Tales of surfers from the edge of the Australian continent and fringes of society, who through their unique relationships with the ocean have discovered who they want to be and the way they want to live. They ride on their own terms, for the pure, simple stoke of it, and each wave is another step on the path to self-discovery.

The O’Riginals are artist Billy Bain, design student Dan Johnson and gardener Lachie Rombouts. 

PART 1: BILLY BAIN

In an alternate universe, Billy Bain may have gone on to be an elite professional surfer. He cut his teeth in junior contests and enjoyed success, the thrill of sponsorship and even a few magazine spreads. The future was seemingly laid out before him, but inside there was conflict. Billy wanted to draw and paint.

The O’Riginals Part 1 follows Billy’s story from up-coming grommet through to his decision to leave his suburban beach home and move to the city. It captures the struggles that came as he tried to adjust, and eventually the acceptance that he was on the right path and that he hadn’t abandoned surfing, but rather, he’d embraced in a new way that was even more fulfilling.

“Like so many kids who show promise as talented juniors, their journey with surfing doesn’t just stop when they finally decide the contest rash vest isn’t for them. If anything, it’s just getting started, that’s what makes Billy’s journey so cool. That – and the fact he’s doing it on his own terms,” said O’Riginals director Vaughan Blakey.