"The Hunter": Kyllian Guerin’s Latest Film Now Available on YouTube
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12/04/2024

"The Hunter": Kyllian Guerin’s Latest Film Now Available on YouTube

Breathtaking landscapes, endless waves, and wild nature. During the summer of 2023, our rider Kyllian Guerin spent a month and a half in South Africa, in search of waves and unique moments.

After a series of exclusive screenings, The Hunter is finally available on Kyllian Guérin's YouTube channel.

Divided into three parts, the film draws inspiration from our primal hunting instincts, reflecting the determination of a predator to explore, track, and conquer. Produced by Rip Curl and Kyllian Guérin, directed by Gabriel Boin, with stunning graphics by Roch Tastet, The Hunter takes viewers deep into the raw, wild beauty of South Africa.

A Conversation with Kyllian About His Film

What is The Hunter? Can you explain the project to us?
The Hunter is a project that started with a surf trip to South Africa from mid-June to late July 2023. The idea was to chase the best waves along the African coast, enjoy the water, meet people, and capture all of it to tell the story. We wanted to show what it’s like to discover a new country, new waves, and live unique moments, both on and off the spots. It was my first time in South Africa, a place I’ve dreamed of visiting for a long time after seeing it in videos and competitions. The locals helped me find the best spots, so it was really an incredible first experience.

Why South Africa?
It’s a very wild country, both in terms of its landscapes and the energy you feel there. From the beginning, I wanted to link the surfer's instinct with that of the animal world, and South Africa was perfect for that. The connection between nature and animals there is incredible. The country has everything: intense, often deserted waves, and the raw energy we find in the fauna and landscapes.

Kyllian Guerin for The HunterKyllian Guerin for The Hunter

This is a very aesthetic project. How did you come up with these ideas?
Initially, we had planned for an ambitious documentary blending surf and an animalistic approach in South Africa, but we had to revise our plans to simplify it. I wanted to keep the inspiration around animal instincts and local tribes. On site, we filmed everything: I had two filmmakers with me—one focused on performance and action, the other on lifestyle and the atmosphere. When we came back, we put the project on hold for a while. When we revisited it this winter, we realized it was missing a soul. With Gabriel, we structured the film around that instinctual, animalistic aspect. The cheetah, which we had the chance to encounter, became the symbol of the project. For the artistic direction, Roch proposed a graphic palette inspired by African tones, with a red-orange hue that gives the film its unique visual identity.

Were the waves there?
I knew there would be waves, but I didn’t know much and wanted to be surprised. And honestly, I was! The coast is full of waves, often deserted. It’s a paradise for regular-footers, with plenty of super fun and relatively perfect right-handers. Some areas are a bit “sharky,” but if you’re careful, there’s plenty of opportunity to really enjoy it.

Your best memories?
The first one is Jeffrey’s Bay. It’s an iconic wave I had dreamed of surfing. When we arrived after eight hours on the road from Cape Town, the conditions were perfect: 1.5 to 2 meters, offshore winds. Waking up to that was amazing.
Another unforgettable moment was a day near Cape Town. The first session was a struggle, with a storm and frustrating conditions. But the next day, everything aligned: perfect barrels, just two or three friends in the water… This kind of day reminds you why you surf.

And any scares?
Sharks, of course. As a Frenchman, we’re not used to thinking about it. The first few days, I was really stressed, even missing sessions. But eventually, I got fed up. I went to a sketchy spot, a right-hand point break by a harbor. Not the most reassuring conditions, but after that session, my fear lessened. Since then, I tell myself that if the waves are worth it, you have to go for it and trust it.

Any advice for those who want to explore South Africa?
Accept the fear of sharks, that’s the biggest hurdle. Once that’s out of the way, everything is positive: incredible waves, not too crowded, and the water isn’t even that cold (a 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit is enough). It’s really worth stepping out of your comfort zone to discover this country.

What’s your next trip?
This winter, it will mostly be in Europe: Portugal, Ireland, maybe Scotland. These trips depend on weather windows, so they’ll be last-minute decisions. In the meantime, I’m enjoying home, preparing for next year, and making sure I finish the year strong.

Kyllian Guerin for The HunterKyllian Guerin for The Hunter
Kyllian Guerin surfingKyllian Guerin surfing
Kyllian Guerin on the road in South AfricaKyllian Guerin on the road in South Africa
Kyllian Guerin surfingKyllian Guerin surfing