Novices Catching a Wave as Surf Video Makers

Once he realized he wasn’t going to become the next Tom Curren or Kelly Slater, in other words, a world champion surfer, Andy Herbison set out to become the next Hal Jepsen or Bud Browne.

In other words, a world-renowned maker of surfing films.

With the recent release of their second video, “Summer School,” Herbison, 22, and co-producer Bob Howell, 43, have taken the first steps toward what they hope is a rewarding career in the small but competitive field of surf videography.

The video may never become feature of the week at Blockbuster, but, hey, you’ve got to start somewhere.

Actually, Herbison and Howell, both of Ojai, have found something of a niche with their focus in “Summer School” on instruction for the beginning surfer. Only a handful of such films have been produced, although, coincidentally, another one was also just released.

The 40-minute video “Summer School” takes the beginning surfer--or “grommet”--through the basics of learning how to surf, from choosing the proper board and wetsuit to water safety and beginning maneuvers.

Produced by Howell’s Copperhead Video Productions, the video is strictly homemade. Aside from footage taken in Hawaii last winter by Herbison, almost all of the video was filmed in Ventura. The talent is home-grown, too. Featured surfers include Ventura’s Sean Hayes and brothers Keith and Dan Malloy and Ojai’s Keoni Cuccia and Tyler Turner.

Available now in a few Ventura surf shops such as Waveline, Ventura Surf Shop and Walden Surfboards, “Summer School” is the first of a trilogy of instructional videos Herbison and Howell plan to produce. The next two videos will be aimed at advanced and competitive surfers, Herbison said.

With no formal training in filmmaking, Herbison and Howell have relied on their instincts and love of the sport to get this far in the business. And, while the money they’ve made from producing surfing films has hardly allowed them to think about giving up their regular jobs--Howell is a captain in the Ventura County Fire Department, while Herbison is a restaurant busboy and surf-shop salesman--they are at least enjoying their work.

“I had a few friends who were making surf videos and they were making a little money and getting to surf too,” said Herbison, who competed in mostly local surf contests for a few years. “So, I started compiling some footage I had taken of some surfing. Then I met Bob and he showed me how I could turn it into a video.”

In the summer of 1995, Howell, who had produced videos for high school athletes who wanted to promote themselves to college recruiters, combined with Herbison to produce “One Track Mind,” a short film of high-level surfing set to rock music. They showed it at the Ventura Theatre and about 600 attended the viewing, encouraging to say the least.

Herbison and Howell next set out to produce “Summer School.” Herbison spent last November and December filming big-wave surfing in Hawaii. That footage was used at the start and end of the video.

Last spring, they filmed the rest, including interviews. The video has English, Japanese, French, Spanish and Portuguese versions.

“We wanted to be the first out with the film, or at least not far behind so we pushed it,” he said. “You learn things with each project. Next time, we’ll make it more fun.”

There was no lack of fun in this endeavor for Herbison and Howell.

“I’d like to become a big-time surfing videographer,” Herbison said. “I’m learning as much as I possibly can. Eventually, I’d like to make a feature film that portrays the surfing lifestyle, sort of a modern-day ‘Big Wednesday.’ ”

Paul Nielsen, owner of Waveline surf shop, said the video is a valuable tool for those new to the sport.

“There’s definitely been a void when it comes to surfing instruction,” Nielsen said. “What makes this such a good product is that it answers all the questions that people are too often embarrassed or too shy to ask.

’ . . . ‘Most kids learn from their friends and it can be a frustrating experience. The video lays it all on the line, honestly and realistically.

“We’ve sold quite a few tapes [which retail at $19.95]. I think parents, especially those who aren’t familiar with the ocean, can get a certain comfort factor out of their children watching this video before they send them out to the waves.”

Howell said he has no timeline for release of another video, just ideas.

“Andy needs to go to Hawaii and get some more footage this winter,” he said. “This is a good partnership because I have the equipment and Andy has the time and connections with surfers.”