On December 7 2001, professional bodyboarder Joel Taylor paddled out to ‘Pipeline’ – The famed surf break on the North Shore of O’ahu in Hawaii, one of the worlds most famous waves. It was Joels third season in Hawaii, and at 21 Joel had won several state titles in Australia, was recieving a bunch of coverage in magazines and videos (Including the iconic ‘Tension’ film series), and was quickly rising up the ranks on the world tour.
‘Whenever you hear a helicopter flying over the water at Pipeline you know something heavy has happened. It’s really rare, and basically somethings gone down thats heavy enough that its not an ambulance – it’s someone getting airlifted straight to Honolulu. That brings a dark energy to the lineup.’
Winston McCall (Lifelong friend/Parkway Drive frontman)
Winston didn’t know who the helicopter was there for, but he would later find out it was his best friend from home Joel Taylor. An unlucky late take off on a shallower-than-normal wave that instantly paralysed Joel, and would keep him out of the water for the next 20 years. He felt like everything he loved and had been working towards had been taken away from him at the age of just 21.
Two decades later, motivated by the birth of his first son, and wanting to give him the type of upbringing around the ocean he had himself – Joel decided to get back in the water. It was far from an easy journey, but after discovering para surfing he went on to become Australian champion the following year and in November 2023 – won his first World Championship.
‘Beyond the break’ documents Joels story for the first time, shining a light on the mental health issues facing those who have suffered life changing injuries, while also offering a positive take on what we can all learn from people who have faced adversity and decided to not let it define them.
