Ruff Cuts - Kom surfers go wild!

Making surf movies in South Africa is a pretty difficult task. This is not due to the lack of talent, or for the lack of incredible waves - its mainly due to the fact that in a market where surfers are such a small portion of the population, there really is  not much money to be made from these projects. Its for this reason that I am always stoked to find local videos, made by the guys who are really passionate about SA surfing and documenting it.

One of these guys is, Alan Robb.



Alan has been making surf films for quite some time now, in betwean his other commitments and work. I had a quik chat with him about the new movie and filming around his home of the Kom, in Cape Town.

Kai - What got you into surf cinematography?
Alan - Being a surfer and enjoying shooting surfing since the first Spur Surfabout... and having a wife who warrants being recorded.

Kai - Its tough sometimes being behind the lens when the waves are cranking - what motivates you to keep at it?
Alan - Injuries, the love of editing, money, and the fact that some waves I just don't want to surf...

Kai - What was the high lite of making Rough Cuts?
Alan - Highlight of Ruff Cuts were numerous... a condensation of west coast trips and good cape days, but the Dream Session in evening light at Hts was good because I got to shoot Scuzz, our captain, who is a legend. Also, being in a rubber duck at Sunset was a rush.

Kai - Who do you think is the best up and coming surfer in SA right now - who really impressed you shooting the movie?
Alan - Brendon Gibbens pulls off some great airs and Dave Richards has a knack for big tubes... then there's the Brands who absolutely rip... and Mikey February.

Kai - You have lived in the Kom for a very long time and this is reflected in the movie - how has the deep south changed since you were a kid?
Alan - Deep south has more surfers now... the spots we kept quiet for years have been exposed to some degree and surf schools help to put more flotsam in the lineups... The place is still beautiful though and quiet sessions are still to be found. And for some reason there are less paddle-skiers..!?

Kai - Where to from here?
Alan - Next: Surf more, shoot more... for the love of it. Shweet!



So there you have it - straight and direct from the land of the KOM! Dam, I wish I had less flying deck chairs - ok, so I only have one, Khimal, but he is the same as 4 more! haha

Check out Ruff Cuts! A new video from Leaping Louse Productions... call 0733838924 for a copy or visit Lifestyle or The Corner Surfshop in Muizenberg or The Kommetjie Surfshop.