Editor’s Note: This Hometown Hype film tour is presented by White Claw.
Rhode Island is a tale of two surf scenes. There’s Newport, which is synonymous with Sid Abruzzi and the Water Brothers — where shortboards and high-performance surfing rule. Then there’s South County, a haven for longboards and alternative surf craft.
“I’ve traveled all over the world. I’ve seen surf communities all over the place. I think something that is unique about South County is the people there are just really salt of the Earth,” explains TJ Thran, the director of HOMETOWN HYPE: South County, RI. “You’re far enough north where you still have to deal with extremely cold and kind of brutal conditions for surfing, so it has that kind of a hardcore, New England surfer culture going down.”
However, the harsh winters eventually give way to idyllic summers, and that New England grit is rewarded with warm weather and approachable waves. Still, it always pays to remember the sacrifices locals make to keep Rhode Island’s thriving surf community alive.
“Like with any surf town that has that core local crew that’s there toughing it out seven months out of the year when it’s cold and gnarly, we just want everyone to come with respect and respect the landmarks,” says Thran. “If you’re shooting photos or videos, and respect the people, or if you’re surfing, they’ll absolutely open their arms and hearts and doors and dinner tables to you.”
A Film By Tj Thran
Additional Filming
Cate Brown
Sam Morissey
Chris Gauthier
Will Simons
Brent Mccarron
Jarrod Seavey
Josh Feld
Brendan Gouin
Oli Randall
Anya Hanson
NOAA
Timelapses
Giles Van Gruisen
Photography
Andrew Fisher
Cate Brown
Tj Thran
Featuring
Steve Morissey
Mike Morissey
Keith Kyle
Chris Maletta
Bobby Kelly
Sid Abruzzi
Tricia Pan
Emma Limburg
Kevin Tanner
Mick Chivers
Myles Point
Agus & Indra Winangun
Cate Brown
Andrew Nota
Music
“June Nineteenth” And “Re-Entry” By Sean Spellman
“Sandbar” And “Mating Season” By Erev
“Crowns 44” By Tommy Swoop
“Harper Positive” By Aedie
“Live Acoustic Jams” By Agus & Indra
And Music From Motion Array
Executive Producer
Luke House
