Common Ground is a film capturing the “Just Passing Through” surf and lifestyle philosophy, exploring Canada’s cold water destinations, from Coast to Coast with Reef Canadian ambassadors Pete Devries, Michael Darling, Logan Landry and Shannon Brown. Filmed and edited by the talented Adam Chilton.

With Reef Ambassadors living on both coasts of Canada, Reef exposes the exploration of Canada's underrated coastlines. Canada is a big and vast territory, not typically pinned as a surf destination, but the uncrowded waves and jaw-dropping backdrops are integrated into the adventure, and are the reward of diving into cold water.  “Common Ground” features different walks of life, coming together on their journey of Just Passing Through. From Eastern Canada, Nova Scotia to Tofino, British Columbia, Pete, Michael, Logan and Shannon embark on the search of waves in some of the most remote places in Canada.

As part of the movie release, OuiSurf team busted the Reef crew with some questions about the project and their views on the Canadian surf culture … Here’s the interview :

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Photos : Mike Bromley, Scotty Sherin, Jeremy Koreski & Marcus Paladino
Film : Adam Chilton

Pete Devries

I've definitely surfed far superior waves on the west coast but the East has some of the better setups I've seen.  I've obviously spent more time on the west but if I had to choose it would be west for me.

Logan Landry

For me it’s forsake the East but that is because I am from here and have put in so much more time and have the coast dialed, but those guys have their spots out west that they have locked down so I think it’s who you ask.
 

Shannon Brown

I didn’t get to see the east coast fire. I was blown away by the setups I saw though. I think when there is swell it would probably be better than most of what you will find on the west coast. You just don’t get to surf as much. I think between hurricanes and winter storms it gets pretty small on the east coast, sometimes you have to wait a while for waves, or so they say anyway... If you’re a quantity over quality surfer than you'll probably prefer the west.

I think Canadian surfers are generally some of the more mellow, friendly surfers in the world. But they are also very frothy to surf and get waves. There are a lot of new surfers in Canada so they are all pretty hungry to improve.

- Pete Devries

I think a combination of toughness and genuine stoke characterizes Canadian surfers, they can handle anything and handle it with a smile. Most surfers I know over here have a 'surf no matter what' mentality. They will paddle out on the coldest stormiest days if its pumping or if its small and howling onshore. Canadian surfers are just stoked to surf.

- Shannon Brown

Canadian surfers have to be extremely determined to deal with the harsh northern winters. Dealing with sideways rain for weeks on end and frigid blizzards, surfing in Canada can be pretty brutal. In general, I would say Canadian surfers are stoked to be enjoying the amazing coastlines this country has to offer. 

- Michael Darling

The crowds of the east are a lot smaller than the west at this point. For the most part it's a similar vibe in the lineup. Everyone is pretty mellow out east and there are always a bunch of guys from back east that are excited to share their waves with some different surfers to see how they approach their setups.

- Pete Devries

I would say Halifax has a better vibe in the water compared to Tofino. While we were there people were very excited to get to know us and chat about the surf and where we were from. It was a pretty awesome experience for me, as it was my first time traveling to Nova scotia. 

In Tofino there is that many sports to surf the vibe is very rad and friendly when on the east coast it’s super mellow and not as crowded but definitely some locals only zones we keep on the down low.

- Logan Landry

Overall the vibe was pretty similar on the east coast, everyone was friendly and pretty stoked to see new people. The east coast may have had a slightly more relaxed feel to the lineup which I attributed to most of their waves being reef or point breaks. For the most part you knew where the peak was coming so you could totally sit, chill and chat between rides. Back in the west it’s mostly shifty beach breaks and you have to move around a lot more to find your waves. On crowded days it can seem a little more chaotic but it’s still usually a friendly vibe on the outside.

- Shannon Brown

Kelly Slater once said, about Pete Devries in Innersection, that he was probably the most athletic surfer in the world, because he’s always surfing in challenging conditions. How do you see Pete’s surfing nowadays? 

Pete’s surfing is insane , the guy is so incredible I have been looking up to him for so many years and its really rad to have him as a mentor and teammate is amazing.

- Logan Landry

Kelly said that? That’s super cool, I would agree. I’ve surfed so much with him and he is next level fit, there’s days when there’s so much current in the lineup and I’ll be just about dying paddling to stay on or get to the peak and he'll cruise straight by me barely breaking a sweat. I don’t think he works out, just eats well and surfs more than anyone. He sure is great to watch and he's always working really hard on improving himself in the water so it’s no surprise that he's surfing better than ever. Lightning fast, great variety on the face and in the air and his landing percentage on airs is crazy, genuinely nice guy too, he's got time for everyone. A great inspiration to any Canadian surfer. 

- Shannon Brown

Something about:

Logan Landry

This project was the first time I'd really gotten to hang out with Logan Landry and it was an absolute treat. It was cool to see how dialed in he was over on the east coast. He'd pretty much poke his head out the back door smell the air and tell you exactly where was good. Every other time I’d seen Loges was in Tofino for the Annual Nationals Surf Contest which is always in summer and it’s always seems to get tiny waves so it was great to see him on some decent waves that he could open up and showcase his talent. Logan has a really strong and creative air game. I think he draws a lot of his inspiration from skateboarding. We hung out a couple times at a local bowl and he was killing it. He's got a great attitude and gives it his all no matter what he's doing. He travels a lot so it’s nice to know that Canadian surfing is being represented by such a nice guy and it will be great to see how good he'll get in the next few years.

- Shannon
 

Shannon Brown 

Shannon is such an amazing human and great coach as well as a ripper so having him around has been so beneficial to the whole team especially myself and Michael.  He has been helping us the last little bit to improve and smooth out our surfing and his knowledge of everything his coaching is so extensive and so very helpful.

- Logan

Michael Darling

Michael is stepping it up big time this year. He's really coming into his own and progressing at an incredible rate. I'd say he is the fastest improving surfer in Canada over the last few years. He literally surfs 3 times a day and it shows. 

-Pete

Pete Devries

I have always looked up to Pete because of his unbelievable talent in everyday surf. I would agree that he is one of the most talented surfers in average conditions because he can do things I've never seen before in some of the worst conditions.

- Michael

I get inspired by all sorts of things - great visuals, stories, music, travelling, and observing creativity from artists. I think knowing that there is still a million ways to showcase Canada, and tell a different story that has yet to be shared is also a big motivator. Up to this point I had never seen a video project that showcased both east coast and west coast in the same project. I think it’s unifying and hope that not only both coasts, but the whole Canadian surf scene can appreciate it.

What is your vision on the evolution of surf in Canada from the last 5 years?

Surfing’s getting more popular everywhere. In Canada it’s especially true. The talent level is only getting better, there are more waves being explored, and more exposure internationally. Kids on the west coast have all sorts of surfers to look up to and more opportunity to get coached and compete. My hope is that it continues to grow and that the industry continues to support young kids, and events.

Finding Common Ground Interviews

JUST PASSING THROUGH

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Photos : Mike Bromley, Scotty Sherin, Jeremy Koreski & Marcus Paladino

Film : Adam Chilton

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