Watch: Walkabout
"Walkabout began twenty years ago.
"At the age of 19, young Arnaud Mestelan left home to embark on his first solo surf trip. On the platform at the train station in Biarritz, he met Robbie Page, an Australian pro surfer.
"With his ten years on the ASP Tour and his Pipe Masters title in 1988, Robbie was a surfing legend. At the time, he was living in France and was on his way home to Australia. After a few minutes chatting together, Robbie offered to take Arnaud with him on his trip. The two new friends spent more than three weeks together, surfing across New South Wales, before Arnaud set off on his own journey.
"Today, Arnaud is in his forties, has three children and runs the Aux Guides Baigneurs’ shop at Biarritz's Grande Plage. Since they met, Arnaud has always had the dream of one day returning to Australia to meet up with his buddy Robbie. Two decades after their original adventure together, Robbie and Arnaud are set to meet up again. Arnaud surprises Robbie at the National Aboriginal Surfing Championships at Bells Beach and together, they embark on a new road trip, in search of waves, community and connection to Country.
"Produced by OXBOW and filmed by award-winning filmmaker Matty Hannon with Robbie Page."
Comments
I love the respect that comes with Acknowledgement on FB. I believe most surfers feel that deep connection to country, it’s something we should listen to. Sadly, some go to great lengths to destroy culture and create division for political gain. That’s a slippery slope.
For me, I never take for granted the simple act of just being, sitting, watching, and participating in the ocean. It’s a privilege.
Great flick guys and thanks for the spiritual edge
that was so sick....
sooo good
Love the film, lots to learn within the surf community to respect our elders in the way that out first nations peoples do. Their connection to this beautiful land and ocean of ours is humbling to witness. Robbie seems to bring joy to all who come into contact with him. Arnaud seems to be cut from similar cloth.
That was epic!
My mother thought - "he was really cool, but really crazy too"....
Travel certainly unites people.
That was so great. Good to see Pagey still rips after all these years. His best movie since North Shore.
he was alex in north shore..? haha, fuck me..
A wonderful film, the story, the journey and the genuine insights of the indigenous community into the land and ocean we all share. Everyone could learn something from watching this. Some great waves too.
Very Nice!
A film from the heart and about connection which it what its all about
That day at Bells / wink was pumping
I’ll send some photos in like a said I would Senor Craigos. The arvo got really cray and down the rd was pretty special too
Good film. In a militantly atheist australian culture, where the namaste set and their sacred cacao ceremonies 'neath prayer-flags rule the bits-n-bobs spiritual roost, this is a refreshing reminder we can easily slow our brain clocks and lungs to First Australian time and thought. Even if just for a while. Can be as simple as a long hug with no ego, or calling to a tree that you like its personality.
Proper overseas visitors LOVE our Indigenous heritage. They appreciate it, want to know more, see it as integral to the Australian experience, use what they learn from FNP-sharing to access our geology, plants and animals, the footprints they leave.. cheers to our generous Aboriginal Aussies. And Oxbow for making a flick of this gentle pace.
Great film, great locations , great music, great people, great waves.
The real locals return to Bells Beach.
I wonder what the original inhabitants thought of those perfect lines and waves pushing up the coast, 20000 years ago .
Yothu Yindi , Mainstream.
?si=4XDlJsmbVXprqfRMGreat film, great locations , great music, great people, great waves.
The real locals return to Bells Beach.
I wonder what the original inhabitants thought of those perfect lines and waves pushing up the coast, 20000 years ago?
brother Wayne and I shared a few moments in the water on semi final day filmed there at djarrak (Bells). it was very emotional and confronting to feel the power of the southern ocean wrapping into djarrak. as we took turns to paddle for the ones we we willing to take we reflected on the experience and the honour of being there at that place.
awesome
Not sure if Robbie new his identiy 30 years ago as documented here.
But he held my hand for an hour on the beach in Capbreton after breaking my back in four places and head butting the ownly brick on the beach, waiting for the chopper to take me to shark nose hospital in Bayone.
His carlm presents and soothing words at that time contributed to a less than could of been painful, but sucessful recovery for me. I have told my wife and children about him, and because of Rob's action that day,( and Nick Wood And SP and Sarge,0 They Are, And living. I was able to thank Robbie two years later in Hawaii at the table at Sunset. He had his guitar and played the blues as we shared one/or two into the twilight. Joy has fulled my heart to see he's alive and charging, special human that helped change the corse of history for me and my family. Forever grateful my Brother. Live long and keep seeking da Truth.OIOI
amazing clip,
really enjoyed watching that