Dancing on Water

Director, Cinematographer & Editor Sometimes the most memorable moments in filmmaking are the ones you could never plan for. This short surf film follows Travis Bays, co-owner of Bodhi Surf + Yoga, as he escapes a busy week for a longboarding session at Playa Chaman in Bahia Ballena, Costa Rica. This project was filmed during the early days of my career, when I was beginning to develop my passion and skills in in-water surf cinematography. As a competitive bodysurfer and former collegiate swimmer, the ocean has always felt like home. Being in the water with a camera allows me to combine two of my greatest loves: swimming and visual storytelling. It's a perspective I continue to seek out in my work whenever possible. This particular afternoon remains one of my favourite memories behind the camera. Over just a few short hours, we experienced nearly every kind of tropical weather imaginable. Sunshine gave way to heavy rain, shifting light, and moody skies, transforming the ocean and coastline around us. Rather than fighting the changing conditions, we embraced them, letting the weather become part of the story.