Avid Surfing Videos Filmmaker, Guy’s Thoughts On Filming Andy and Bruce Irons, Life in Kauai and Eve

By: Carlisle Gunderson

NossaTV, home of the best full-length, free action sports videos on the web, recently had an opportunity to interview Joel Guy, avid surfing videos filmmaker. Kauai born and raised, Joel Guy has developed a sound reputation as both a filmmaker and surf cinematographer. His surfing videos include “TambaTV”, hosted by Tin Tin Pu'ulei and starring Andy Irons. This film showcases some of Kauai's most talented athletes as they take over the world. He is also responsible for the surfing video “Crossing the Line”, which gives fans something they thought they would never see – footage of Bruce and Andy surfing at home on Kauai. The opening section is wild with Bruce and Kamalei Alexander ripping a standing wave to bits. The movie shows why the Kauai Boyz are not to be messed with in any sized wave. Both of the films, along with countless other incredible surfing videos, can be downloaded in full length and DVD-quality, for free on NossaTV.com.

NossaTV: What got you into filming?
Joel Guy: My mom bought a digital-8 camcorder and I kind of made owner of it. Andy [Irons] asked if I would film him surfing. I-movie really hooked me on the editing end. I couldn’t believe how simple it was. I had a hard time going to sleep, I wanted to edit all the time. Shoot
all day and edit all night.

Nossa: How sweet is it to live in Kauai?
JG: I don’t think I could have written a better place to grow up. I don’t remember choosing were to be born so the gratitude to my mom for giving up her dreams to raise her children on the beach on Kauai is huge. As an adult deciding to stay on Kauai has worked out very well.

Nossa: What does your day consist of?
JG: MySpace... No, I wake early (6am) and review whatever film project kept me up late the night before, get a fresh look at it and continue to work it out. I break from 7:15 until 8 to have breakfast with my son and get him off to school and get my days drinking water ration. Then surf till about 11 or 12. If the boys are in town I will adjust to film the morning surf. I spend a lot of afternoons in meetings trying to improve life. I usually paint pictures after watching the sunset and bounce between canvas and final-cut until I pass out... that’s when I’m not pimpin.

Nossa: Do you ever get vibed out on your home turf?
JG: No, I usually have to keep myself in check, make sure I’m not vibing anybody.

Nossa: How often does Bruce land on people while your filming?
JG: The one time Bruce landed on Abe in the water in front of me it freaked me out. I was filming and couldn’t believe what I saw. I think it freaked Bruce out even more. Everyone came up after the wave passed wondering how much blood and brains would be floating in the water.

Nossa: You are a proud parent, how does that influence your life?
JG: I grew up partying very.... VERY hard. Lots and lots of drugs and alcohol. On February 6th 1996 the girl I had just broken up with called me after moving back to Kansas. She said she was pregnant. I have not had a drink or drug since that day. My son is 10 and he is a true rock star. I live an amazing life because I was blessed with Cole in it.

Nossa: You are politically involved in helping Kauai heel some underlying wounds, what does this consist of? 

JG: I am very politically involved locally. I feel we all have to be... or don’t bitch about ANYTHING. If we do all we can to improve issues such as affordable housing, drug addiction, unrealistic development, infrastructure issues, and things get better. It makes little sense to complain with out experience. If we eat only things that come from within 50 miles of our homes, life WILL improve (50 mile diet)

Nossa: Are you living your dreams?
JG: I think I'm living most people’s dreams…

Nossa: Who is the coolest person you ever met?
JG: Probably Hannah, no bullshit.

Nossa: What books are you reading?
JG: I just returned from the most amazing trip to the Mentawais in Indonesia and I brought along Barack Obamas book. I read some of it but found myself getting barreled too much to get into it, I will continue to try.

Nossa: Why did you get involved with NossaTV?
JG: I think it’s the right thing to do. Not necessarily NossaTV, but anything you can do to lesson the footprint we leave on the planet. NossaTV eliminates plastic DVD covers, fuel; so much less has to be manufactured to get the project out

Nossa: Who has been the biggest influence in your life?
JG: Cole, no question.

Nossa: What do you do to get away from it all?
JG: I think I am away from it all.

Nossa: Are you superstitious?
JG: I am very spiritual, I visualize, pray, feel... all could be seen as superstitious. I don’t have any good luck charms.

Nossa: Shout outs, Props to:
JG: My sons mom, my mom, all moms. The people from the planning commission who voted "no" on the additional development at cocopalms resort.


Nossa: Why did you get involved with NossaTV?
JG: I think it’s the right thing to do. Not necessarily NossaTV, but anything you can do to lesson the footprint we leave on the planet. NossaTV eliminates plastic DVD covers, fuel; so much less has to be manufactured to get the project out