Photos
Production Notes
Good friend and fellow filmmaker, Jarrod Tallman, called me up one spring morning and said, “start writing and doing pre-production because it’s on.” I knew exactly what he meant. Jarrod, co-writer and producer, along with producer and graphics master Mavis Davis, hired me as director and co-writer for Learn to Surf. The crew, consisting of legendary photographer Brian Bielmann, cinematographer Mike Prickett, production manager Eddie Abubo, Sound man Ben Wallen and Billabong legend Enich Harris, all bled, sweat and cried in this production. The result: an innovative, funny and beautiful instructional video, with none other than Andy Irons himself. Transworld Surf Magazine’s editor/comedian Chris Cote came along as Andy’s on-camera sidekick. This worked to everyone’s advantage, considering Chris’s great camera presence and the fact that he and Andy were already good friends.
I had never met Andy Irons prior to making this video, but I had my fears regarding his cooperation in the making of a remedial surf video. Upon our first meeting, Andy grabbed my script and flipped through all 25 pages. He looked me in the eyes and asked, “is this your baby?” “Yes it is,” I replied. “Looks like we have some work on our hands,” Andy announced. “Well,” he said, “game on.” And with one powerful handshake, the show began.
For 5 straight 8-hour days, the crew and with the world champ worked together under the hot Hawaiian sun and occasional tropical downpours to make this video. Eddie Abubo and his wife Saran, along with Andy’s parents, Phil and Danielle, fed and loved us with a Hawaiian spirit I had only read about in fairy tales. True Hawaiian legends Tamba and Tin Tin and grom ripper Kaimana Jaquais contributed to give the video an authentic island vibe.
Professional actor, cult surf icon and close friend John Philbin (North Shore, Tombstone, Point Break) structured the lessons Andy taught, in addition to narrating the video.
What making this video meant to me is that a little respect can take you far in the world, whether you’re surfing, filmmaking or just visiting an unfamiliar area. Teamwork and good communication is imperative when making films, and we were blessed with both on the outdoor sets of Learn to Surf with Andy Irons.
