The Dill & Beeg Project

Surfing, like life, is better shared with someone. When the art of surfing was first described in 1769 by Joseph Banks on the HMS Endeavor during Captain James Cook’s third voyage to the Hawaiian islands, he did so collectively, depicting scores of Polynesians riding together. The chief (Ali’i) was the most skilled wave rider in the community with the best boards made from the best tree, and commoners, although not allowed to surf spots reserved for royalty could achieve elevated levels of social status by their skills on a wooden board. But the ancient Hawaiian people did not consider surfing a mere recreational activity or hobby, rather it was integrated into their culture as something much more. They referred to it as heʻe nalu, which translates into English as “wave sliding”. Right from the very beginning, surfing has always been considered a true art form. Brendon Gibbens and Dillon Perillo are wave sliding artists, and film connoisseurs. Not always sliding on water, no, but sliding and flying as further expression of the watery human art form in the 21st century. And like all good art, it needs to be documented and shared. What better way than motion pictures! Film, as much as art or photography, is today's ultimate canvas in this digital, online age. We caught up with Brendon “Beeg” Gibbens and picked his brain with a few wondering thoughts on their recent short film release of ‘The Dill & Beeg Project’.

WHAT IS "THE DILL AND DEEG PROJECT"

So Beeg, ‘The Dill and Beeg Project’, what is it about?

The Dill & Beeg Project is a compilation of our - Dillon 'Dill" Perillo’s and Brendon "Beeg" Gibbens best footage from 2015.

So it’s surfing and art? Was this the goal from the beginning or did things evolve as the year progressed?

The goal was to make a short film that highlighted our surfing. We wanted to make something that we’d both be proud of. Initially, we were quite lax about trying to nail clips, but as the year progressed, we put a lot more time and effort into what we were doing. The project definitely grew into a beast, it became a passion project.

There are three distinct chapters/segments to the film. Where were these filmed and tell us something interesting about each location?

We didn’t want the film to be location-based, although there is definitely a travel element that’s present (hence the transitional section between the first a second surf sections). The first section is a mix of West Aus, Portugal, and California, the second section is all Micronesia and the ender is a mix of Reunion and Indo.

FILMED SURF SPOTS AND INSIGHTS

You surfed and filmed in Reunion at the height of the Bull shark problem. Talk us through that experience? What was the feedback from the few local surfer you met?

Visiting Reunion was amazing! It was the best trip I’ve ever been on. The fact that the surf spots surrounding the island are riddled with sharks definitely made surfing a stressful experience. It also seems to have affected the tourism industry quite badly. It’s a shame, Reunion is a beautiful island with great waves!

Highlight while filming for D&B?

The highlight for us was being able to have complete creative control of what we were doing. It’s really nice to be able do what you want.

Lowest point?

I guess the cost? Even though Dill and I split the bills, paying for cameramen, airfares, accommodation etc etc, is really expensive.

Surfing alone or with people? And why.

I can’t stand crowds, although surfing with a couple of people in the water is comforting.

What matters most to you as a surfer presently?

My health.

When you’re not surfing or filming, what do you and Dill enjoy doing in your spare time?

I like making music and Dill works on HTML coding, it’s an odd mix of activities.

BREDON GIBBONS VIEW ON SURF FILMS

In today’s world where do you think the focus is on surf movie making? What is the most valued and well-reached film format at present?

I’d say the most valued and well-reached film format would have to be online? It seems like it’s virtually impossible to keep material exclusive. For me, the focus of surf film making is entirely based on the performance. The standard of the clips is crucial.

So Kelly Slater unveiled the world's best man-made wave recently. What do you think about man-made vs natural waves as a progressive surfer and someone who works so hard to perfect certain maneuvers?

I think that new wave pool looks amazing. It will be fun to try it out. I’m sure every other surfer and his dog wants to do the same thing, so I’d rather look elsewhere for good waves. Surfing the same ‘perfect’ waves might get a bit monotonous. I guess I kinda feel indifferent about wave pools.

Cold vs warm water. Is there a difference in performance?

Yeah, I’d say there is a difference. How cold are we taking? I don’t really enjoy surfing in freezing cold conditions, wearing lots of rubber is definitely restricting. Surfing in trunks is a pleasure.

Which stamp next in your passport? What is next for Dill and Beeg?

I’d love to go back to South Africa, I miss home a lot! As for Dill & Beeg, I’m not sure? I guess we go our separate ways! It was fun while it lasted.