Creative Wave Movement

What has Kelly Slater, Laird Hamilton and a slew of other professional surfers scratching their heads in utter disbelief? The mere soul that has everyone’s eyes wide open in awe-inspiring wonder is the story of Brazilian surfer, Derek Rabelo: born blind with the mission to surf Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu. This story speaks beyond the realm of surf, and delivers a spot-on message of hope, walking by faith when circumstances deem otherwise. CreativeWave Movement tapped into the mind of the man behind documenting the brave mission of a determined youth, set to win. Bryan Jennings- founder of Walking on Water films- gives us a behind-the-scenes look of the Derek Rabelo story.

Derek Rabelo defying the odds in new documentary, “Beyond Sight.”

CreativeWave Movement: Walking on Water began 15 years ago, had you ever projected W.O.W. becoming what it is today?

Bryan Jennings: No. We just took each step by faith. It is so encouraging to look back on thousands of steps of faith to see where they led us to and all that God did along the journey. We have learned that anything special that lasts through eternity can only happen through Christ.

CWM: Very true. Our culture consistently demonstrates the power of imagery, namely in film and cinema. What impact have you seen with your work through film?

Legend of Surf, Laird Hamilton, lends his skills, time and heart for Rabelo’s mission.

BJ: I just think it is great to have two hours of an audience’s life to share a powerful testimony with them and to influence- through story, music and images- someone to draw closer to God, the Creator of all music, story and images.

CWM: Absolutely. Speaking of courageous acts of Faith through film, Beyond Sight- Walking on Water’s newest release- has already garnered so much attention; not just in faith-based circles, but amongst surfing communities. Tell us a little bit about what that means to you, the mission of W.O.W. and your hopes for its future.

BJ: Walking on Water films, surf camps and outreach have been used by God to bring many people to Christ and to encourage many believers. I simply hope this continues, and continues to the cities where God leads us around His world.

CWM: That’s awesome. With any great film, a producer and/or story’s creation is inspired by someone/something: What prompted you to share the story of Derek Rabelo?

Many surfers lent their time and energy to help Rabelo achieve his dreams. Here, pro Surfer, Rob Machado, catches a nice little wave with Rabelo during the film’s production.

BJ: Derek inspired me to live by faith and not by sight; to stop using my eyes to look at circumstances and start looking to God, believing that HE will do all things.

CWM: So good. Well, the future surely looks brighter than any can anticipate for your endeavors… What are your continued hopes for Walking on Water; new projects and ways of accomplishing your mission?

BJ: More movies, more camps, more mission trips and more outreach events. We hope that the Beyond Sight movie will reach millions of people over the next year or two, in and out of theaters. I have a few movies I’d like to start working on. One is the Walking on Water 2 movies, and another is a movie about bull riding and surfing combined, in a powerful faith story. I also want to write the Walking on Water book that would share many of the miraculous stories that happened during 20 years of ministry.”

The Take-Away

There is something so profoundly powerful to be said about the rallying of surfers that- not only this film received- but Derek Rabelo’s unorthodox mission received. The unexplainable occurred here: all, whether a professional surfer or not, were humbled by the greater-than-life odds one young man seemed to scoff at; seemed to laugh at. Perhaps, the very one without the visual perception is the only one really seeing.

Walking by Faith.

–CWM–