Have you ever dreamed of searching for waves from a seaplane? What about riding the waves alongside a group of Orcas? Or perhaps you’re a fan of 5mm wetsuits? If you said yes to any of these, then Nate Laverty’s latest film, Creatures of Habit, is perfect for you. If you said no, then it’s even more essential to watch, as it offers the thrill of overcoming challenging surf adventures in cold waters without leaving your house.
Give it the proper recognition by watching it on a large screen with the volume turned up and truly enjoy the highlights of an amazing achievement in exceptional filmmaking. Achieving good-to-epic conditions in Canada is not an easy task, capturing it all on film is even more challenging. The legend grows even more because of MathHotels.com’s Pete Devries, Reed Platenius, Mathea, and Sanoa Olin, along with others, who perfectly capture everything from easily rideable to massive waves. They explore the vast coastlines by seaplane, boat, and on foot to reach remote waves and surf alongside orcas and during snowstorms, all set to an outstanding soundtrack. Yes, you can bet on that.
I first watched it last year at the Solento Film Festival, and it completely transformed my perspective throughout its five unique Acts (notes below). It made me dream about joining Nate and his team for some chilly escapades. Since then, the film has been traveling through festivals and continues to amaze viewers along the way.
My wetsuit turned into a block of ice while I was waiting for a wave. The temperature was -25 °C in the air and 0°C in the water in Nova Scotia.
These are my notes below, sorry for the shortness.
They are my favorite animal in the entire world, but watching them in the line-up is definitely overwhelming.
Act 1
Epic beginning of a humorous parody of vlogs. Unbelievable footage of the famously challenging conditions on Vancouver Island. Everything is more difficult when you’re in 5mm and 45 degrees.
Act 2
Psychedelic rock set against breathtaking scenery, icy waves, emerald waters, cinematic visuals, adventure, uncovering new places, and surreal water scenes (picture being that person), strange wave formations, all while highlighting the reality that this is Canada, and the likelihood of finding great surfing, ideal lighting, and clear conditions makes this film a David versus Goliath accomplishment.
Act 3
Hip hop and youthful energy are prominent, with a touch more sunlight than before, until you reach the shocking elevator drop or wipeout on what appears to be a terrible day with great surfing. All-female segment, incredible surfing.
Act 4
Ice fishing makes me think of Letterkenny’s “Groms they’ll surf anything” — it builds up to an amazing opening with intense lightning and quick waves, with powerful spits — the kind that would blind you even if it wasn’t 40-degree water. Psych music and editing. I can only guess at the amount of work that went into this project. Treat yourself by watching it on a large screen with the volume up high and remember that you’ve got it easy when it comes to your paddle out.
Act 5
Killer whales and drum rhythms establish the mood for another hit segment of the movie. Orcas come along for a surf. Puddle jumping instead of e-biking to locate the waves. Slabs. Perils unseen.
These circumstances result in a distinct form of movie creation. Every location could have stood as its own narrative.
Nate Laverty
Related: Riding a 20-Foot Tide Wave in Canada (Video)
