INTERVIEW: Jesse Richman’s Extreme Sports Film Premiere

Season two of Don’t Crack Under Pressure will premiere at the MACC tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 17 2016. This extreme sports film follows athletes from across the globe, in their pursuit of stoke and pushing the boundaries of their sports. In attendance will be special guests; Maui’s own two-time world champion kite surfer, Jesse Richman, and SUP World Champion Zane Schweitzer. We caught up with Jesse to get some insight on what’s going down.

What’s this movie all about, how are you (and Zane) involved?

Jesse: Don’t Crack Under Pressure Season 2 is a film about extreme sports and athletes that love the thrill of adventure. The film dives into the minds of the athletes to get a better understanding of why they enjoy putting their lives at risk so often, and what they do to achieve success. What’s interesting is all of the athletes have different approaches to what they do.  They all do the same thing in different ways. They know there is risk; they harness the fear; and they don’t crack under pressure.

What was it like filming for and creating this movie? 

Jesse: It was a really cool experience to be a part of such a big production, and work with their top notch film team. It is nothing short of a challenge to find the best conditions around and capture breathtaking images but it’s a great experience. I’m proud of the kiteboarding segments and proud to be a part of the movie as a whole. Zane and I traveled to Tahiti together to push our limits with a few incredible Tahitian surfers and an amazing Italian free diver. We encountered crazy waves, amazing Hydro Foil conditions, and mind blowing moments with whales. We grew to know more about each other and the fully stoked/send it lifestyle that we share. Why not go for it, why not have fun? Life is short, let’s live it.

Jesse on set in Norway.

What was the most memorable part of the process for you?

Jesse: We did a segment in Norway where I jumped off of a mountain with my kite, and didn’t really mean to go as high as I did. It was the scariest and most awesome moment of my life.

Kiting off of a mountain.

How does the Instagram contest work?

Jesse: Easy! To win one of Zane’s or my favorite boards, a pair of Maui Jim’s, or a few other fun prizes, all you have to do is post one of the event posters. You can find them on the Facebook event page. In the caption include @BelleSurfCafe, @Zaniac1, @JesseRichman and #DCUP2.

Then you are entered and we will choose the winners at the premier. (You need to be present to accept the prizes.) Also, if you write how you don’t crack under pressure in the caption, it may help your chances of winning.

What’s next on your agenda? What are your plans for the coming year?

Jesse: There is a lot I have on my mind, with the new Jesse Richman Premier club (www.jesserichman.com) launched I aim to bring the coolest content in kiteboarding to my club and push the limits of extreme kiteboarding. Coming up in January is the Red Bull King of the Air in Cape Town. This is the gnarliest event in kiting and I’m going down there amped and ready to send it, my eyes are set at the top of the podium.

Golden hour in Tahiti.

Anything else you want to say to the Maui community?

Jesse: Everywhere I travel to I see cool places and amazing people. However, nowhere can compare to Maui. Not only because of the beauty, weather and great conditions that we have here, but it’s the people that make Maui so special. We are on a small island and share a small community. This can be scary to some, but for us it’s such a thrill to experience together. Everyone here shares such a great passion for life and contributes to the most amazing island vibes. I’m so happy to be a part of this community and call Maui my home. Thank you so much to everyone here who makes this place the paradise that it is. Let’s continue to enjoy what we do, but also work together more than ever to preserve the planet’s beauty and inspire the youth to the make the most of their life.

Zane hydro foiling in Tahiti.

See Jesse’s personal invite here https://vimeo.com/195503589

Facebook Event Page https://www.facebook.com/events/1731873730471050/

Tickets Available here http://www.mauiarts.org/main/event/film-dontcrackunderpressure-2/4280