The Best Surfing Films You Can’t Miss
Sports have always had a captive audience among film lovers. Boys and girls who, by practising the sport of their choice, make a place for themselves in the world and gain great fame, are many of the products of Hollywood.
Surfing could not be a sport apart from this trend and filmmakers have brought to the cinema screens the adventures and misadventures of surfers and surfers, as well as the lives of the fans and followers of this appealing sport.
Now we will see some of the best surf movies, which we usually recommend from our surf school in the Canary Islands to all the public interested in this fun and attractive genre.
Let’s go to the cinema…!
Chasing Mavericks
This 2012 film, which many described as a documentary rather than a commercial film, tells the life story of surfer Jay Moriarity, born in 1978 in Georgia, USA.
The film tells the story of how Jay managed to surf Mavericks, one of the highest waves in the world when he was only 16 years old. Waves at Mavericks can measure between 12 and 18 metres.
This feat was achieved with the advice and companionship of his coach, the legendary Frosty Hesson, who prepared and trained him to overcome the difficulties of Mavericks.
The film emphasises the endearing friendship that forms between Jay and Frosty as a result of the arduous and gruelling hours of work and training leading up to the conquest of Mavericks. It stars Gerard Butler as Frosty Hesson and Jonny Weston as Jay Moriarity.
Soul surfer
This film is based on the true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton, who manages to return to riding waves after overcoming a shark attack that literally rips off her left arm.
It is a story of self-improvement and inspiration, as Bethany was attacked by the shark at the age of thirteen. The film focuses on all the events after the attack and the events leading up to her return to surfing. Anna Sophia Robb plays Bethany in this 2011 film.
Riding Giants
More than a film, Riding Giants is a documentary filmed in 2004 whose plot is dedicated to the origins of surfing as a sport, paying special attention to the art of riding big waves.
Notable surfers participating in the filming include Greg Noll, Laird Hamilton and Jeff Clark as well as wave riding pioneer and veteran Mickey Munoz.
Drift
This 2013 film focuses on the lives of a pair of brothers, Andy and Jimmy, who live in a coastal town in the 1970s, their passion being surfing.
It tries to tell the life of these boys with their dramas and experiences; it is a film with good images and a lot of good rock from the period in which the story is set.
Point break
Point Break is a 1991 film starring Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze.
It tells the story of a policeman who decides to enter the world of surfing by chasing a gang of thieves. It was one of those classic films for all audiences in the nineties.
The endless summer
This film, made in 1964, shows the lifestyle and way of life of surfers; the athletes who travel around the world in search of the best waves to conquer them.
It was originally a film for lovers, fans and surfers, but due to its acceptance it had to be put in 35 mm format to be available for all audiences in cinemas.
Surf’s up
This is a 2007 computer-animated film made in a partnership between Finnish and American filmmakers.
It is the story of a penguin who begins his journey through the world of surfing, accompanied by a film crew that follows him from the moment he leaves his home until he attends a professional competition for the first time.
Big Wednesday
This 1978 film established the stereotype of Hollywood surfers. It is the story of three friends, each with a distinct personality, whose life takes place in the 1960s.
Their points of union are their passions: Surfing and women. Comments on this film are still being heard.
In God’s Hands
This movie was filmed in 1999; it narrates the adventures of three friends who go around the world looking for the best waves to surf.
However, the adventure is disrupted by a tragic accident which, although it hurts and damages, does not prevent the two survivors from continuing their search for the giant wave to pay homage to the deceased.
Other Recommended Surf Films
- Proximity (2017)
- Inaippu (2017)
- Peninsula Mitre (2016)
- View From a Blue Moon (2013)
- Distance Between Dreams (2017)
Finally, we can tell you that if you are a surfer or you are still in the learning phase, in our school we offer the best surfcamps in the Canary Islands that will provide you with everything you need to learn, develop and enjoy this sport.
