Jowan slotted in Indo
Before he was known for chasing big, hollow walls, Jowan Pegg was a kid who couldn’t stay out of the water, pouring hours into perfecting his craft in the Challaborough bowl. What began as a childhood obsession quickly grew into something more: a restless drive to explore new waves, test his limits and carve out his own space in the surf community. These early sessions weren’t simply about surfing; they were about learning to read the ocean, absorbing the culture around it, and developing the visual sensibility that would later come to define his filmmaking. Now that raw energy has matured into a career built on developing his surfing, chasing the best waves in the world and documenting these expeditions with an artist’s eye. Jowan doesn’t simply capture the action; he builds narratives around place, people and atmosphere, giving his audience a sense of being there in the salt and spray. His films balance intensity with intimacy, moving beyond highlight reels to explore what surfing means as a lifestyle, a community and an ongoing search.
Profile and interview by Noah Petersons
Working on Sampoerna in Indo.
His latest project, Sampoerna, shot and edited by a tight-knit crew of friends, is a 17-minute immersion into the vibrant surf culture and spellbinding natural landscapes of South Sumatra. The film reflects Jowan’s instinct for collaboration, showing not just waves ridden, but moments on land, local interactions and the downtime that binds all surf trips together. It is as much about rhythm and atmosphere as it is about performance, offering a textured portrait of a place where surfing intertwines with daily life. What makes Sampoerna stand out is its sense of community. It is a film built by friends, for friends, yet it reaches wider, inviting viewers to share in the camaraderie of chasing waves at the edge of the map. By the end, the viewer feels less like an observer and more like part of the crew: sunburnt, salt-strung, and already thinking about the next paddle out.
To get a more profound sense of Jowan’s journey as both a surfer and filmmaker, we asked him about his influences, creative process and the challenges of capturing the ocean on film…
When did you realise that surfing was more than just a hobby?
It probably would have to have been when I got my first proper sponsorship with O’Neill; actually seeing some money come into the bank account from just doing what I’ve always loved was a really exciting feeling.
What was the first surf film or project you ever made, and what do you think about it now?
The first project I was involved in was back when Covid was in full swing, with South Devon-based filmmaker Luke Lane. We shot it over the winter, and I think it was called ‘Servio’. It’s nice to look back on and revisit those memories. But I was so young! So there’s definitely a lot of room for improvement haha.
How do you balance spontaneity with planning when shooting in such a dynamic, unpredictable environment?
I don’t; all of my films have come out pretty naturally. I tend to go on a trip, film as much surfing and lifestyle as possible and only when I get home do I really try to create something out of what we have. I don’t do shot lists, haha. At least not yet! Maybe when the money comes in.
Your films have a distinct tone and visual language. What or who inspires your style?
Nobody inspires me in that way. I obviously have filmmakers and creatives that I really look up to, but I think style is unique and shouldn’t be grasped from others, especially in the creative realms.
Airtime
You premiered Sampoerna alongside Kern Thunk. Could you tell us a bit more about who they are and what they do?
I guess people would call it a brand, but for me, and I know for a lot of other people, it’s so much more than just that. I’d say the best way to explain it is as a collective of like-minded surfers, skaters, and creatives who bounce ideas off each other and really help bring out the best in one another. Kern Thunk gives people like me such a good platform to showcase creative work, and they have grown a solid following that will always come out to support projects, have a laugh, and definitely have a beer (ten). I first met Morgan and Riley (Founders) a few years back from just being involved in the local surf scene. They’ve been legends and great friends of mine ever since, helping me premiere a couple of my projects now, which have all been a great success. So yeah, watch out. Kern Thunk is growing and growing fast!
How important is local surf culture in your storytelling?
Obviously, local culture, especially related to surfing, is such a big part of any trip… It’s great to show your audience what the people are like who actually call these places home, compared to travellers who may stop by a place for a month or so. This gives a really dynamic perspective on the locations and corners of the earth we sometimes spend days just getting too.
What’s the hardest part of filming in the surf environment?
Fuck there are so many!! It’s got to be the weather; rain, sun glare, low light – You name it, filming and Mother Nature have a difficult yet beautiful relationship.
What’s been the most rewarding or unexpected moment you’ve captured on camera?
Nothing comes close to getting a good clip of my brother or close mates, for me, these are the most rewarding moments in filmmaking – making a memory out of a moment so that it can be relived for generations.
Are there any upcoming projects or locations you’re excited about?
Oh yes! I’ll be heading back to Sumatra early next year to shoot one more movie. But I’m really excited for some cold water trips this year; I have Ireland and Scotland on the radar, just waiting for the right charts to strike a little mission. I love the visuals and how atmospheric these two countries are, and am very excited to document them.
Making films or making heats?
Films every time! I’ve loved stepping away from competition to focus on the things that really make me happy. It’s brought a freshness to surfing for me, and I’m loving where I am in life at the moment.
Watch Sampoerna here
