La Jetée | A Surfing Return to Reunion Island

Reunion Island is a paradise for surfers but, after a series of fatal shark attacks, surfing all but ceased along much of its coastline for several years, except around the small enclave of La Jetée. La Jetée also happens to be one of the best air waves in the world and in early 2022, we made the journey back to reconnect with this incredible island and its people.
Shark attacks are still a concern on Reunion Island, and surfing outside of the designated protected areas is technically illegal, but there had not been an attack in three years at the time of our trip. Scientists can’t say with certainty why, but there is important research being done and the establishment of protected surfing areas at places like St Leu have made getting in the water safer. The local surfing and lifeguard community have done an incredible job of rallying together with scientists to create water patrols and establish a number of protocols to try minimise the risk of an attack as much as possible at these spots. Now Now media is busy working on a more in-depth documentary on the shark situation in Reunion but in order to surf at St Leu, you’re supposed to register on the beach and have a shark deterrent device. Surfers still surf other parts of Reunion without organised protection measures but this is technically illegal (you could face a fine) and at their own risk.
Starring
Eli Beukes | Luke Slijpen | Allain Matthieu Guillaume
DOP
Alan van Gysen
Filmers
Alan van Gysen | Ian Thurtell | Julian ‘Ciel’ Celeste | Will Bendix
Directed & Edited
By Will Bendix
A Now Now Media Production

[@kafeene]

The surfing is good, but the shots of the island and the people are amazing. Amazing photography and editing 👏

[@NowNowTV]

Cheers @kafeene, thanks for watching!

[@bonbondesel]

My home is beautiful ! Happy to see locals and foreign surfers doing sick airs in this excellent video ! Thanks for this !

[@NowNowTV]

Merci bonbondesel, glad you enjoyed it.

[@michelmonier8489]

Our lost Paradise. Good to see young fellas shredding it. Btw very nice editing video mate.

[@NowNowTV]

Thanks Michel, glad you enjoyed it.

[@jimbojims]

This is next level quality my chinas! Cheers 🍻

[@NowNowTV]

Cheers Jimbo, glad you enjoyed it.

[@rupertlagrange5149]

Welldone, awesome Video.

[@NowNowTV]

Thanks Rupert, much appreciated.

[@ReesLewisThomas]

Great job Alan!

[@NowNowTV]

Thank you Rees, much appreciated.

[@Viaene87]

So lekker! Those ramps look soo fun

[@Randomoter]

Hell yeah AVG and WB! This is so good.

[@NowNowTV]

Cheers Brandon!

[@daneflexner2651]

so sick

[@NowNowTV]

Thanks Dane, glad you enjoyed.

[@CarlosDavidbjj]

And so, Reunion island are safe again?

[@robinson9745]

officially no, but we surf with protective equipment. Sharkshields or lookouts for those whose parents don't want a sharkshield, like me...

[@ungngissei5883]

@@robinson9745 JE Suis rentré à la Run j'ai fais du Surf quand j'avais 13 ans jusqu'a mes 16 mais depuis la Crise requin plus rien tu aurais des idées concernant des endroits safe à la Run je suis rentré y'a pas longtemps

[@xmael9743]

​@@ungngissei5883spot de trois bassins quand il y a la vigie après c'est le seul que je connais 😅 après ta celui de st leu mais faut une EPI genre le sharkshield mais trois bassins c'est safe

[@Jay-lr3me]

Looks amazing but I would be risking it with all those bull sharks. No way.

[@michaelb7864]

There’s massive whites in those waters to. Sketchiest waters and has the reputation for a reason. These surfers are just kidding themselves and taking stupid risks

[@michaelb7864]

Hard pass and definitely not worth it. You can tell yourselves whatever you want but most surf breaks around the world you “unlucky” if you get hit by a shark. At Reunion your “lucky” if you don’t. BIG DIFFERENCE. Those waves ain’t worth the risk period