From bike to break: new surf film follows 2000km journey

PANCHO SYMES

A new surf film set to screen in Aireys Inlet follows New Zealand-born surfer Johanna Brebner on a 2,000km journey across Aotearoa, chasing waves and connection.

Spaces in Between, backed by Need Essentials, traces Brebner’s return home after leaving New Zealand at 17 to live on Australia’s east coast.

“I’d always wanted to get back to do a longer form trip over there,” she said.

The journey took her across both islands, including New Zealand’s South Island, which she said felt “a little bit more raw and wild and alive”.

Travelling by bike, Brebner carried her surfboard and gear using a gravel setup with panniers and a trailer, learning as she went.

“In terms of the trailer setup, that was definitely a big learning curve,” she said.

 

Preparation was minimal, with Brebner adapting on the road.

“I think I did like five bike rides,” Brebner said. “But the first couple of weeks I was just walking up the hills, and my body definitely did take a bit of time to adjust, but then you get into the flow of it.”

Friend Hahnee Chelkowski joined her for part of the trip, breaking up long stretches of solo travel.

Days on the bike blended into nights in a tent, often at campgrounds, with occasional rest days.

“I think I learned that it is super important to rest as well,” Brebner said.

The journey was shaped by the people she met along the way, with many offering meals, showers and support.

“Everyone was so open and curious and supportive,” Brebner said.

Despite early concerns, she said she felt safe travelling alone.

“I did get chased by a few dogs, but otherwise it felt super safe,” Brebner said.

Moving at a slower pace changed how she approached surfing, narrowing her focus and removing the pressure to constantly chase conditions.

 

“It brings your focus in a lot more to where you are at that time,” she said.

When good waves came, she said, the reward was greater after long stretches without them.

For Brebner, the project became both a return home and a shift in perspective.

“It was a combination of a beautiful homecoming and slow adventure,” she said.

She said Need Essentials’ support made the film possible and reflected a broader approach to surfing and travel.

“The work that they do for this side of surfing and the slow form adventure is incredible,” she said.

The film also speaks to a broader idea about slowing down in a fast-moving world.

“Our society can move at a very fast pace, and it can be overwhelming,” Brebner said.

“To have these little reminders of how important it is to move slowly when you can – I just feel like it’s worth its weight in gold.”

Spaces in Between will screen at the Aireys Inlet Pub on May 22 from 6.30pm. Head to Humanitix.