The Inertia Films’ 31 Favorite Projects of 2016

On location with Mick Fanning and his dog Harper for a project earlier this year.

It’s one thing to write about people. It’s an amazingly challenging, but rewarding exercise: the art of choosing the right details to include (and to omit) in order to direct attention to the most compelling angle of a person’s story. It’s a totally different thing to put cameras on that person – let them speak for themselves. A camera humanizes people in a way that only the most talented wordsmith can. You see the subject breathe, roll her eyes, recoil, and laugh. In 2016, we did our very best to produce as many interesting, original film projects as our tiny crew could muster, and, man, we were busy. Looking back at that stack of files is gratifying. Below are our favorite 31 projects from year (there are actually more if you care to have a look at our YouTube page), and we can assure you, we’ve got an even more exciting slate for the year ahead in 2017. Enjoy.

1. Kelly Slater and Rob Machado Discuss Competitive Drive and Family

Bringing these two legends together in the same room to discuss one of the most historic (and previously unaddressed) moments in the history of surfing was a true honor. In over 20 years Kelly and Rob had never actually discussed their high-five, a moment that was as iconic as the divergence in their careers that came after it. To be in the room when the conversation happened was a privilege, and we’re especially excited that we got to share the whole evening with the world. Their full conversations from the North Shore premiere of our film, HI-5: Rob Machado, Kelly Slater, and the True Story of Surfing’s Greatest Heat can be found here.

2. Holy Meola!

Good people aren’t to be taken for granted. And the Meola family is GOOD – not to mention freakishly talented. Last winter we sat down with Matt and Lily to talk about their respective talents – mind-blowing aerial- and big-wave surfing on Matt’s side and arresting Winehouse-esque vocals on Lily’s side, and the conversations yielded a portrait of a family that grows in the direction of its passions. With a whole lot of love and support from the parents, the Meola’s are a case study in pursuing your dreams.

3. (HEADSPACE): Laird Hamilton

The Laird is a mystery to most, but, really, like all of the talented people we put a lens on, he’s a person. He does superhuman things, and he trains to be ready for what the earth throws at him, but, just like every sap with a beating heart, he wants to be happy. Leveling with Laird on life in a picturesque spot in New Zealand was a treat.

4. Kassia Meador Just Surfed the Brightest Supermoon in 69 Years

Carpe diem, baby! That’s what this little edit (and typically any time spent with Kassia Meador) is all about. Go night surf. Whether we have a supermoon and glow sticks or not, it’s worth it.

5. Both Sides of the Lunada Localism Lawsuit Speak Out

Shit has hit the fan in Palos Verdes, and we wanted to hear both sides of the story. Predictably, angry locals being served by the courts aren’t as excited to get on camera as folks a little removed from the matter, but we thought it was important to hear from the plaintiff and the folks who want to keep Lunada a secret. A pretty interesting portrait develops.

6. Tom Carroll Discusses Battling Drug Addiction, Recovery and the Key to Happiness

Tom Carroll is raw and honest, and he shares generously his story of overcoming drug addiction and coming away from hard times stronger.

7. Mick Fanning Gives Us Balter Beer and Discusses Surf Plans for 2017

We headed to the Gold Coast to hang with Mick Fanning for a few down days this Fall, and we caught a glimpse into what a break actually looks like for the most talked about surfer ever. He’s living a good life, and he’s recharging. That comes through in this edit.

8. Freddy P. Is Still a Ruthless Competitor

Don’t go anywhere Freddy P. Plus, your relationship with his daughter is adorable.

9. Daniel Kereopa Is New Zealand’s Greatest Underdog

DK has a street named after his family in Raglan, if that gives you any insight into the Kereopa clan’s weight in the country. They had a parade for him when he won the Ultimate Waterman in 2015, and getting to know DK has been a pleasure.

10. Kyuss King Is the Neon Green 16-Year-Old, Metalhead Surfing Needs Right Now

This tow-headed metal mouth (no longer) is the future. And he and his family have a good thing going. We enjoyed hanging together in San Clemente for this piece.

11. Free diver Ant Williams Can Hold His Breath 8 Minutes

Dude can hold his breath for eight minutes. Tell us more.

12. Ben Wilkinson Might Be the World’s Craftiest Big Wave Surfer

Ben Wilkinson is kind of the BFG of surfing. He charges huge waves and makes some of the most beautiful wooden furniture on the planet.

13. Mark McMorris Discusses His Comeback

Ever been a professional athlete that broke his femur. Not an easy road ahead. McMorris has managed it gracefully.

14. The World’s Best Surfers Show Us How to Throw the Perfect Shaka

In case you were wondering.

15. Hayden Cox Wants to Build the World’s Best Surfboards

If you’re successful, there will be a group of people who does not approve. That group is always the vocal minority, but, man, do they like to hear the sound of their own voices. Which is fun and ironic if you sit down with the folks at Haydenshapes, because they wish you nothing but the best.

16. Greg Long and Kyle Thiermann Guide Us Through Puerto Escondido

Two of our favorite people team up to show a lesser seen side of Puerto Escondido.

17. The Pai Family Keeps Surfing in the Blood at HSS

Family first. That’s how the Pai’s do it at their iconic surf shop.

18. Bird Huffman Has Built One of the World’s Most Prized Surfboard Collections

Bird sheds a tear in this piece. He’s a good man.

19. Kelly Slater Hosts an Art Show with Strong Thoughts on the 2016 Election

The fact that Kelly sorta kinda made a political statement is interesting. Almost more interesting is the fact that in throwing a political art show he was able to not make a statement.