SDSFF FILMMAKER INTERVIEW SERIES TAKE 3: DAVID ARCHER

Sharing a mutual viewpoint of the ocean, I had the pleasure of meeting up with David in Byron Bay for a quick bodysurf in March 2012.  A lot has happened between then and now so it will be good to catch up with an old friend and chat about bodysurfing and his new film PROCRASTINATION.

Let's take a few breaths with David Archer...

Besides an escape from the grinds of the world, how has bodysurfing changed your life?

Bodysurfing has always been a part of my life.  My brother, father and I were given a bodysurfing handplanes as a Christmas gift over 30 years ago, and family holidays were filled with bodysurfing sessions.  I’ve carried that thing with me everywhere since, to the point of disintegration!  It still hangs in the garage, finally retired.

In the last 10 years, I lost touch with the ocean due to work and LOTS of travel.  I put on weight, got sick ...yada, yada, you know the story.  A few years ago, I drew a line in the sand and actively cut back on the work travel.   I live on Sydney's Northern Beaches - one of the most awesome places in the world.  My local beach is 10 minutes’ walk away.  My plan to get fit and re-engage life was to do lots more bodysurfing.

Since that decision, I’ve ended up joining the local surf club as a volunteer life guard, I became an Age Manager for the surf club Nipper's programme, and have taught myself to shape making handplanes from broken surfboards.

I'm fitter, healthier, more socially engaged, and happier than I have been in 10 years.  And this is mainly as a result of bodysurfing!

Did you notice a larger number of swimmers in the lineup?

There are definitely more swimmers in the lineup, and specifically at certain beaches.  Avalon has a long history in bodysurfing, and at times there are more torpedo people than surfers.  There are a hardcore group that meet at the beach most mornings, and will be out in the line up rain, hail or sunshine.  They inspire you, and stretch you to surf when maybe you wouldn't normally.  When I swim at other beaches, I'm noticing more swimmers.  The movie 'Come Hell or High Water' seems to have inspired more people to explore bodysurfing, and I see younger kids getting out there whomping and trying alternate surf craft like paipos, SUP's and mats.

What was the impetus for this short film?

Procrastination was an accidental film.  A friend of ours organised a local short film competition, and we agreed to help support them by submitting a film.  We thought it would be a great holiday project with our kids.  Time got away, and before I knew it, the deadline was a week away and our kids were distracted with other holiday activities.

I had been teaching myself shaping by making handplanes from broken surfboards, and had been experimenting with a GoPro camera for 12 months or so.  As I already had footage and the deadline was a week away, we didn't have much choice!  Procrastination was born!  It was quite a thrill to have it projected on the big screen to 500 people, and then pick up a cinematography award.  It could easily become addictive!

Cheers on the cinematography award.  

What would you like people to come away with after watching your film?
I was in the water a few weeks ago with a group of guys at the Manly Handplane Hoedown when one made the comment - 'this just feels wrong - everyone is talking, smiling and joking.  What sort of line up is this?' 
To me, bodysurfing has a great 'vibe'.  I love being part of the ocean when bodysurfing - whether it is ducking under large breaking swells and watching the turbulence patterns, the shape of barrel from within the water, or the feeling of planing across a large wave face.  If I can impart that 'vibe' as part of the film, then I'm stoked.  If they feel inspired to pull on a pair of fins as soon as possible and get wet, then even better! 
Are you already working on your next film?
'Procrastination' is the first film I have ever made, and I've been a bit surprised by the interest.  I really enjoyed the process, and will definitely make more.  I have a couple of ideas rattling around, but nothing concrete as yet.  Stay tuned!

PROCRASTINATION can be seen:

FRIDAY MAY 10TH – LOCALS AND LEGENDS EVENING
9:00-11:00pm: (SET 3)
SONS OF BEACHES ’72 - Glenn Blight
Shorts:
THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING BIG - Doug Walker
1964 - Mike Bromley
PROCRASTINATION - David Archer
*Filmmaker Q&A
* Legends in attendance
*Food and beverages provided
Location: Bird’s Surf Shed
* After-party at the Griffin featuring music by:
REY FRESCO
TODD HANNIGAN

Thanks David.

PROCRASTINATION is one of the many alternative surf craft films that the SDSFF will proudly present throughout the festival.

Which reminds me...

SATURDAY, MAY 11

9:00 am- 12:00 noon: SDSFF STOKEFEST AND BEACH CLEAN-UP

HOOTS AND SHAKAS while you ride the most incredible alternative surf craft and help clean the beach. San Diego shapers will be on hand with demos.

Sponsored by our good friends at H20 Trash Patrol

*Food and beverages provided

Location: Cardiff Campgrounds

*FREE TO THE PUBLIC