As one of the oldest sports in history, there is no denying the thrill and beauty of surfing. The Polynesian people were one of the first to begin the practice of riding the waves, and their influence has evolved into a world-renowned sport and way of life that we know today.
Whether you’re just a spectator at the beach, an enthusiast wanting to learn to surf or just enjoying the beauty of the sport, surfing has definitely sparked the imagination of many people across the world. A big part of the prevalence of surfing and its integration with modern culture, is how it’s been depicted in the media through movies, documentaries and other visual mediums from which audiences can witness the practice of surfing. In this article, we will be sharing our top 5 recommended surf movies of our choice (in no particular order).
The Endless Summer (1966)
This movie is a classic depiction of the surfing culture, and many consider it one of the most important in this genre. Director Bruce Brown executed the movie conveying the sense of travel, friendship and fun in the water. The movie takes you on an adventure with the two main characters, Mike Hynson and Robert August, as they travel the world to South Africa, Hawaii, Ghana, New Zealand, Australia and many more, as they explore the best surfing spots.
Point Break (1991)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this movie tells of a surfing tale from the point of view of an FBI agent played by Keanu Reeves. He conducts an investigation of a robbery that requires him to learn to surf in order to infiltrate the gang of thieves. This movie has the perfect blend of thrill, suspense, action, romance and the surf scenes to make it worth watching.
Riding Giants (2004)
This documentary tells a story about the specific type of surfers who like to seek and ride only the biggest waves on the planet. You’ll be watching the accounts of Greg Noll who was a prominent surfer in Hawaii in the 1950s, as well as Jeff Clark who was a lone surfer riding the massive waves in California. The presentation is in documentary format with excellent narratives by Stacy Peralta.
North of the Sun (Nordfor Sola) 2012
This movie takes the whole search of the perfect wave to another level as you watch the documentation of Norwegian surfers and their friends as they set out to explore the freezing waters north of the Arctic Circle. The dedication and love these people have for the surfing culture definitely makes this one of the most unique and heartfelt movies in this genre.
The September Sessions (2002)
Singer songwriter Jack Johnson directed this brilliant documentary about the surfing scene here in the waters of Sumatra, Indonesia. The film captures surfing enthusiasts Kelly Slater, Shane Dorian and Rob Machado as they hunt for the perfect swell to ride on. As a musician himself, Johnson scored the movie with his own tracks recorded just for this movie.