Editor’s Note: This feature is presented by our partners at White Claw.
St. Petersburg, Florida, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of surf towns, but Moe Lelii just might change that. Born and raised in the Sunshine City, Lelii’s latest project — a film for Whiteclaw’s Hometown Hype tour — is an ode to St. Petersburg’s low-key, but passionate, surf and kiteboarding community.
While the surf in St. Petersburg may not be as consistent as on Florida’s East Coast, the stoke is just as real. “You won’t see it every day like in other places,” says Lelii, “but when we get waves, the world stops. Everyone shows up to get what they can.”
While rideable waves along the Gulf Coast may be inconsistent and ephemeral, the wind is a constant. St. Petersburg has a thriving kiteboarding scene and is home to pros like Alex Fox and Drew Christianson. “The kite community here is super strong,” Lelii explains. “There’s always someone out kiting somewhere, no matter how light or strong the wind is.”
Lelii’s film aims to capture that energy: the collective vibe that comes from a community that knows how to make the most of whatever Mother Nature throws its way.
Photo: Courtesy of Mo Lelii.
Getting the call to be part of Whiteclaw’s Hometown Hype tour was a big moment for Lelii. “I was a mix of ecstatic and in total shock,” he recalled. “There aren’t many filmmakers in the area who shoot these sports, so to be asked to make a film that shows off St. Pete like this is a dream come true.”
His mission? To shine a spotlight on St. Petersburg’s unique water culture. It’s a place that rarely gets mentioned, but Lelii’s determined to change that. “Even though it doesn’t happen often, we do get waves here,” he said. “And the kiteboarding is incredible, with so many spots from the beaches to the bay.”
Lelii’s film also showcases the broader St. Pete lifestyle. From the vibrant downtown scene to the laid-back beach vibes, there’s a lot more to this place than meets the eye. “Being able to share a glimpse of the everyday lifestyle here puts a huge smile on my face,” he said. The project has been a labor of love, bringing together a crew of old friends and fellow adventurers, including Fox, Christianson, and Cory Lopez.
In the end, Mo Lelii’s film is more than just a look at the local surf and kite scene — it’s a celebration of St. Petersburg itself. Through his lens, he’s showing the world that this unassuming Gulf Coast city has a lot more to offer than people might think.
