Russell Bierke “sanctioned by god and law” in surf edit being called best of 2023!

Russell Bierke's new film delivers a pleasure usually reserved for cats who sleep on velvet cushions and are fed chicken breasts.

Russell Bierke, twenty-six years old, is the deceptively fragile looking son of noted Californian-born shaper Kirk Bierke whose boards are sold under the label KB Surf and made in Ulladulla, three hours south of Sydney.

Russell Bierke commands such a reputation he needs very little introduction, although a little background never hurts, does it?

Russell Bierke is diminutive and old world, with a tight mouth and very plain-face that have the ferocity of an angry cuckold, a cranky Italian denied his lunchtime siesta.

Russel Bierke’s earliest memories are of watching his dad run out the door whenever the surf was big, going to the beach and seeing him ride these big, blue-water reef waves, and wanting to be part of the game.

In 2017, he was “blue as a Smurf” and “on all fours spewing” after a wipeout in fifteen waves in Victoria, an injury that put him in intensive care.

You’ll have seen period edits of Russell Bierke over the years, of course.

His latest, Outer Edge of Leisure, which was made with the cooperation of the ever fabulous O’Neill company (hello Rob Bain, still one of the best in the biz) and by the hand of Andrew Kaineder, delivers the sort of pleasure usually reserved for plump cats who sleep on velvet cushions and are fed chicken breasts.

The presser reads,

Amidst a boundless expanse of turbulent waves and remote seascapes, Russ emerges as a silhouette on the horizon, the tempestuous waters his canvas. Each wave is not a battleground to conquer, but an opportunity to be in tune with the rhythm of the ocean’s pulse.

Contrasting B&W 16mm and Hi-Res cinematography, set to a unique solo drum scape ‘Outer Edge of Leisure’ takes you on a visual journey as Russ Bierke redefines his own idea of surfing as a leisure activity.

Essential.