Desensitised

Desensitised

DESENSITISED, is my debut surf film. This documentary-style film follows my evolution from a fearless 13-year-old to a seasoned big-wave surfer. Centered around three iconic Australian breaks that have defined my career, it showcases my path into the world of big-wave surfing.

Thrown into the deep end as a young teen, gaining confidence with every wave. At 14, I took that confidence to one of the world’s most iconic surf spots in Australia, Shipstern Bluff. Normally, it’s an unwritten rule that you have to paddle the place before towing, but that first day, I was let off the hook as it was unpaddable, witnessing surfing legends like Marty Paradisis and Tyler Homer-Cross catching 20-foot waves. Fast forward a decade, and now find myself in a position chasing down those set waves.

DESENSITISED is a tribute to 10 years of trials, triumphs, and relentless dedication. Experience the highs and lows of my surf journey as I chase the ultimate ride and push myself to see what’s possible in the realm of big-wave surfing.

Of course, this is just the beginning. Follow along as I continue living The Search. – Kipp Caddy

Directed by: Kipp Caddy
Filmed: Cameron Staunton, Chris Bryan, Mark Bramley, Tim bonython
Edited: Cameron Staunton
Sound Design: Ahmed Natiq
Colour Grade: Tim Wreyford
Presented by: Rip Curl

Shawn Dennis – Tunnel Vision

Shawn Dennis – Tunnel Vision

“I think what brought me to Indonesia was the allure of good waves, but also the freedom that you find here. I’d only planned to be in Indonesia for two months, then a one or two-month trip turned into three years…”

Interestingly enough, you meet a lot of folks whose trips went that way around Bali. They just don’t all get as insanely tubed as Shawn Dennis. Check out the short film on this Saffa transplant, featuring a few tubes from Shawn’s “extended stay.” @driftersurf

My Journey Surfing Teahupo’o – Brisa Hennessy

My Journey Surfing Teahupo’o – Brisa Hennessy

Raised in a family deeply connected to the ocean, Brisa spent her early years honing her talents in both Costa Rica and Hawaii.

Her dedication and talent have led her to to a string of successes, currently sitting in 3rd place on WSL Championship Tour,  taking second to Vahine Fierro in the Tahiti Pro with insane performances by all the ladies involved.

Beyond her surfing, Hennessy is commitment to environmental causes, advocating for ocean conservation and sustainable living practices across the globe.

We salute you Brisa.

Pumping Lennox Head

Pumping Lennox Head

Some of the local crew are saying this was the best Lennox Head surf in years. The sand was primed, the swell was pumping and the wind was offshore – and the result was Lennox Head going next level. In fact the whole of the East Coast was going next level on this July swell event, which actually lived up to the surf forecast hype… which is a rarity.

The result was a line-up that was absolutely packed out, only matched by the amount of onlookers and cameras on the shoreline. As the swell rolled in the stoke was high, with barrels galore and people were scoring the waves of a lifetime, with plenty being spat out, with a full claim, and rightfully so!

So sit back, relax and enjoy @stokedfortravel

Easy like a Burleigh Morning

Easy like a Burleigh Morning

Burleigh Heads, located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, a picturesque coastal suburb renowned for its stunning beaches, lush national park, and vibrant cafe culture. Let’s not forget its world-class surf breaks. Don’t expect to get it to yourself, Burleigh can get very crowded, but you might get the wave of a lifetime so join the queue, be patient and dig in. 

Pro ocean surfers test the waters of wakesurfing

Pro ocean surfers test the waters of wakesurfing

What happens when ocean surfers swap the seas for lake waters? That’s one question Volvo Penta set out to answer when it brought professional surfers Alyssa Spencer and Tatiana Weston-Webb on board with professional wakesurfer Parker Payne for a special crossover event on Lake Martin in Alabama.

Parker shared wakesurfing tips for the group with Volvo Penta’s Forward Drive and Watersports Control system at the helm on three innovative boat models – the Regal LS9 Surf, Cobalt R8 Surf and Paradigm Boats wakesurf deck boat. Below we dive into a few key takeaways from their time on the water.

1. Practice makes perfect: Even seasoned surfers need a bit of time to adjust to a wave that’s powered by boat instead of Mother Nature. “I was expecting a bit of a challenge the first few waves because learning how to get up and get going was new for me,” said Spencer. “Once I got the hang of it though, it was so fun!”

2. Control breeds creativity: While the unpredictable nature of the ocean has its unique allure, the more controlled environment of wakesurfing also offers a dose of spontaneity. “The wave is pretty similar every time, so I feel like you can be really creative and have fun with it because you know you’ll always get another chance,” said Spencer. 
3. The boat brings out the fun factor: Boating delivers a unique atmosphere that even sea dwellers can appreciate. “Everything from riding the wave, to having music blaring, and your friends to cheer you on as you surf is all pretty cool,” said Spencer. “It makes the experience of a day on the lake a lot of fun.”  


4. Advantages in accessibility: Wakesurfing is a great option for those who might find themselves in a more landlocked area. Weston-Webb noted the benefits for people who don’t live near the coast: “what’s cool about wakesurfing is that it’s a lot more accessible to people in middle America and anywhere that doesn’t have oceans.” 

5. Wakesurfing is a workout: Like ocean surfing, wakesurfing is a great outlet for people to get exercise while honing their skills in a unique sport. “It’s nice because anyone can try wakesurfing, it’s a great workout and you’re getting better at something that’s really fun,” said Weston-Webb. “Maybe one day, you’ll go to the ocean and know what to do there too!”

While wakesurfing might not be in the cards for Weston-Webb this summer, as she gears up for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the sport is continuing a steady rise with new demographics that underscore the growing intersection between watersports lovers and boating enthusiasts. According to a research study conducted by Discover Boating, there are 91 million potential future boaters in identified growth and emerging segments – including those with a special interest in outdoor recreation activities.

Forward is the only way

In the spirit of bringing versatility to the forefront, Volvo Penta is cruising ahead with the idea that “Forward is the Only Way” by introducing new projects and partnerships to help drive awareness with expanded audiences. Volvo Penta strives to attract new demographics to boating by demonstrating how its Forward Drive propulsion system is setting a new standard for a variety of active lifestyle customers to enjoy surf and serenity.

“With the Volvo Penta Forward Drive system, it really allows the boat to have the power to get you out of the water quickly and creates a great wave for surfing,” said Payne. “It allows for a lot of extra room on the boat so that way you have room to chill with your friends. You can have a large sundeck and really enjoy your day on the water and maximise that experience.”

Tempted to jump in the captain’s chair or try your hand at wakesurfing? Check out the “Forward is the Only Way” story, or follow these guys on InstagramFacebook and TikTok