Richie Vas, The Right, WA

Richie Vas is a brave man. He doesn’t mind an almost-to-the-death scrap in the cage, and gets his kicks from whipping into monsters like this. The more remote the reef, the better, the more intense the fight, the better. So, The Right, in West Oz, is Richie’s kinda place. “Not many makeable barrels and a crowded lineup meant guys were pulling into almost anything,” says photog Shannon Stent, who shot this. “There were three two-wave hold downs this day.” One of those hold-downs belonged to Ryan Hipwood, after he was towed into a monster by Laurie Towner. Richie, on the other hand, was being whipped in by best pal and tow partner, Mark Mathews. The duo have just released a film, directed by Macario De Souza, and it’s currently lighting up cinemas around Oz. There’s waves like the one y’see above. There’s heart-in-mouth cage fights. There’s injuries. Booze-fuelled brawls. Jail. Drama. It’s called Fighting Fear. If you’re a little undecided about whether or not to go see it, here’s what some other people thought of it: “This is a very well made film which lifts the lid on a microcosm of society… it’s as scary as it is fascinating… full on!” – Richard Wilkins, Today Show “Bra Boys documaker Macario De Souza delivers much more honest and polished results in Fighting Fear.” – Richard Kuipers, Variety “Wild ol movie. The tear ducts are still shot. And that bit where lil Rich’s arm gets snapped clean off? Oowee!” – Derek Rielly “We have copped a lot of criticism in in the media over the years and, to tell you the truth, most of it is warranted. We acted like mugs growing up. You’ll see in the movie that we did lots of things we’re not proud of. We’ve learnt from our mistakes and hope the next generations might learn from them, too.” – Mark Mathews “Just watched Fighting Fear, the new film by Macario De Souza – very cool, magic footage.” – Russell Crow “Movie was really cool. Great true inspirational story. Kid Mac, Mark Mathews and Rich Vas should be proud of the work that was done!” – Mick Fanning “It’s a sickening feeling when someone is trying to dislocate your elbow.” – Richie Vas “I knew Rich wasn’t going to tap. Oh my god, I’m going to see his arm break right now.” – Kelly Slater That enough for ya? Go get it!