Are you ready to dive into the best surfing movies and documentaries? Surfing is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life, a connection with nature. As a surfer, you know that there’s nothing better than catching a wave, feeling the wind in your hair, and riding the water. But when the waves aren’t cooperating, what can you do?
Lucky for you, there are many incredible surf movies and documentaries that will keep you entertained
Best Surfing Movies and Documentaries
Surfing movies and documentaries are not only entertaining but also inspiring. They capture the thrill of riding waves, the beauty of oceans, and the culture of surfing. They showcase surfers’ struggles, victories, and their dedication to catching the perfect wave. Some of the best surfing movies and documentaries include Endless Summer, Riding Giants, Step Into Liquid, View From A Blue Moon, and Momentum Generation. These films take you on a journey around the world, from Hawaii to Tahiti, from Australia to South Africa, and beyond, and introduce you to legendary surfers and big wave riders. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting, watching these movies and documentaries will make you want to grab your board and hit the waves.
Best Surfing Movies and Documentaries
Surfing movies and documentaries have been inspiring surfers for decades. These films capture the essence of surfing – the thrill of riding waves, the beauty of oceans, and the culture of surfing. They showcase surfers’ lives and their dedication to catching the perfect wave. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best surfing movies and documentaries that you should watch.
The Endless Summer (1966)
The Endless Summer is the quintessential surfing movie. It follows two surfers, Robert August and Mike Hynson, as they travel the world in search of the perfect wave. The film was directed by Bruce Brown and released in 1966. What makes this movie great is its simple and pure portrayal of surfing. Robert and Mike’s pure love for surfing, combined with Bruce Brown’s storytelling, make this movie a must-watch for any surfer. The Endless Summer is a timeless classic that still resonates with surfers today.
Riding Giants (2004)
Riding Giants is a documentary film that explores the history of big wave surfing. Directed by Stacy Peralta, the movie takes viewers on a journey from the birth of big wave surfing in Hawaii to the present day. You’ll learn about the pioneers of big wave surfing and watch some of the best surfers in the world ride waves that tower over 50 feet tall. If you’re a fan of big wave surfing, this is a must-watch movie.
Step Into Liquid (2003)
Step Into Liquid is a documentary film that explores the different styles and methods of surfing. Directed by Dana Brown, the son of Bruce Brown, the movie takes viewers all around the world to see how surfing is done differently depending on the location. From California to Ireland to Vietnam, you’ll see all kinds of surfers, from professionals to beginners, riding waves in their own unique way. Step Into Liquid will inspire you to try out different surf styles and explore new surf spots.
View From A Blue Moon (2015)
View From A Blue Moon is a surf film that was shot entirely in 4K resolution. Directed by John Florence and Blake Vincent Kueny, the movie features surfing prodigy John Florence as he travels the world in search of the perfect wave. The cinematography is breathtaking, and the surfing is mind-blowing. This film takes you through the eyes of a surfer and shows you the beauty of surfing that we sometimes miss. This is definitely a movie that you should watch on a large screen to get the full experience.
Momentum Generation (2018)
Momentum Generation is a documentary film that tells the story of a group of young surfers who revolutionized the sport in the 1990s. Directed by Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, the movie features interviews with surf legends like Kelly Slater, Shane Dorian, and Rob Machado. The movie takes viewers through the ups and downs of these surfers’ lives, and how they inspired each other to push the limits of the sport. This movie is a great look at the history of surfing and the people who made it what it is today.
Now that you know some of the best surfing movies and documentaries, you’re probably wondering where to watch them. Some of these movies are available on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, and some are available for purchase on platforms like Amazon. Another great option is to check out local surf shops, as they often have a selection of surf movies and documentaries for sale. If you’re on a budget, you can also look for used surfboards for sale, as some surfers may be trying to clear out their collection of surf movies.
Conclusion
Surfing movies and documentaries are a great way to get inspired and learn more about the sport. These films capture the essence of surfing, from the thrill of riding waves to the culture of the surf community. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, these movies and documentaries are a must-watch. So grab your popcorn, kick back, and enjoy some of the best surfing films out there!
Where to Watch Surfing Movies and Documentaries?
If you’re looking to watch surfing movies and documentaries, there are several options available to you. As mentioned earlier, streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have a great selection of surfing movies and documentaries. Amazon also has a wide selection of movies that you can rent or purchase, including surfing movies.Another great option is to visit your local surf shop. These stores often sell DVDs of classic surf movies, allowing you to build a collection of your own. You can also ask the staff for recommendations based on your style of surfing or your preferred location. Many surf shops also host movie nights, giving you the opportunity to watch these films with other surfers in the community.Finally, surf film festivals are a great way to see new surf movies and documentaries before they’re released to the public. There are surf film festivals held all around the world, including the San Diego Surf Film Festival, the New York Surf Film Festival, and the London Surf Film Festival. Attending a surf film festival is a great way to see new surfing movies and documentaries and to connect with fellow surfers.
Surfing Documentaries Can Teach You Valuable Lessons
Surfing documentaries have the potential to teach you valuable lessons about surfing and life. Many surf documentaries explore the mental and physical aspects of surfing, such as staying calm under pressure, facing your fears, and staying fit and healthy. Some documentaries also delve into the environmental impact of surfing, encouraging surfers to be mindful of their impact on the ocean.One such documentary is “A Plastic Ocean,” which explores the impact of plastic pollution on the oceans. The film highlights the need for surfers to be aware of the impact they have on the environment and to take action to reduce their carbon footprint. Another great documentary is “Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable,” which tells the story of legendary surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack but returned to surfing and became a professional surfer. The film is a great example of perseverance and determination, inspiring viewers to never give up on their dreams.
Final Thoughts
Surfing movies and documentaries are not only entertaining but also educational. They can teach you valuable lessons about surfing and inspire you to become a better surfer. Whether you’re looking to watch classic surf movies or the latest documentaries, there’s something out there for everyone. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy some of the best surfing movies and documentaries out there!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about surfing movies and documentaries:
1. What is the best surfing movie of all time?
The Endless Summer is widely regarded as the best surfing movie of all time. Directed by Bruce Brown and released in 1966, the film follows two surfers as they travel the world in search of the perfect wave.
2. Where can I watch surfing movies and documentaries?
You can watch surfing movies and documentaries on streaming services like Netflix and Hulu or purchase them on platforms like Amazon. Local surf shops may also have DVDs for sale, and surf film festivals are a great way to see new surf movies before they’re released to the public.
3. What is the difference between a surfing movie and a surfing documentary?
A surfing movie is typically a fictional film that features surfing as a main theme, often with a storyline and acting. A surfing documentary, on the other hand, is a non-fiction film that explores the history, culture, or techniques of surfing, often featuring real-life surfers and interviews.
4. Are surfing movies and documentaries only for surfers?
No, surfing movies and documentaries are not only for surfers. These films can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates the beauty of the ocean and the thrill of surfing. Plus, some surfing documentaries explore topics like environmentalism or perseverance, which can be inspiring to anyone.
5. What is the most inspiring surfing documentary?
There are many inspiring surfing documentaries, but one of the most inspiring is “Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable.” This documentary follows the story of pro surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost an arm in a shark attack but continued to surf and became a role model for surfers and people all over the world.
6. What is the best surf movie for beginners?
For beginners, a good surf movie to start with is “Step Into Liquid.” This documentary explores different styles and methods of surfing, featuring different surfers and locations all over the world, so it’s a great introduction to the world of surfing.
7. What is the best surf movie for advanced surfers?
For advanced surfers, a good surf movie to check out is “View From A Blue Moon.” This movie showcases the surfing of John Florence, one of the most creative and innovative surfers of our time, and the cinematography is breathtaking.
8. What is the best surf movie for big wave surfing?
“Riding Giants” is a great documentary for those interested in big wave surfing. The film explores the history of big wave surfing and features interviews with legendary surfers like Laird Hamilton and Greg Noll.
9. Can surfing movies help me improve my surfing?
Yes, surfing movies and documentaries can help you improve your surfing. Many films explore the mental and physical aspects of surfing, such as staying calm under pressure or improving your technique, which can be helpful for surfers of all levels.
10. What are some classic surfing movies?
Some classic surfing movies include