When you get a group of young competitive surfers together for a project you’re bound to start some rivalries. The one that has developed the most taunting and laughs is “Mita vs. Mullen,” as in Nick Mita and the previously mentioned Macy Mullen. These two want to out do each other pretty bad, and have developed their own little sub-plot in the movie.

I first met Macy when we were kids surfing at Barbers Point. Including Macy, there are actually five surfers featured in ICONS that grew up surfing Barbers; the other four are Kekoa Bacalso, Joel Centeio, Jason Shibata and Dustin Quizon. It’s funny how that wave - not known for being the greatest wave - has turned out such world-class surfers.

During the filming of ICONS I got the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting surfers, totally different people that share a common interest (surfing) and have become friends because of it. I wanted to showcase this diversity in the movie by adding a bit of depth into the lives of each surfer. I’ve known a lot of these guys for a long time and have come to know new friends quite well.

It’s strange how I’m always reminded of one of them with little everyday occurrences. When I see a pair of crazy “kicks,” I think of Jun Jo. Jun is such a unique character. He is part-owner of In4mation (a brand + boutique based in Hawaii) and a JPSA champion. Every time I see a chicken, I think of Dustin.
Dustin has been raising a few of his own on the westside of Oahu. And when I hear a fast song that gets me hyped to surf, I think of Kekoa “BAM” Bacalso. BAM surfs with power and is just plain loud. You know when he’s around because when he talks, he yells (cymbal crash). You can’t help but notice him on land or in the water. His surfing really makes a statement in any condition.
Expect big things from BAM.

I’ve spent some of the best times of my life making this movie, from sipping on Bintangs in a Balinese warung, to witnessing the best waves at Maalaea (Maui) ever. The movie ICONS is about these times, these people, and their surfing.


CAST OF SURFERS
KEKOA BACALSO, JASON SHIBATA, FRED PATTACHIA, DUSTIN QUIZON, JUN JO, CHARLIE BOY CARROL, JOEL CENTEIO, MITA VS. MULLEN, SEAN MOODY, BRIAN TOTH, BETET, SHANE DORIAN, ROB MACHADO, JOEL PARKINSON, ANDY IRONS, BRUCE IRONS, AND KELLY SLATER.