Flashback: The Best* Ten Edits Of 2017

The video part is one of the most polarising entities in existence. 

Spanning hundreds of kilometres by car, thousands by plane, and however many hours in the water, all to attain a two to three minute spectacle. You would think these kinds of efforts would be met with appraisal and reward, Au contraire mon Frère! One must only gaze down to our infamous comments section to see films be stripped, ravaged and dissected by the surf-critique-surgeons that we all are. 

It is also highly uncommon for these films to receive second viewing pleasures, which is quite the tragedy.

For we are damn sure that we laid eyes on some video parts in the past year that were worthy of a pre-surf bookmark, or at the very least a repeated click. 

We scoured the web to find ten edits from 2017 that are in dire need of a 2018 redux. These films are worthy endeavours, featuring cinematic prowess and high-octane surfing that demands appreciation. They are our pre-surf motivators, our new-sled inspirations, our future-trip planners and of course, our wonderful opinion catalysts.

What would we do without them? 

Take a break from our current wave pool overload and dive in below for a collection of highly curated clips, which in my opinion, are the top ten of 2017.

LUXURY29.99 Featuring Craig Anderson

Former’s debut range would’ve never been dropped accompanied by a lacklustre clip. Here, Craig comes out of the dark to remind us that he continues to hold his place as one of the most progressively aesthetic in the game.

RUST 2.0 Featuring Harry Bryant

Haz is a long time Stab favourite and his 2017 opus reminded us why. Two-point-o’s are often better left undone, but, this clip shows otherwise. Check the closing straight air for conclusive evidence on why Harry’s on his way to Waco for Stab High.   

LISTEN NOW, MISTY DAWN by Epokhe

If the weight of the Epokhe team isn’t enough to reel you in, let the cinematic prowess of Kai Neville do it for you. Feature films these days are rare, feature films from Mr. Neville are even rarer. P.S. It’s fuckin free. 

CULT OF FREEDOM: The Australia Part

Joe G is the founding father of artistic surf cinematography. With his juxtaposition of 16mm film shots, to 4K Red surf footage, along with shooting one of the best teams in the biz (see, Dion Agius, Taj Burrow, Noa Deane, Brendon Gibbons, Creed McTaggart) this was an instant classic. Well worthy of being rewatched, and rewatched, and… fuck it, just bookmark the thing. Trust me.

CANDLE Featuring Noa Deane

South Oz slabs and Noa’s patented frontside tweak are two things we never shy away from. Don’t let Noa’s latest release ‘Headnoise’ overshadow last year’s short, “Candle” still very much holds its own. 

PREMIUM VIOLENCE Featuring Dane Reynolds

Former’s second release is anything but a copy of its prior, yet equally as great. Three kids and a new company are yet to infringe upon Dane’s surfing. The backside straight air in itself is required viewing, 7:34, you’re welcome.

R.I.P. by Drag Board Co

This isn’t an individual surf part. I’m not sure if its even a surf film. To be honest i don’t know what this is, which is exactly why you need to watch it.

WAYWARD Featuring Julian Wilson

The fact Julian Wilson still hasn’t won a World Title (if not multiple), is puzzling. This edit doesn’t help that confusion. Wayward stands to remind us that not only is Julian a constant contender on the CT, he is also one of the most innovative surfers alive – whether that’s inside or outside a jersey. 

TURTLE BUSINESS Featuring Wade Goodall

Wade Goodall with Shane Fletchers patented black and white aesthetic. Although Wades broken his leg three times, we’re struggling to see evidence of it in his surfing. 

ROOT Featuring Mikey Wright

Everyone’s favourite mullet-wielding rockstar, turned future-CT ‘athlete’. “Root” represents Mikey’s vigorous approach and accentuates his ‘Mongrel’ title. Take this raw, sans-jersey Mikey before it fades into a distant memory.