There’s no place on earth like the Outer Banks. Most surfers who visit know this. But the amazing community that lives in the Outer Banks year around knows this better than anyone. Yes, perfect, heavy, hollow surf is available. But so are the raw, violent storms that threaten to destroy the thin strip of sand in the middle of the Atlantic each year. Just a couple weeks ago, another house fell into the ocean in Rodanthe. It drifted away like a cork in a lake. The place is not for the faint of heart.
I started my surfing journey in the Outer Banks, tossing pizzas every summer at Lisa’s Pizzeria in Rodanthe. The team there made me feel part of the community as we chased waves when we weren’t on the clock. The owners, Briggs and Dave, even took the staff in a stretch Lincoln Navigator limo from Rodanthe to Outer Banks Brewing Station to see Briggs’ brother play in The Pat McGee Band. How many kitchens do that for their staff? That’s a testament to Briggs and Dave, yes. Best bosses ever. But it applies to the community in the Outer Banks more generally.
The community (and surf, duh) here have always been so special to me. The inspiration and raw energy in these islands is infinite. It’s unlike anywhere else.
So filmmakers Jordan Montgomery and Clay Mein of Abyss Films had a tall task when approached to pay homage to this special place. Lucky for us, their film captures all of that. It’s heartfelt. It acknowledges the challenges and celebrates the unique character of the community and its rich relationship with, and respect for, the ocean.
“It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world, but also is threatened by overdevelopment and the constant beat downs from Mother Nature,” said Jordan Montgomery. “I’m hoping I can communicate how special this place is not only to me but also to the people who live there, why it must be cherished, and showcase the incredible strength that people who choose to live there possess.”
“The hardest part of this project was capturing the heart of the Outer Banks’ tight-knit surf community while staying true to their way of life,” said Clay Mein. “It’s about more than just surfing. It’s understanding the deep connection to the ocean and honoring their lifestyle. The challenge was to tell their story authentically, without misrepresenting or glossing over the real struggles and joys they experience, so they feel respected and truly seen.”
I hope the local community feels the gratitude embedded in the film and the project. It’s truly a humble, loving high five.
Huge thank you to everyone who has contributed a dash of their heart and soul. A special thank you to White Claw for making HOMETOWN HYPE possible and to local giants Surfin’ Spoon and Lisa’s Pizzeria for their support at the sold out premiere!
Production Company Abyss Films
Written & Directed by:
Jordan Montgomery & Clay Mein
Executive Producer
Zach Weisberg
Cinematographers
Clay Mein & Jordan Montgomery
Editors
Clay Mein & Jordan Montgomery
Colorist
Jacopo Cosmelli
Additional Footage
Jeffrey O’neil
Brett Barley
Nic McLean
Noah Snyder
Kristian Ozer Kettner
NOAA/NASA
GOES-16Google Earth Timelapse
Airplane Pilots
Dan Kramer
Scott at OBX Airplanes
Drone Operators
Cody Hammer
Stephen Quick
Still Photography
Daniel Pullen
Callaway Ramsey
Russell Blackwood
Mickey McCarthy
Scott Busbey
Production Assistants
Stephen Quick
Tristan Loayza
BTS Photographer
Stephen Quick
Starring
Scott Busbey
Daniel Pullen
Kevin McCabe
Noah Snyder
Jesse Hines
Dawn Moraga
Brett Barley
Music “Snap Out of It” by @cor_de_lux
“Syncopated” by @cor_de_lux
Additional Track Licensing
Musicbed
Production Support DC.Camera
