Madu a short film following Hahnee Vail, an underground Tasmanian surfer discovering world class waves in Northern Mentawai islands.
The local crew affectionately gave Hahnee the nickname “Madu,” derived from the Indonesian word for honey. And what’s sweeter than getting barrelled in tropical paradise?
Here’s what Hahnee had to say about her experience.
“Last year I made my way to Botik Resort in Northern Mentawai, with what was initially intended to be a short surfing holiday. I quickly settled into life there, and the owners Inigo and Debbie were kind enough to allow me to stay nearly the entire swell season. Time passes quickly on the Island!
Staying at Botik Island was epic. The food, the crew, the private island, the pumping waves. I love getting barreled, and there are plenty of barrels very close by so I was stoked. There were also many days where I was pushed out of my comfort zone. Big Kandui was definitely a challenge for me. Every swell the line-up was crowded and hungry – It’s an intimidating wave especially for your backhand. But, one golden afternoon I paddled out pretty much alone in the line-up and Inigo (the filmmaker) swam out with the camera. A random bomb came through, Inigo was screaming at me to go! It was a magical moment; we were both so stoked. I had many moments like this during my trip and we were lucky enough to capture a few of them.
I’m really grateful to Inigo for his generosity, spending time in the water and on the film. I’ve never had footage of myself surfing before this trip and it was so exciting watching it all come to life. Thanks as well to the legends Lune River band for letting me use their music.”
A film by Iñigo Grasset
Music: Lune River Hold on (Lovers)
Surfer: Hahnee Vail
Cover: Jack O’Grady
Location: Botik Resort
