Watch: Walkabout

Stu Nettle picture
Stu Nettle (stunet)
Reels

"Walkabout began twenty years ago.

"At the age of 19, young Arnaud Mestelan left home to embark on his first solo surf trip. On the platform at the train station in Biarritz, he met Robbie Page, an Australian pro surfer.

"With his ten years on the ASP Tour and his Pipe Masters title in 1988, Robbie was a surfing legend. At the time, he was living in France and was on his way home to Australia. After a few minutes chatting together, Robbie offered to take Arnaud with him on his trip. The two new friends spent more than three weeks together, surfing across New South Wales, before Arnaud set off on his own journey.

"Today, Arnaud is in his forties, has three children and runs the Aux Guides Baigneurs’ shop at Biarritz's Grande Plage. Since they met, Arnaud has always had the dream of one day returning to Australia to meet up with his buddy Robbie. Two decades after their original adventure together, Robbie and Arnaud are set to meet up again. Arnaud surprises Robbie at the National Aboriginal Surfing Championships at Bells Beach and together, they embark on a new road trip, in search of waves, community and connection to Country.

"Produced by OXBOW and filmed by award-winning filmmaker Matty Hannon with Robbie Page."

Comments

Dave Drinkwater's picture
Dave Drinkwater's picture
Dave Drinkwater Tuesday, 11 Feb 2025 at 4:44pm

I love the respect that comes with Acknowledgement on FB. I believe most surfers feel that deep connection to country, it’s something we should listen to. Sadly, some go to great lengths to destroy culture and create division for political gain. That’s a slippery slope.

For me, I never take for granted the simple act of just being, sitting, watching, and participating in the ocean. It’s a privilege.

Great flick guys and thanks for the spiritual edge