The Friendly Pirate - TCSS
DIRECTION/ PRODUCTION / CONCEPT BY JAIME GONZALEZ
SHOT & EDIT BY OSCAR FERNANDEZ
WATERSHOTS BY OWEN MILNE
Ash Keillah's patch is no fashion accessory. It's the result of standing between two brawling brutes on what was, up until that point, a typical night out in Surfer's Paradise.
After years of largely unsuccessful operations, Ash was faced a decision; continue with ongoing attempts to regain vision, which left him in constant pain and out of the water, or have the eye removed. He elected for the latter and, with his impressive attitude and support from friends and family, donned the patch and continued to pursue his wave-riding passion. Ash managed to re-direct his path towards success, becoming an example to people who have been through harsh situations (his eye only one of the challenges he faced during this period as you'll see) and can’t find a ray of light and hope in the future.
(Words by Rick Snowden)