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.
Kema/Pai'ea Projects
Kekoa Cazimero and Miss Hawai'i, Nicole Fox, who made Kekoa's hair stand straight up.
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.
ESPN Surfing:
What's more never racking — paddling out to big Pipe or screening an autobiographical film?
Willi Edwards, La Serena Media
You've got to respect Kekoa Cazimero's life philosophy. Chuck a little spray. Give a little back.
Kekoa Cazimero:
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?
Kekoa Cazimero:
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 in Riding With Koa?
Kekoa Cazimero:
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.
ESPN Surfing:
The movie has a really unique soundtrack, huh?
Kekoa Cazimero:
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?
Kekoa Cazimero:
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?
Willi Edwards, La Serena Media
Pipe chargers Mikey Bruneau, Rico Jiminez, and Evan Valiere with some femald friends (who like to throw the shaka.)
Kekoa Cazimero:
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?
Kekoa Cazimero:
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.
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Contributors
Jon Coen
Jon is from New Jersey and continues to reside there with his wife and dog—which means occasional empty barrels and the occasional session in the snow.The state isn't as dirty as people might think, but he'll let them keep believing that.
Jake Howard
Jake lives, writes, and surfs in San Clemente, California. He spent his formative gremlin years surfing points north of San Francisco, and for the last 10 years has been contently surviving behind the Orange Curtain.
Kimball Taylor
Author of Return by Water, as well as books on Jeffreys Bay and Pipeline, Kimball drives a red hot Camero, and back in the '70s, he used to party with your Dad.
Daniel Ikaika Ito
Daniel surfs like a hippie, but dresses like a homie. The Native Hawaiian originally hails from Hilo, but now resides in Honolulu. He enjoys twin-fins, new sneakers and being ESPN's "Cuz On The Scene" in the 50th State.
Jason Kenworthy
About as majestic as a turkey vulture, when he's not shlepping his lens around the world or looking for road kill, Jason can be found at home in Dana Point tending to his growing brood.
