Six Years in the Making, Surfer and Filmmaker Unveil Their Masterpiece

A Unique Collaboration in Surf Film

Perry Gershkow and Noah Wegrich share a deep passion for surfing, particularly the cold Northern California lineups, offshore Ocean Beach, and Guinness on tap. Beyond their love for the sport, they also have a shared enthusiasm for surf films. This mutual interest has led to a unique collaboration that has taken six years to bring to life.

Their latest project, Keeping it in the Shadows, is a culmination of their combined vision and dedication. The film is now touring across the country, with screenings in dozens of theaters and surf shops. The tour will begin on the US West Coast from February through early April, followed by stops on the East Coast and Europe before the film’s digital release at the end of the year.

The film’s title reflects Perry’s nostalgia and his desire to create something that doesn’t overwhelm the audience. “In a way, it’s a surf film where we can relish the fact that there’s no timeline, no sponsors, no one telling us to finish the film,” he said. “You can get overwhelmed with chasing immediate satisfaction, and for me, Noah, and the other guys in the film, it was about enjoying being present and taking time away from the madness.”

Independent Production and Creative Freedom

One of the most remarkable aspects of Keeping it in the Shadows is that it was entirely funded by Perry and Noah themselves. There was no travel budget or corporate oversight—just friends coming together when time, money, and swell windows aligned. This independence allowed them to maintain creative control over the project.

Perry, who began his career in surfing with brand campaign shoots and edits, now works in the commercial space outside the surf industry, directing and producing audiovisual masterclasses. However, when it comes to surfing, his level of cinematography and attention to detail remains unmatched.

“We’re always touching base, and if he had some time off, he’d reach out and vice versa,” Noah said. “On top of that, there’s the challenge of having enough money in the account to go on a trip. But that adds a layer to it. We work so hard to have the time and money to go on these trips, so when we do get to go, we appreciate it that much more, even when you’re sitting in the airport or skulling beers when the waves are bad.”

A Friendship Rooted in Shared Passion

Perry, based north of San Francisco, and Noah, based in Santa Cruz, have known each other for 14 years. When they first met, Noah was a towheaded teenager and Perry was just entering the workforce. Over the years, they’ve grown personally and professionally, but their friendship has remained strong.

“I feel like over the last 10 years, Perry’s grown and become a more well-rounded cinematographer and storyteller,” Noah said. “It’s cool to think back to where we started.”

A Never-Ending Pursuit of Excellence

There’s a famous quote attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci: “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” That sentiment resonates with Noah and Perry, who felt the same way about their project. Each long session and fruitful trip wasn’t enough for them to put the tools down. There was no deadline—just a hunger to raise the bar.

“It’s a never-ending thing for us,” Noah said. “I think that’s why we work so well together, we both want to be better at our craft. For Perry, he appreciates surfing, and I appreciate the cinematic side of things. I’ve always been fascinated by cameras, photos, and how it comes together with color and sound design.”

A Cinematic Journey Across the Globe

At 1 hour and 20 minutes of runtime, Keeping it in the Shadows showcases Perry’s creativity and editing skills. He organized just under 15 terabytes of footage, resulting in a visually stunning film. The film features sessions in Ireland, Scotland, Chile, South Africa, and numerous cooking days at Ocean Beach and other locations in California. It also includes professional surfers such as Torren Martyn, Ian Crane, Nat Young, the Gudauskas brothers, and Cliff Kapono.

During each trip, Perry and the traveling crew of surfers hit up locals to chase waves, share meals, and have beers. This not only helped diffuse tension in the lineup but also allowed for a more nuanced storytelling approach that Perry hadn’t explored in previous films.

“I’ve always been one to be all about the visuals, but I think with this one, it felt like a time to give people a nod to how the travel goes and you meet along the way,” he said.

The Importance of Music in the Film

Music plays a crucial role in Keeping it in the Shadows. Perry was very intentional about sourcing a soundtrack that fit the film’s style. “You can’t have a surf movie without the right music,” he said. “You can have the coolest surfing in the world, but if the song doesn’t work, it’s such a letdown. You can have a classic song that everyone loves, but if it doesn’t fit the surfing, it’s a write-off.”

A Special Board with a Long History

A small but remarkable note: Noah is fond of a specific yellow Channel Islands Twin Pin, which has made numerous appearances in other edits with O’Neill and Island X. He’s lugged the same board around the world since before he and Perry began filming for Keeping it in the Shadows, repairing dings and busted fin boxes (at least seven times) for over six years. The board has come through for him again and again.

“It’s been through the absolute ringer, but it’s also gotten me through some of the best sessions of my life,” Noah said. “I can’t believe it’s still intact. The board deserves a movie for itself.”