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Article: Behind-The-Scenes: The Making of the Great White Twin Campaign

Behind-The-Scenes: The Making of the Great White Twin Campaign

Two months ago, we unveiled Kelly Slater's newest performance twin model, the Great White Twin - a board inspired by the ocean's apex predator. But how does a brand honor such a powerful creature without creating a Jaws 2.0 horror film?

Great White Twin outline

A NOD TO THE OCEAN

Ocean Ramsey and others have dedicated their lives to show us the critical role the Great White Shark plays in our oceans. But let's face it, a head-on view will send shivers down any surfer's spine. That's why we focused on the shark's "powertrain" - its mesmerizing and functional tail.

Great White Shark powertrain 1

Great White Shark powertrain 1

BRING THE EXPERIENCE UNDERWATER

Snorkeling beneath the surface reveals a world of hypnotizing light refractions and warped lines, which would be your everyday view if you were a Great White Shark. We challenged ourselves to recreate this underwater realm for Kelly, right in the studio.

Underwater light refractions

THE SECRET INGREDIENT

Enter Timmy Reyes, a Firewire team rider of 15 years, and Kelly's longtime friend. We met Timmy for a surf at the Scripps Pier in La Jolla on a seemingly insignificant day, to capture his waves from underwater in waves barely reaching knee high. Cinematographer and editor, Aaron Lieber, described this as a "surreal" experience, laying on the sand bottom, gazing up at Timmy's Twin + 2 fins just inches from his lens.

Timmy Reyes board from underwater at Scripps Pier in La Jolla

FROM BREAKFAST TO STUDIO

Just days after his hip surgery, we met Kelly at his San Clemente home for a pre-shoot breakfast, then headed to the studio just up the road. We shot film, threw shakas, and said goodbye to Kelly as he left for a physical therapy appointment.

Kelly Slater shooting Great White Twin in studio

THE RESULT

Precision. Strength. Power. The tail of our Great White Twin shape is an engine for tight angles, just like the tail of a Great White Shark.

Kelly Slater riding the Great White Twin - The Turn