Offering a rare insight into his life and the waves he’s faced, West Australian slab wave surfer Kerby Brown’s new film will be on show at BCC Noosa on 10 March.
Noosa Today had the chance to speak with the film’s star about why he’s obsessed with pitting himself against one of nature’s most intimidating forces, and now readers have the chance to win one of five double passes to the 90-minute documentary, Facing Monsters.
Pitched as more than a surfing film, the documentary delves into Brown’s battles with addiction, his mental health, the healing power of the ocean, and the enduring love of family.
“I’m super happy the film is going to be showing during the Noosa Surf Festival, so all the keen surf enthusiasts can get a look into my world over here in Western Australia, which is a fair bit different to your coastline,” Kerby said.
“Noosa is a beautiful place and the coastline is amazing, and it’s such a contrast to our coast with different energy and breaks that we don’t seem to get much of over here.”
The film is an unapologetic musing into the essence of Kerby and his family as we join them on his quest to ride a ferocious slab wave in the deep Southern Ocean that no one has surfed before.
“I’m a really private and reserved person, so it was a big decision to make this film, but I really thought by showing people a look into my world and how much the ocean has helped me throughout my life, that people would take a positive message out of the film,” he said.
“The feedback has been amazing so far from the screenings we have. You don’t have to be a surfer to appreciate the film.
“I hope the community enjoys the film and gets a glimpse into our world that most people would never get to see.”
Growing up in the remote West Australian town of Kalbarri, family has always been core to Kerby’s life. As a junior champion and professional surfer, he chose to give up the chance to compete within the World Surfing Tour to follow his dream and ambition to surf some of the heaviest slab waves in the world.
Kerby said for any young surfers looking to pursue slab waves, it was important to remember how risky it could be.
“Riding these waves is such a dangerous thing to get into and the consequences are heavy,” he said.
“I would never push anyone into it if they weren’t truly passionate about it. But if any up and coming kids are truly passionate about chasing and riding waves like that, I would 100 per cent encourage that. If that’s your passion, then sure, I would support that.”
Featuring stunning cinematography by Rick Rifici, viewers are right there with Kerby immersed in the ferocity of the Southern Ocean and the thunder of its deadly monsters as he prepares to take on the ride of his life.
For your chance to win one of five double passes to Facing Monsters, showing at BCC Noosa and BCC Maroochydore on 10 March, enter online now at noosatoday.com.au/competitions
