Riding With Koa
A Night At the Documentary with the talented Kekoa Cazimero.
Giving Back in Hawaii
It took 14 months to make Riding With Koa, the biographical "action-documentary" about pro surfer Kekoa Cazimero. But, it only took one night to premier the surf film to the world on Sunday, May 24th, in a packed Level 4 Nite Club. Despite a stomach full of butterflies and a club full of family, friends, sponsors and fans, Cazimero kept his cool and graciously thanked all of those in his support network.
We caught up with the 19-year-old goofyfoot after signing autographs and giving one lucky grom a brand-new Eric Arakawa 6'0" to ask him about the emotions leading up to the premier, the accuracy of the movie, the Koa Tree Foundation and how important is style.
ESPN Surfing: What were you feeling before the world premier of Riding With Koa?
Kekoa Cazimero: Leading up to the movie I was super nervous, you know — a lot of anxiety. I was real excited, but at the same time, I was nervous about what the audience would think. There was a lot of stoke too, because there were times we would get really pumped on the movie. There were other times when we would be like, 'oh my god, it's almost here!' A lot of feelings and mixed emotions. But, it was a good adrenaline rush.
Willi Edwards, La Serena MediaYou've got to respect Kekoa Cazimero's life philosophy. Chuck a little spray. Give a little back.ESPN Surfing: What's more never racking — paddling out to big Pipe or screening an autobiographical film?
KC: Both it's a different type of nervousness. For the movie it was something I never really felt. I was anxious, but I was really stoked. Pipe too — anxious, stoked and scared. All the same emotions, but they're generated in a different way.
ESPN Surfing: A lot of times with these biographical surf movies it's hit or miss whether the film portrays the person accurately. Do you feel like Riding With Koa captured your personality well?
KC:I feel that Riding With Koa captured the true essence of everything I do in my life -my family, friends, the way I surf. Chad Campbell nailed it! It's kind of nuts because I know Chad, but at the time he was editing the movie I wasn't super close to him. For Chad to come out with a movie like, that he nailed it on the head.
ESPN Surfing: Who would you award Best Supporting Actor to?
KC: I would have to give it to the Hawaiian Hurricane because he brought out the lawnmower. It was a close second with Zak Noyle because he was hilarious. Everyone knows that. But, the Hawaiian Hurricane had his dance moves and dance off.
Willi Edwards, La Serena MediaPipe chargers Mikey Bruneau, Rico Jiminez, and Evan Valiere with some femald friends (who like to throw the shaka.)ESPN Surfing: The movie has a really unique soundtrack, huh?
KC: The music is different from other surf videos because there's a lot of mainstream music in there. Some Lil Wayne, a lot of Hawaiian music. I got "Billy Jean" on my movie and people [at the premier] were loving it. I saw people dancing in the audience and it was cool.
ESPN Surfing: More than just promoting you as a professional surfer, it seems like Riding With Koa really promoted your non-profit organization. What kind of response are you getting with the Koa Tree Foundation after the premier?
KC: The Koa Tree Foundation has been raging. People are really stoked on it and they want to get involved. It's getting way bigger than I expected. A lot of my sponsors are responding to it because they see the potential the Koa Tree Foundation has, it's goals, and who it's benefiting. It's helping everyone out and they can appreciate that. I'm stoked and my friends and family are backing me.
ESPN Surfing: Fitted Hawaii is about to release your limited-edition signature New Era on Saturday and we know that part of the proceeds of each unit sold goes to the Koa Tree Foundation. Why did you pick those girls for the hat?
KC: I have a different type of style from my peers in the surf industry. I like real bright, cool colors. I think the pink goes real well with the teal and it's real fresh colors. Sandy Beach was a real big inspiration for the hat and it's on the inside. And, the black denim on the outside really makes the teal and pink pop off the hat. Mental colors that pop.
ESPN Surfing: What does style mean to Kekoa Cazimero?
KC: All around I think style is how you do things. The kind of person you are, how you dress and how you portray yourself. Style is important to me because I don't want to look like a yard worker when I go out.
Riding With Koa
A night at the documentary with Hawaii's Kekoa Cazimero.
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