We’re excited to announce the launch of The Inertia’s Inaugural HOMETOWN HYPE presented by White Claw!
HOMETOWN HYPE showcases America’s Greatest Surf Towns from the perspective of those who know them best: local creatives, surfers, and residents. A hand-selected crew of talented local filmmakers has been working furiously to produce short films that celebrate the unique character of the beach towns they love.
In its inaugural year, we’re kicking things off with four East Coast gems – hosting world premieres that feature the local surf communities in Montauk, New York, Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Outer Banks, North Carolina, and St. Petersburg, Florida. We’ll be capping the festivities off with live music, raffles to benefit local nonprofits, and free White Claw samples for attendees over 21. Entry is free, but space is limited.
Register to attend at the links below, and we’ll be releasing more information shortly, so stay tuned.
8/15: Montauk, NY at Hero Beach Club | RSVP HERE
8/22: Point Pleasant, NJ at Broadway Bar and Grill | RSVP HERE
8/30: Outer Banks, NC at Outer Banks Brewing Station | RSVP HERE
9/5: St. Petersburg, FL at The Floridian Social | RSVP HERE
Each film features local surfers and staples of the community from local businesses (coffee shops, taco spots, and watering holes) to local legends who embody the spirit of their town. Our goal is to do right by the people and institutions that make America’s surf towns so special. Think of these short films as long overdue love letters to the places and people that inspire us.
To ratchet up the stakes with a layer of friendly competition, we’re hosting a bracket-style tournament for viewers to vote on their favorite short film to crown The Inertia‘s Inaugural HOMETOWN HYPE National Champion. Four iconic surf towns. Four world premieres. One title.
Voting opens after all films are released on September 7. Stay tuned for details and learn more about the filmmakers below!
It’s gonna be a fun summer. We hope to see you at a premiere party near you!
Special thanks to our friends at White Claw for making this celebration of East Coast surf communities happen.
The Filmmakers
Montauk, NY: Drew Maloney
Director Drew Maloney has been coming to Montauk to fish, surf, and camp his entire life. His film gets up close and personal with fixtures of the community to celebrate an iconic New York fishing town with a surfing problem.
Point Pleasant, NJ: Sal & Cory of Summer Rental Studios
The New Jersey surf scene has evolved a lot since their grom-hood, but both Salvatore Librizzi and his co-director, Corey Frank, take the North New Jersey surf community as seriously as they take their pork roll. Extra salty.
Outer Banks, NC: Jordan Montgomery and Clay Mein of Abyss Films
An accomplished surfer in his own right, Virginia Beach native Jordan Montgomery has produced some of the most notable East Coast surf films in recent memory – whether working with Michael Dunphy or the team at O’Neill. He and partner Clay Mein acknowledge that they’re long-time visitors, but they love the Outer Banks, the people, and its mercurial sandbars, and are excited to make something that celebrates a community they hold dear.
St. Petersburg, FL: Mo Lelii
Lensman Mo Lelii has been shooting photos and videos in St. Pete since he picked up a camera at 14 years old. As one of only a few people that shoot sports in the area, he’s stoked to show the unique water world of St. Pete though his lens. It’s a community that loves kiteboarding, foiling, and surfing all the same.
The Inertia’s HOMETOWN HYPE presented by White Claw kicks off August 15 at Hero Beach Club in Montauk, NY. Photo: James Katsipis
