‘On The Fly’ surf video debuts this weekend

With the idea born and raised here on Kaua‘i, with the talent of Joel Guy and a consortium of video donors, monetary support emanating from Nalu Underground magazine, which is also based here on Kaua‘i, along with the laborious editing and wave selection and identifying of footage by Dylan Melamed (who at the time was recuperating from an injury), as well as the exceptional cover design by Linda Pizzitola of Kaua‘i Design, it seems only fitting and appropriate that the official release of “On The Fly,” the official documentation of the 2004-2005 surf season, takes place this weekend at a planned National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) contest set for Feb. 4 and 5 at Pine Trees in Hanalei.

Homegrown local style filming, editing, interviews and plenty of kokua from friends and family and businesses literally made this surf film a reality.

Sponsorship dollars as well as all proceeds for the video are donated back to the NSSA fund for its memberships respective scholarships and overall needs.

Joel Guy of Grass Shack productions here on Kaua‘i along with Dylan Melamed and a host of parents on tour with their kids from contest site to contest site were literally “On The Fly,” traveling and filming all of Hawai‘i’s hottest groms aged 7- 17 in the various competitions.

Even Andy Irons, Bruce Irons winning wave in the Eddie, and Flea’s insane wipeout are included.

Hawai‘i’s Eddie Aikau Waterman of the Year Kalani Vierra, Turk Cazimero and Hawaiian comedian extradordinaire Augie T. added flavor, humor and commentary, while further insight on film was provided by the likes of Bethany Hamilton, Carissa Moore, Granger Larsen, Dusty Payne, Ezekiel Lau, Ben Aipa, and all the coaches for the different surf industry team captains. From Hurley’s own Kahea Hart, and Volcum’s Dave Riddle, to Rainos Hayes of Billabong, Donald Pahia of Quiksilver and Roxy, and Brad Chang of Oakley and Surfco. Hawai‘i.

Nalu Underground magazine was a vital monetary contributor and served as the title sponsor for the project with Curt Smith’s personal backing and support, and Jamba Juice, Verizon Wireless and other individual donors, who dug deep for even further support.

After months of gathering materials, the movie was thought to be completed until the guys realized they had a chance to film and include footage from the NSSA national competition that featured one of Hawai‘i’s strongest ever field of contenders in San Clemente. In fact Hawai‘i stroked away with 10 of 11 first-place trophies in June including an awe-inspiring open men’s division perfect 20 score in the finals by 16-year-old surf phenom Clay Marzo.

Carissa Moore took home a triple crown, and John John Florence captured two firstplace finishes.

All the action is documented and mixed with moments of humor and triumph, local style.

The down home approach to all the interviews features some touching moments with Turk Cazimero the Hawaiian Hurricane as your host and emcee.

Viewers will experience a touch of Hawai‘i that ‘ohana will greatly appreciate from Hilo to Hanalei. If you love our beaches, our surfing, our lifestyle and family, “On The Fly” is an entertaining 40 minutes of Hawai‘i’s groms that will last a lifetime. It will truly be a collector’s item for years to come.

The video is available on site this weekend at the beach in Hanalei while viewing live and in person this year’s top NSSA Hawai‘i surfers competing for positions and points to make the cut for the National Championships held in late June at San Clemente.

Some of Hawai‘i’s best young amateurs will compete over the two-day weekend against some of the island’s finest wave riders aged 7-17 including national champions Bethany Hamilton, Carissa Moore, Clay Marzo, Kai Barger, John John Florence, Granger Larsen, Pipeline winner Alana Blanchard, and World Junior Champion Tonino Benson. The public is welcom and admission is free.