Surfing the Island of Sharks

Reunion Island is a paradise for surfers but, after a series of fatal shark attacks, surfing all but ceased along much of its coastline for several years, except around the small enclave of La Jetée. La Jetée also happens to be one of the best air waves in the world and in early 2022, we made the journey back to reconnect with this incredible island and its people.
Shark attacks are still a concern on Reunion Island, and surfing outside of the designated protected areas is technically illegal, but there had not been an attack in three years at the time of our trip. Scientists can’t say with certainty why, but there is important research being done and the establishment of protected surfing areas at places like St Leu have made getting in the water safer. The local surfing and lifeguard community have done an incredible job of rallying together with scientists to create water patrols and establish a number of protocols to try minimise the risk of an attack as much as possible at these spots. Now Now media is busy working on a more in-depth documentary on the shark situation in Reunion but in order to surf at St Leu, you’re supposed to register on the beach and have a shark deterrent device. Surfers still surf other parts of Reunion without organised protection measures but this is technically illegal (you could face a fine) and at their own risk.
Starring
Eli Beukes | Luke Slijpen | Allain Matthieu Guillaume
DOP
Alan van Gysen
Filmers
Alan van Gysen | Ian Thurtell | Julian ‘Ciel’ Celeste | Will Bendix
Directed & Edited
By Will Bendix
A Now Now Media Production

[@bonbondesel]

My home is beautiful ! Happy to see locals and foreign surfers doing sick airs in this excellent video !
Thanks for this !

[@NowNowMedia]

Merci bonbondesel, glad you enjoyed it.

[@kafeene]

The surfing is good, but the shots of the island and the people are amazing. Amazing photography and editing 👏

[@NowNowMedia]

Cheers @kafeene, thanks for watching!

[@kirkfagantattoo]

It’s rad seeing some dropknee on the channel!

[@konstanthercules]

love the editing, especially from the hard and fast wipeouts straight cut to the silence. fresh. epic.

[@NowNowMedia]

Thanks for watching and the feedback Konstant, much appreciated.

[@michelmonier8489]

Our lost Paradise. Good to see young fellas shredding it. Btw very nice editing video mate.

[@NowNowMedia]

Thanks Michel, glad you enjoyed it.

[@MK-su6eg]

The Pacific islands probably has so much hidden jewels to be discovered and surfed! Mahalo for sharing, to my brothers a d sister in NewC, keep surfing and enjoy our polynesian waves and aloha!

[@Viaene87]

So lekker! Those ramps look soo fun

[@mikederyder3885]

Obx shirt represent

[@rupertlagrange5149]

Welldone, awesome Video.

[@NowNowMedia]

Thanks Rupert, much appreciated.

[@Randomoter]

Hell yeah AVG and WB! This is so good.

[@NowNowMedia]

Cheers Brandon!

[@jimbojims]

This is next level quality my chinas!
Cheers 🍻

[@NowNowMedia]

Cheers Jimbo, glad you enjoyed it.

[@ReesLewisThomas]

Great job Alan!

[@NowNowMedia]

Thank you Rees, much appreciated.

[@kevinmiller4138]

Strong mix of power turns and airs. And floaters!! #bringthefloaterback

[@annielinkous7635]

Gnnnarly+TheJams🎉🎉🎉~MyGirl🦈WontMessWithYou~JustPleaseStaySafe🙏🙏🙏

[@BigDaddy-hn7oh]

Helicopter

[@daneflexner2651]

so sick

[@NowNowMedia]

Thanks Dane, glad you enjoyed.

[@mtugces2]

Sooo beautiful! I didn’t know you can surf in Greece. I will definitely go next month! Thank you so much. Such a nice video to watch ❤

[@michaelb7864]

Hard pass and definitely not worth it. You can tell yourselves whatever you want but most surf breaks around the world you “unlucky” if you get hit by a shark. At Reunion your “lucky” if you don’t. BIG DIFFERENCE. Those waves ain’t worth the risk period

[@Jay-lr3me]

Looks amazing but I would be risking it with all those bull sharks. No way.

[@michaelb7864]

There’s massive whites in those waters to. Sketchiest waters and has the reputation for a reason. These surfers are just kidding themselves and taking stupid risks

[@darthrzr]

Has all of the big 3 out there for sure

[@oneilljonathan1477]

Loved it

[@NowNowMedia]

Thanks for watching!

[@brahmdevsingh5287]

Better kelp secret

[@CarlosDavidbjj]

And so, Reunion island are safe again?

[@robinson9745]

officially no, but we surf with protective equipment. Sharkshields or lookouts for those whose parents don't want a sharkshield, like me...

[@ungngissei5883]

@@robinson9745 JE Suis rentré à la Run j'ai fais du Surf quand j'avais 13 ans jusqu'a mes 16 mais depuis la Crise requin plus rien tu aurais des idées concernant des endroits safe à la Run je suis rentré y'a pas longtemps

[@xmael9743]

​@@ungngissei5883spot de trois bassins quand il y a la vigie après c'est le seul que je connais 😅 après ta celui de st leu mais faut une EPI genre le sharkshield mais trois bassins c'est safe