Former, the surf brand and film collective, has come a long way since its inception in 2017. From the cluttered garage of co-founder Dane Reynolds to the grand stage of the Majestic Ventura Theater, Former has navigated a series of stutter steps, product launches, and inventory shortages to become a legitimate surf movie with an A-grade team in pumping waves. This journey, marked by financial struggles and personal dedication, culminates in the release of their first major team film, "Defect".
"Defect" is a celebration of the brand's growth and the surfing family it has cultivated. It features an expanded roster of surfers, including Reynolds, co-founder Craig Anderson, Shaun Manners, Timo Simmers, Dion Agius, Benny Howard, Jay Davies, Dillon Perillo, Gabe Morvil, Jake Kelley, James Kusitino, Kai MacKenzie, Matt Hoy, and Kaito Ohashi. The film showcases the surfers' styles and techniques in real-time, with each session offering a unique comparison and contrast.
One of the standout moments in "Defect" is the introduction of James Kusitino, whose original tube technique left some viewers in awe. His Cloudbreak clips, despite being familiar to those in the know, were mesmerizing to new viewers, eliciting expletives of admiration from the live crowd.
The film also highlights the physical toll taken by the surfers, with a slew of injuries across the roster, including Dane Reynolds' broken foot in Indonesia, Craig Anderson's busted foot in Chile, Shaun Manners' concussion in Ireland, and Dion Agius' punctured lung while snowboarding in the Alps. However, "Defect" playfully hints at these setbacks without feeling woe-is-us.
The surfers' diverse backgrounds add to the film's appeal. Jay Davies works on a tugboat in Perth, Gabe Morvil is training to be an electrician in North Carolina, and Benny Howard is a long-haul trucker on Australian highways. Yet, when proper waves arrive, they all sink their teeth in, showcasing their passion and dedication to the sport.
"Defect" will be screened in Newport on June 18 and Oceanside on June 19, followed by live shows on the US East Coast and Australia. It will then drop online in August, marking a significant milestone for Former and its surfing family. The film is a testament to the brand's resilience and the power of surfing to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
