DIRTY HABITS Presents “We Need To Talk” a heartfelt documentary about Mental Health in Extreme Sports and action sports athletes. It follows Professional Kiteboarder, Graham Howes & Pro Wakeboarder Ryan Peacock as they explore the unique challenges and stigma surrounding mental health in the high-stakes world of action sports from wingsuiting to downhill mountain biking.
Through intimate interviews with top athletes and a professional sports psychologist, the film delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of those who live and breathe extreme sport and compete on the highest level.
From Kiteboarding and Downhill MTB to BASE jumping and wakeboarding, these athletes push the limits of what is possible, often at great physical and mental cost. With raw and honest storytelling, the film shines a light on the very real struggles that many action sports athletes face, including anxiety, identity, depression, and addiction.
We Need To Talk is more than just a film about struggles - it is also a celebration of resilience and the power of community. Through the stories of these brave and inspiring athletes, the film showcases the strength and courage it takes to confront and sometimes overcome mental health challenges.
Featuring interviews from 5 times world champion Aaron Hadlow, Kiteboarding pioneer Ruben Lenten, Wingsuit flyer Jason Baker and true legends of the action sports, Theo Erlangsen, Matti Buys & Tommy Swaan. Mental Coach and Author, Paddy Upton joins them along the journey to shed some light on recurring topics that a lot of elite athletes and people are struggling with.
Whether you are an action sports enthusiast or simply looking to better understand the mental health struggles of those around you, Mental Health in Action Sports is a must-see documentary that will leave you inspired and motivated to take action.
DIRTY HABITS Production by: Graham Howes Ryan Peacock & Nicolas Cattelan
Credits: Thank you to everyone involved in this project, from the conversations we had along the way, to the videographers who’s footage we used in this project. We are forever grateful.
If you are struggling or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please start a conversation. If a conversation is hard… it’s probably the one worth having.
