Supported by 
Surf Tailz is the first of the Street Songs projects, exploring the connection between music and sport. WNO took a team of professionals down to Porthcawl to teach young people from across the South Wales Valleys skills in surfing, filming and songwriting.
WNO has been exploring ways to engage hard to reach groups, such as young men with singing, song writing and opera. Surf Tailz offered an opportunity for non-musical or performance groups to discover and develop skills in both sports and the arts, giving voice to their stories, celebrating their achievements and introducing them to opera.
Filmed over five days along the South Wales coastline, the Surf Tailz film captures the stories, songs and surfing experiences of 32 young people from Bridgend, Maesteg, Ogmore Vale, Caerphilly, Pontyclun and Torfaen. The resulting film and original soundtrack tells their stories. Each part is a collaborative effort led by the young people, supported by WNO.
Filmed on location at Porthcawl and Southerndown, Surf Tailz premiered as part of Bridgend County Council’s ‘Surf Cult’ festival, 16 September 2008 and was performed with a live soundtrack.
"I never thought I would be able to write a song. I’m proud of what I have achieved".
Ben Grimstead, 16
"You should do more projects like this. There’s nothing for young people to do where I live – please come back and work with us again."
Daniel White, 15
Click here to read the song lyrics
If you have participated in Surf Tailz you can have exclusive access to a Notice Board where you can keep in touch and up to date with your group and project
Surf Coach
Ingemar Cressey
Director & Editor
Anne Gallagher
Assistant Director
Andrew Parry
Film Assistant
Ben Pinnow
Writer
Alan Harris
Composer/Pianist
Paul Jones