Top 10 Best Surfing YouTube Channels

best surfing YouTube channels

More than being a video-sharing service, YouTube is now the perfect avenue for just about anyone to showcase themselves. That includes surfers – young and old, pros and newbies, or simple enthusiasts. All of which are worthy of hitting the follow button. YouTube allowed surfers to share their adventures, wins, and mishaps. Since surfing year-round isn’t easy for most of us, their YouTube channels become a great way to get a buzz and feel waves are coming to you. If you’re checking out YouTube channels that will fill you in with all things surfing, you’ve come to the right place. We listed down some of the best surfing YouTube channels you should subscribe to so you won’t miss the waves as much. Top 10 Best Surfing YouTube Channels To Subscribe To Surfing YouTube channels are more than just entertainment. You can turn to them when you need to get a buzz on days when the waves aren’t so perfect or when the nights are dark. They are also excellent sources of tips and advice on surfing. These surfing channels we gathered will offer you everything from surf training videos to surf-spot guides. And, you’ll also get a chance to experience what it’s like to be a professional surfer from those “a day in the life” videos. Jamie O’Brien Koa Rothman Ben Gravy Beefs T.V. Kai Lenny John John Florence SURFER How To Rip Brett Barley World Surf League 1. Jamie O’Brien Joined: December 2, 2012 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 762K Jamie O’Brien’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JamieOBrienJOB When he’s not riding waves, Jamie O’Brien is either making cameos in surf films or making his own vlogs for his YouTube channel. Born on June 9, 1983, in Kahuku, Hawaii, O’Brien is an American professional surfer who holds multiple awards, including the 2009 Rip Curl International. The Pro Surfer turned video star has one of the best surfing channels on YouTube. Backed with his surfing crew, he and his group take on gnarly waves, dive into extreme challenges, and experiment with all kinds of crazy and fun stuff. Jamie O’Brien’s unique glimpse of his crazy life – from his slip ‘n slides at Waimea Bay to taking massive pipeline swells on a soft-top surfboard are all professionally filmed and edited by his equally skilled filmmakers. 2. Koa Rothman Joined: January 4, 2013 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 126K Koa Rothman’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KoaRothman Earlier this year, Rothman made a buzz after riding the biggest wave ever ridden in Hawaii. It was estimated to be 100 feet tall at Jaws on the island of Maui. If you are his subscriber, you’d know just how he’d take on waves like that, especially if you’ve seen his January 21, 2021 video. Rothman’s surfing YouTube channel tagged “This Is Livin’” shows the most beautiful footage of Tahiti, Indonesia, Fiji, California, Europe, and his hometown in Hawaii. No wonder he’s got nothing but the absolute beauty of the seas captured in videos. It helps that Koa is an engaging and genuine host. His fun personality tells a lot about his experiences as a pro surfer, filmmaker, and musician, too. These are some of the great surf vlogs for a beginner’s inspiration and source of fun. 3. Ben Gravy Joined: April 26, 2007 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 145K Ben Gravy’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BenGravyy/ In late February of 2021, Ben Gravy’s surfing YouTube channel was suspended indefinitely after traveling to Puerto Rico. For some reason, because he was connected thru Wi-Fi, YouTube thought his account was compromised. Fortunately, it’s back online with many cool and exciting videos that his fans sure took time to watch. His surfing YouTube channel is one of the earliest surfing channels on YouTube. This surfing channel has documented not just his everyday life but how he surfed in every single US state. His most viewed video was uploaded in 2018 with 798K views. It was the DIY conversion of his cargo van into an off-the-grid camper. The 10-day camper van project turned out pretty well that you’d see the same van in some of his other videos. 4. BEEFS T.V. Joined: May 19, 2015 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 146K BEEFS T.V.’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BEEFSOFFICIAL/ BEEFS T.V. describes itself as amateur broadcasting for documenting everything from surfing, making friends, waves, soft boarding, skimboarding, boogie boarding, eating, and almost everything that goes around the beaches of Southern California. Chris Monroe is behind the surfing YouTube channel BEEFS T.V. Its content revolves around Blairk Conklin, Kalani Robb, and almost everyone from the Catch Surf team. If you like loads of Palm Springs Surf Club scenes, you will love watching videos from this surfing channel. Monroe is the one-person show behind this surfing YouTube channel. When asked whether it is challenging to document surfing, he says it is pretty easy for him. His excellent video footages are all punctuated with humor and rough filming, making them highly addicting. 5. Kai Lenny Joined: February 25, 2010 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 88.5K Kai Lenny’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KaiLenny98/ Kai Lenny lives life like no one else. This is pretty obvious in most of his videos on his surfing YouTube channel. His footages are always fun and exciting, and it isn’t so surprising. After all, he’s that pro water athlete that can take on just about anything – surfing, windsurfing, wing surfing, kiteboarding, and more. Known for his big beach clean-ups in Hawaii, this big-wave surfer from Hawaii is a true waterman who has a habit of setting new boundaries for what’s possible. His surfing YouTube channel shows just how innovative he is when it comes to his gear and how he rides. Follow Kai as he pushes his limits while on a tow-board, shortboard, or even a foil-board. There’s almost nothing this guy can do. His talent makes most people think he is the new Laird Hamilton of this generation. 6. John John Florence Joined: January 23, 2019 Subscribers (as of September 2021): 142K John John Florence’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JJF/ The two-time world champion … Read more

Top 8 Best Surfing Documentaries | Reviews

best surfing documentaries

Surfing documentaries provide us with an avenue to focus on when the weather keeps us from going to the beach. We explored the highs and lows of the documentary department to bring you the best surfing documentaries you can relax and enjoy while waiting for your next ride. Top 8 Best Surfing Documentaries Reveiwed Momentum Generation Bustin’ Down The Door Andy Irons: Kissed By God Bra Boys The Endless Summer Sea Of Darkness Code Red Riding Giants 1. Momentum Generation Director: Jeff Zimbalist, Michael Zimbalist Stars: Jeannie Chesser, Thomas DeLonge, Shane Dorian, Kelly Slater, Rob Machado Release Date: August 21, 2018 Production Companies: All Rise Films, Priority Pictures, DDC International Where to Watch: HBO There is something spectacular about surfing that this eloquently created documentary will move even a non-surfer. Momentum Generation is a surfing documentary that you wouldn’t expect to bring you to tears. But it would. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Momentum Generation focuses on a group of surfers – Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, Taylor Knox, Benji Weatherley, Kalani Robb, Ross Williams, Taylor Steele, and Pat O’Connell. All of them were present and were remembering their teens and 20s up to their fit 40s. This surfing documentary is an expertly cut collage of largely unseen archive footage from Taylor Steele’s shots in the early nineties. It also included snippets of particularly in-depth interviews with Slater, Williams, Machado, and more. Momentum Generation lifts the curtain on an elite group of surfers whose lives and careers most of us thought we already knew. It reveals a lot about their early lives, rivalries, tragedies, and their strongest sense of camaraderie. 2. Bustin’ Down The Door Director: Jeremy Gosch Stars: Reno Abellira, Clyde Aikau, Eddie Aikau Release Date: July 25, 2008 Production Companies: Fresh & Smoked Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video Surf feats and mystical macho talks from bronzed guys on Hawaiian beaches are what Bustin’ Down the Door is all about. The native Hawaiians show the mortal dangers on the beach while flamboyantly strutting their stuff in the most challenging spots and dangerous conditions. Narrated by Edward Norton, Bustin’ Down the Door provides a gripping look at the surf scene along with the seven-mile miracle, which up until then had only been ever surfed by some locals and a few established American surfers. This surfing documentary will make you think that surfing is not all rainbows and butterflies, but more like catfishes and whale poos. It proves that life on the waves isn’t always a sunshine ray despite the sunny skies and beautiful seascapes. Bustin’ Down the Door opens up about the unwelcomed arrival in the early 70s of Australians and South Africans. The narrative also includes how it led to a whole new level of competition and the subsequent formation of a formal surf league. 3. Andy Irons: Kissed By God Director: Steve Jones, Todd Jones Stars: Bruce Irons, Lyndie Irons, Kelly Slater Release Date: September 11, 2018 Production Companies: Teton Gravity Research Where to Watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video Kissed By God is one of the surfing documentaries that have elicited wet eyes everywhere it played. It’s an extraordinarily raw and honest portrayal of Andy Iron’s life, authored by those who knew and loved him and awash with accounts few believed would ever be told. He was one of the greatest surfers of all time, so much that you may have seen the phrase “A.I. Forever” on shirts, bumper stickers, boards, contest merch, and almost everything else surf-related. This surfing documentary dove headfirst into the life and death of Andy Irons. Kissed By God covered everything from the beginning of Iron’s life and explored every aspect of his surfing popularity, rivalries, and world titles. All the while, he was struggling with drug addiction and mental health issues. This surfing documentary filled with raw and honest interviews of Andy’s brother Bruce, wife Lyndie, and some of the biggest names in surfing made Kissed by God the most comprehensive account of Andy Iron’s life. 4. Bra Boys Director: Sunny Abberton, Macario De Souza Stars: Kelly Slater, Cheyne Horan, Russell Crowe (voice) Release Date: March 15, 2007 Production Companies: Garage Industries, Bradahood Productions Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Vudu Set in the early 2000s in a ragged Sydney suburb, Bra Boys is one surfing documentary that will make you want to box with your grandma. It focuses on surf cultures roots in the area of Maroubra with its finger pointed in the way of the Bra Boys surf “gang.” Bra Boys has a dark, punk rock undertone that helped highlight what happens when the primal nature of surf tribalism takes hold of society—one which back then was still in the hangover of historical oppression mixed with blue-collar communal pressures. Aside from the Bra Boys, it spotlights the Abberton family and the high-profile case they have been involved with. Russell Crow beautifully narrated the fascinating and sometimes tragic insight into the contrast between the stunning beauty of the waves and the harsh reality of life. Overall, this surfing documentary provides a fascinating insight into one of Australia’s most notoriously tight-knit surf cultures. It is a bit contradictory in parts, but then that’s how life usually is. 5. The Endless Summer Director: Bruce Brown Stars: Robert August, Michael Hynson, Lord James Blears Release Date: February 16, 1965 Production Companies: Bruce Brown Films Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Fandor, Hoopla, Netflix One of the oldest surfing documentaries, The Endless Summer, is the defining work of surf film making, aiming its abiding ability to capture the audience’s emotions from the surf-obsessed to the tried surfing oncers. The Endless Summer has narration, music, and cinematography that is easy on the mind and eyes. It floats through the screen and has you envisioning yourself in your own surf world – whether or not you are a surfing enthusiast. Interestingly, this surfing documentary has no special effects, no plot, no stars – yet it brings the purest face of surfing. It was … Read more

Top 9 Best Surf Magazines | Guide (Surfer)

Best Surf Magazines

Before the advent of digital media, the only way we get in touch and updated with the surfing world was to get a copy of the latest surf magazine from the local newsstand or a friend. We treasure and store these paper publications safely in our storerooms or proudly display them on our coffee tables. The ever-changing technology and the birth of the internet resulted in just about anyone being able to start an online surf magazine, including you. But, to look back to those days when we’d happily smell the fresh pages of the magazine and to find out which of those weeklies we should follow online these days, we are bringing you five of the best surf magazines that never get old. History Of Surfing Magazine Publication In case you didn’t know, there is a website solely dedicated to identifying and tracking all surf magazines launched from at least forty countries with surfers and surf-related topics on the front cover. Al Hunt, a huge surf fan, started allsurfmagazines.com with all of this information. According to Hunt, the early references to surfing were included in relatively few books and general interest magazines like Harpers Bazaar in 1873, Outside in 1908, and Mid-Pacific in 1911. But, no magazine mainly focused on surfing. It wasn’t until 1917 when an Australian publication produced “The Surf.” This magazine came out every Saturday starting December 1st, 1917 and in all, there were 20 issues of it published every week until April 13th, 1918. The Surf was in newspaper style and print, and the only known copies of these can be found in the Mitchell Library in Sydney, Australia. Its weekly columns tackled all aspects of beach life, including board riding around Manly, a beachside suburb of Sydney, the venue for the first “World Surfing Titles” in 1964. After WW2, various publications, including National Geographic came out. In 1954, the first Makaha International Surf Championships created a program that became a widely recognized first complete surf publication. From then on, surf magazines have sprung year after year, and Al Hunt documented them all in his collection. Top 9 Best Surf Magazines Surf magazines are a big part of surfing history. In their pages are the details of the surfing lifestyles – how it evolved and has helped build the concept of surf culture for decades. Here are some of the best surf magazines from then and now. Carve Surfer Tracks Magazine Australia’s Surfing Life Zigzag Magazine Surf Girl The Surfer’s Journal Free Surf Magazine Surf Simply 1. Carve Headquarters: Berry Road Studios (Berry Road, Newquay, Cornwall TR71AT) Current Editor In Chief: Steve England Digital presence: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest Founded in 1994, Carve Surfing Magazine is the UK’s best-selling, most significant, and brightest surf title. This surf magazine features bleeding-edge surf photography, top-notch features, and all the best bits you can find in the surfing world. Carve Surfing Magazine is your first stop for the latest surfing news, surfing videos, travel, wetsuit, and gear guides. In 2019, Carve celebrated 25 years in the industry. Throughout the 25 years, they have featured more surfers from more areas across the UK and Eire than any other surf media has. 2. Surfer Headquarters: The Office (4 New York Plaza, Second Floor, New York, NY 10004) Current Editor In Chief: Todd Prodanovich Digital presence: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest Surfer Magazine has been in circulation since 1960. Its long history of delivering on the promise earned them the moniker of being The Bible of the Sport. The promise at stake was simple – to offer their audience a slice of the entire surfing world with every issue. Their issues never fail to present an array of provocative and insightful editorial features, revealing interviews and, most of all, their award-winning state-of-the-art surfing photography. Surfer Magazine is legendary and has helped shape surf culture as we know it. 3. Tracks Magazine Headquarters: SE1005 L10 97-99 Bathurst St, SYDNEY NSW 2000 Current Editor In Chief: Luke Kennedy Digital presence: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Tracks Magazine is a monthly Australian surf magazine that has been around since 1970. Published by Nextmedia, it promotes itself as “the surfers’ bible.” This surf magazine started as some sort of counterculture tabloid, printed on newsprint and produced on Sydney’s northern beaches. Since then, this magazine grew as a significant surfing publication. One of the most loved sections was the cartoon series “Captain Goodvibes,” which Tony Edwards, an Australian cartoonist, came up with. This section was first published in May 1973 and became a regular until July 1981. 4. Australia’s Surfing Life Headquarters: Elanora, 4221, QLD Current Editor In Chief: Ray Bisschop Digital presence: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube Surfing Life has been the premier Aussie source of all things surf-related since 1985. In 2001, Morrison Media publisher and General Manager Craig Sims purchased this publication and continued with the issues month after month. Nowadays, the publication keeps up with the digital trend by getting its audience all the surf content needed online. It still offers print, but the publication’s commitment to helping the environment limits printing when it only needs to print. 5. Zigzag Magazine Headquarters: Durban Current Editor In Chief: Sean Kelly Digital presence: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube It only took a meeting with the publisher of a Hawaiian tabloid magazine named Backdoor to inspire producing the Zigzag magazine. This surf magazine was founded in 1976 with its original team, Paul Naude, Mike Larmont, and Doug MacDonald. The publication, like most companies, experienced roller coaster periods, especially during global economic recessions. In 2008 and 2009, they had to negotiate major staff retrenchments, among other things. But, fast forward to today, it remains South Africa’s most successful surfing publication. 6. Surf Girl Headquarters: Berry Road Studios (Berry Road, Newquay, Cornwall, UK TR7 1AT) Current Editor In Chief: Louise Searle Digital presence: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube Finally, a surf magazine dedicated to the women of surfing. Surf Girl was founded in 2002, targeting women of all ages and abilities who are significant about surfing and surf culture. This women-oriented surf magazine featured news, travel articles, interviews with … Read more

Top 5 Best Surf Forecasting Websites

best surf forecasting websites

Some beachfront properties welcome us with weather stones to humor us with the weather. If you don’t know what a weather stone is, it is a rock hung to poke fun at the intricate technology used in current weather forecasts. Typically hung from a tripod with a sign how to read it, the accuracy is less than perfect. Fortunately, we never had to rely on the weather stone. Otherwise, the chances of getting swept by big waves or bored by slow ones could be high. Technology brought us so much convenience, including reliable surf forecasting websites that we can reach through a touch of a finger. This article lists out 5 of the best surf forecasting websites you can check out before you head out to the beach. We also tossed in some handy information that might answer some of the questions you have, like: How to predict surf What is a good surf forecast? How To Predict Surf Offshore swell data is what the process of surf forecasting utilizes to predict wave conditions. The same technique is used by millions of people globally, including experts who put their forecasts online. While the exact prediction of the surf, such as the breaking waves’ shape and size, the offshore swell date is an excellent factor to consider in making a close to accurate prediction. Predicting surf requires understanding how waves are formed, bathymetry, and data such as tides and location. Bathymetry is the study of the depth of water in oceans, rivers, or lakes. It digs deep on the “beds” and “floors” of any body of water. Top 5 Best Surf Forecasting Websites Reviewed The internet has brought us abundant surf forecasting and weather information resources, but not all of them may have the essential details you need. This results in visiting multiple sites to get the complete data you need for the upcoming surf. There have been many attempts to create a one-stop go-to website for all surf forecast needs. And, with all sorts of buoys, satellites, and measuring tools, surf forecasting evolved and is now easily accessible through surf forecasting websites. Five of the best surf forecasting websites are: Surfline MagicSeaweed Surf-forecast Swellnet WindGURU 1. Surfline Headquarters: Huntington Beach, California Founded: 1985 Area Served: Worldwide Website: surfline.com One of the earliest surf report systems, Surfline was founded in 1985 as a pay-per-call telephone surf report. Southern California surfer Jerry Arnold partnered with David Wilk ad Craig Masukoa to form a unit that can relay dawn surf conditions. A unique phone system made the reports available to callers for 50 cents each. 976-SURF became popular amongst surfers, and the company started receiving more than 6,000 calls per day. The system later expanded to Northern California, Florida, and Texas. The 6,000 calls per day grew bigger eventually. Surfline became an online service in 1995. It began offering live video streams of surf breaks on top of the written surf reports. These live video streams had a significant impact on surf culture. The increase in real-time footage changed surfer’s lifestyles. One of the million Surfline’s users, Rob Machado, claims it is his go-to every day to know where to go. In one of his interviews with Surfline/Wavetrak, he went, “I’ve used it from day one and will be a lifetime Premium Member.” 2. MagicSeaweed Headquarters: Kingsbridge, Devon, United Kingdom Founded: 2002 Area Served: Worldwide Website: magicseaweed.com/ Since 2002, MSW or MagicSeaweed has been offering detailed and free long-range surf forecasts on the web. Travel pros, big waves afficionados, local heroes, and weekend warriors have widely used this platform. MagicSeaweed is a favorite surf forecasting website because it is simple to use but is packed with all the necessary details you need to arm yourself with on your way to the beach. This website gets about 1.5 million users every month. What people love about MagicSeaweed is how it tells you where and when to go, rather than becoming your own surf forecasting expert. It takes just a few clicks here and there to get you your accurate surf prediction, wherever that surf break is. MagicSeaweed covers more or less 3,000 beaches in 180 countries. It uses live winds, ocean buoy readings, HD webcams, detailed long-range forecasting, hurricane tracks, videos, and a lot more to cover all the surf spots from around the globe. 3. Surf-Forecast Headquarters: Wales, United Kingdom Founded: — Area Served: Worldwide Website: www.surf-forecast.com/ Surf-forecast monitors 7,000 of the world’s best surf spots to provide daily surf forecasts and surf reports for almost 1 million users every month. You can take this handy surf forecasting platform anywhere you go – on surf holidays or for scoring a local break before the crowds. This surf forecasting website offers a collection of swell, wind, and wave maps that help you have a bigger picture of what a specific spot is. This picture, along with an email alert system, lets you know whether you can get waves or not. Surf-forecast doesn’t have that trendy and exciting look for a surf forecasting website but, that’s what makes it stand out. Its simple layout allows for easy navigation, even for a grom. 4. Swellnet Headquarters: New South Wales, Australia Founded: 1998 Area Served: Core focus is Australia, with surf reports for other breaks around the world except for Indonesia and parts of the Americas Website: www.swellnet.com/ In 1998 when the world was just beginning to appreciate the internet, Swellnet was born. This surf forecasting unit’s initial forecasts were sent out to a small network through fax and email. Over time, it evolved into an online service. In March 2002, when it finally became a surf forecasting website, many WCT competitions, including the Quiksilver Pro, the Rip Curl Pro, and the Billabong Pro, contracted them to give surf predictions. Swellnet is one of the most frequently visited established surf reports and surf forecasting websites not just for Australian surfers but every rider from all over the world. 5. WindGURU Headquarters: Praha, Czech Republic Founded: — … Read more

Top 30 Best Surfer Nicknames | Update (The Big Kahuna)

Best Surfer Nicknames

In surfing culture, a surfer earning a nickname is a triumph on its own. Having one either means they’ve done something so good that it needs to be memorialized. Or they have a specific physical characteristic that the other surfers notice about them. It could also be because of a humorous story behind it, or perhaps it’s an alter ego that only comes out whenever they ride the waves.  Catchy and creative nicknames can build a surfer’s career and help people remember them even when they retire. They are often associated with being a pro, while having none may leave a surfer feeling left out. So if you’re looking for alias inspirations, this article contains the most awesome nicknames of the best surfers worldwide!  Top 30 Best Surfer Nicknames  #1: Duke “The Big Kahuna” Kahanamoku  In Hawaiian, Big Kahuna means a prominent person, a boss, a leader, an expert… but did you know that Duke Kahanamoku refused to be called this nickname way back then? Aside from being called “The Big Kahuna”, Duke is also known as the ‘Father of Modern Surfing’ today. It’s a reminder of his greatness and unbeatable skills when it comes to this water sport.  #2: Miki “Da Cat” Dora Miki Dora is temperamental, rude, and a rebel. If there was a person who inspired the statement “Don’t ever meet your heroes”, then that might be him.  But while most people frown at his personality, there’s no denying Miki Dora’s passion and skills for surfing. He gained the nickname “Da Cat” because of his feline-like movements when riding the waves. Quick, stable, and agile — all at the same time.  #3: Mick “White Lightning” Fanning  Non-surfers may know of the famous Mick Fanning because of the video where he punched a shark in the nose back in 2015. In the surfing world, however, he’s known as the “White Lightning” for his blonde hair and unbelievable speed in the water. He’s already retired today, but he’s left his own legacy as the fastest surfer in the world.   #4: Adrian “Ace” Buchan Adrian Buchan is an Australian pro surfer who wears tons of hats. Or shall we say, he’s an “Ace” of all trades.  He’s a WSL (World Surfing League) brand ambassador, a climate activist, and a representative of the World Pro Surfers. According to him, one of his greatest achievements is when he won over Kelly Slater in the Billabong Pro Tahiti in 2013.  #5: Greg “Da Bull” Noll Greg Noll is a surfing legend known for his body build, his big personality, and for conquering the biggest waves in both North Shore and Waimea Bay. His trademark move is by charging down the face of the wave, similar to how a bull will to an oncoming threat; hence where his nickname “Da Bull” came from. #6: Mick “Keg on Legs” Lowe While the other legendary surfers got their nicknames because of their achievements and surfing style, Mick Lowe got his because of his body physique. When he won over Taylor Knox in 2004, his continuous celebration and drinking led him to weight gain. This earned him the nickname “Keg on Legs”.  All’s well that ends well, though, for he used his added pounds to give more power to his surfing prowess. #7: Jay “Bottle” Thompson Jay Thompson is an Australian pro surfer who’s got a funny backstory for his nickname. According to him, a local guy pulled down his boardshorts as he was climbing up a ladder, which resulted in him baring his ‘johnson’ for everyone to see.  The audience who, unfortunately, saw it said his penis looks like those little white milk bottle candies they used to eat as kids. More than 15 years later after that incident, he’s still stuck with the moniker “Bottle”. #8: Kelly “Jimmy” Slater Winner of 11 world surfing championships, Kelly Slater is known as the greatest competitive surfer of all time. That’s why it’s no surprise that there are a lot of nicknames surrounding him like “The GOAT”, “King Kelly”, and “Kells”. But where did the nickname “Jimmy” come from?  In the year 1990, Kelly Slater was asked to take the role of a surfer, Jimmy Slade, in the American TV show Baywatch. He was reluctant to play the part as he felt the show was commercializing surf culture, so he asked to be written off the show after two years.  #9: Bethany “Soul Surfer” Hamilton When Bethany Hamilton was 13 years old, she was attacked by a shark that bit her left arm off. While most people would be discouraged by this ill-fated event, Bethany stood her ground, got into surfing again, and won a national title after that accident.  Today, Bethany is a recognized author and speaker who shares her courageous story in TV documentaries. She’s also the inspiration for the 2011 movie ‘Soul Surfer’. #10: Peter “The Condor” Mel Every time Peter Mel chases big waves, he spreads his arms far and wide for balance, then bends his legs as he rides down the face of the wave. This stance earned him the nickname “The Condor”.  #11: Keoni “Cheeseburger/Burger” Nozaki Keoni Ozaki, or as most surfers know him, “Cheeseburger/Burger”, is a Japanese guy who’s born and raised in Oahu, Hawaii. But while he loves to eat burgers and drink beer, he didn’t earn his nickname because of this. The mom of his childhood friend and also pro surfer, Mason Ho, is the one who gave him his famous alias. He didn’t like it at first, but he just got along with it because the name’s already stuck with everyone. #12: Cheyne “The Horror” Horan Throughout his career, Cheyne Horan has earned different nicknames. During his teenage years when he was still a member of the Coca-Cola skate team, he was referred to as the “Kid Dynamo”. The nickname “The Bondi Brat”, on the other hand, was given to him by his colleagues during his World Tour because of his distinctive outlook on life. Finally, he … Read more

Top 10 Best Apps for Surfers

Best Apps for Surfers

In a world that is now dominated by technology, it makes perfect sense for us to use such tech to our advantage. Nowadays there is an app for just about anything you can think of, and surfing is not left off the list. A simple search on Google play store for “surfing” or “surf app” will result in hundreds, if not thousands of results with varying reviews, which makes knowing which apps to use a complex decision. Whether you are looking for weather information, surf locations, tutorials, competition updates, or you simply want to play a surfing game to pass some time, there is an app for you. To help you avoid downloading and deleting countless apps while you look for the best, we have compiled a list of the best apps for surfers. 10 Best Apps for Surfers Surfline Youtube Dawn Patrol Windy Dorsal Shark Reports WSL Da Surf Engine True Surf Red Bull TV Boardline 1. Surfline (Best Overall) Surfline is one of the most trusted surf forecast companies in the surfing world. Packed with surfing information such as break locations, HD webcams, swell forecasts, starred condition ratings, and break descriptions, this is a one-stop app that surfers of all levels will enjoy. 2. Youtube (Best for Beginners) Everyone knows about youtube, but most people don’t know the true value that it holds.  Youtube is essentially a free university where a lesson on just about anything can be found.  It is one thing to read about how to do something, but once we see it all the dots begin to connect. Whether you are trying to master a new trick, want to know how a particular wave breaks, or simply want to watch the best surfers in the world for reference and inspiration, then youtube is the place to be. 3. Dawn Patrol (Best for Advanced) Dawn Patrol is basically a Fitbit app for surfing. It does require you to take your iPhone or Apple Watch into the ocean with you, but once you do, the app opens up a whole new world. Your watch will track your waves and measure the results. Once your surf is done the results will be sent to the app and provide you with information such as how many waves you caught, the size of the waves, the speed you traveled, as well as how long and far you surfed on each wave. This is an amazing app for advanced surfers who are trying to document their sessions in order to improve the finer details of their surfing. 4. Windy (Best for Weather) Windy is possibly the best weather app available. This app is fast, intuitive, and provides a stunning visual representation of storms, wind, swell, water temperature, and more. Not only is Windy accurate, but its global visual representation of the weather makes swells and storms easy to track no matter where they are moving in the world. If you use Windy then there is no other weather app that you’ll need. 5. Dorsal Shark Reports One of the biggest worries that surfers come across is not knowing what is swimming beneath them. Dorsal is a community-based app that allows surfers to locate any shark sightings in their area within the past 12 hours. Although the app is limited to the USA and Australia, the community is growing and is likely to spread to other countries. 6. World Surf League (WSL) App The World Surf League (WSL) app is the perfect place to keep up to date with surf competitions, league results, and more. This app will allow you to stream live competitions as well as provide you with updates on your favorite surfers. If you not only enjoy surfing but also enjoy following competitions, then this might be the app you are looking for. 7. Da Surf Engine Da Surf Engine is a one-of-a-kind wave locator that allows you to find your perfect break. With this app, you can search through 8,000 breaks around the globe with your personal preferences when it comes to skill level, wave size, wave type, weather conditions, geography, surfing style, and more. This app makes it simple for you to find the best waves that suit your preferences. 8. True Surf The official WSL and Surfline mobile surfing game, true surf will help ease your craving when the waves are just not working. If you are in the bathroom or waiting to go to work, this highly realistic surfing game is a perfect time waster that will get you through the day until you can make it to the real waves. 9. Red Bull TV No extreme sports lovers’ app arsenal should exist without the presence of the famous Red Bull. This free app will allow you to stream live surfing events, documentaries, and surf films on just about any device you can think of. This is one app that an extreme sport-loving surfer should not go without. 10. Boardline The perfect app for finding your perfect surfboard. Boardline is a smart physics-based app that allows you to input your details such as your height, weight, experience level, and even your surf style. This app will then calculate your data and provide you with hundreds of boards that will suit you. What to Look For in a Surfing App When trying to find the best surfing app for your needs you should always keep in mind the problem you are trying to solve. Decide whether you are looking for new surf sports if are trying to track the weather, or you simply want to indulge in surfing entertainment. Once you have decided what you need the app to do you will greatly decrease the list of apps available. From here you should consider both the reviews and the price. Reviews Reviews on apps are one of the most important parts of deciding what to use. A developer’s description, although helpful to understand what the app does, will not give you an accurate idea of … Read more

Top 10 Best Surf Songs | Update + Classics

Best Surf Songs

Whether you are pumping yourself up for an early morning surf or taking a good long drive, nothing beats an excellent soundtrack to play on your background. And, for a surfer by heart, the most enjoyable music for just about any activity are the best surf songs from yesterday and today. We covered a list of the best surf songs from the 1960s to the present day to give you that beach vibes you can add to your playlist. Top 5 Best Surf Songs – Classics 1. Surfin’ USA Artist: The Beach Boys Released: March 4, 1963 Surfin’ USA by The Beach Boys peaked on the Billboard Pop Chart at number three, making it the band’s first top ten hit therein. This surf song also made it the band’s first single to hit charts in Australia. The Beach Boy’s hit was also played in different movies, including Teen Wolf in 985, Rush Hour, and the Sopranos’ ending scene. 2. Wipe Out Artist: The Surfaris Released: January 1963 An instrumental surf rock composed by Bob Berryhill, Pat Connolly, Jim Fuller, and Ron Wilson was first issued on independent labels in January and finally picked up for national distribution in April of the same year. This song spent four months on the Billboard Hot 100, summer of 1963, reaching number two, behind Stevie Wonder’s Fingertips. 3. Pipeline Artist: The Chantays Released: July 1962 Pipeline from The Chantays was a huge hit when it came out in the early 1960as. It brought the feel and looks of the surfing community that it got an instant following from surfers and water enthusiasts. This song captured the spirit of the sand, sun, and waves in one great piece. This tune peaked number four on the Billboard Charts in 1963. 4. Surfer Girl Artist: The Beach Boys Released: September 16, 1963 The band’s name won’t surprise us why they have more than one of their singles on this list. The Beach Boys’ first single from their third album, Surfer Girl, stayed on the chart for 56 weeks. Listening to this song may remind you of the earlier days when it was just Gidget shredding those big waves. Surfer Girl talked about a surfer girl who seemed innocent and romantic. 5. Surf City Artist: Jan and Dean Released: May 17, 1963 The American duo Jan and Dean wrote this song depicting a fictitious surf spot with “two girls for every boy.” It was the first surf song ever to reach a national number one spot and remained for two consecutive weeks. It also crossed over to the Billboard R&B Chart, where it topped at number three. These songs are also worthy of being mentioned as runners-up for the classic surf songs. Let’s Go Trippin’ by Dick Dale & the Del-tones Surfin’ Safari by The Beach Boys Walk, Don’t Run by The Ventures Ride the Wild Surf by Jan and Dean The Lonely Surfer by Jack Nitzsche Special mention also goes to: Theme from The Endless Summer by The Sandals Theme from The Endless Summer by Gary Hoey Top 5 Best Surf Songs – Modern 1. You and Your Heart Artist: Jack Johnson Released: April 6, 2010 Johnson’s inspiration for this song started with a guitar riff that he couldn’t get off his mind. The words came from the book he was reading with a broken king character. You and Your Heart was described as a “breezy and rhythm guitar-driven hit.” Its catchy guitar melody is slightly more upbeat than most of Johnson’s tracks. 2. Riptide Artist: Vance Joy Released: May 21, 2013 Vance Joy, an Australian singer-songwriter, first release the song Riptide as the 2nd track on his debut EP God Loves You When You’re Dancing. This upbeat piece has been lyrically defined as a coming of age love story known for its metaphors and pop culture references. Riptide received positive reviews from music critics for its lyrics, vocals, and production.  3. The Sound of Sunshine! Artist: Michael Franti & Spearhead Released: September 21, 2010 Fun fact! This song was inspired by a medical emergency that one of the band members experienced while on tour in 2009. Franti ruptured his appendix, and it took about seven days before the doctors figured out what was wrong with him. Waking up after his surgery made him feel emotionally grateful. Thus he wrote this song (and the whole album) to put into music his words and feelings. 4. The Only Place Artist: Best Coast Released: May 15, 2012 The Only Place received some generally favorable reviews with a potential for mainstream appeal. The band’s extensive touring schedule subsequently inspired them to prepare the lyrical content of this piece. Having never spent too much time away from home, it wrote about how their lives have dramatically changed being away. 5. Better Together Artist: Jack Johnson Released: January 2006 A surfer himself, Jack Johnson knows what strings to pull to get you into the surfing vibes with his guitar. Johnson learned the guitar just around the same time he learned how to surf. Unfortunately, his surfing career was put to stop after getting into a surfing accident that required 150 stitches on his forehead. These songs are also worthy of being mentioned as runners-up for the modern surf songs. Give Love by MC Yogi So It Goes by Best Coast Road to Paradise by TAT Wiseman by Slightly Stoopid Shine On by The Kooks Conclusion There are more than a hundred surf songs worth listening to, but these are the best surf songs popular globally that surfers (and non-surfers) from all parts of the world can relate to. How about you getting this on your playlist and start blasting the speakers loudly! Related Resources Surfing Checklist Surfing Competitions Surfing Etiquette Best Surfing Beaches in California The Shaka Sign LukeLuke is an avid athlete and the driving force behind Surfhungry, a vibrant online platform dedicated to sharing the joy and passion of surfing and water sports with enthusiasts around the world. With … Read more

How to Glass a Surfboard (7-Step Guide)

How to Glass a Surfboard

Building surfboards isn’t exactly a walk in the park, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. Whether you’re an amateur or an expert builder, you can expect the entire process to take at least a week to complete. Fortunately, attempting this DIY project is pretty manageable if you proceed with proper preparation, trusty supplies, uncompromising meticulosity, and of course, godly patience. In this post, we’ll talk about one of the most crucial steps involved in surfboard building: the glassing process. Pre-Glass Planning Glassing refers to the process of waterproofing and finishing a surfboard. This is accomplished by laminating layers of fiberglass cloth onto the board and then seal-coating it with resin. To better understand how this all comes together, it’s important to plan about some factors before you gather your tools and supplies. These are the glass schedules that you’ll use, the resin, and the board’s tint. Surfboard Glass Schedules The amount of fiberglass cloth that you’re going to laminate onto your board is known as the glass schedule. This will determine your board’s final weight and strength. Simply put, more fiberglass translates to heavier weight, but also sturdier build. Fiberglass Weights Fiberglass cloth is typically measured in ounces per square yard. This denotes how much resin it takes to completely saturate the cloth. The most commonly used fiberglass for surfboards is 4 oz. and 6 oz. Most surfboards have two layers of fiberglass on the deck for durability purposes. This is where most of the action happens, after all. Hence, it needs to be able to withstand strong impacts. 4 oz. and 6 oz. are generally used together for strength and safety reasons. A sample glass schedule with both weights is 6+4 x 4, which means that there’s a 6 oz. and a 4 oz. layer on the deck, and a 4 oz. layer at the bottom. Fiberglass Cloths There are also two common types of fiberglass cloths for surfboards: the E-glass and the S-glass (also called S-2 glass). E-glass refers to “electrical grade” as it was initially made for electrical purposes. This is the most common cloth for glassing a surfboard. S-glass, meanwhile, was made for military purposes. Of the two, the S-glass is the stiffer and stronger cloth, and it’s also the more expensive one. It’s often used on decks since its main purpose is to prevent dents and dings as much as possible. The two less common fiberglass cloths are the WARP glass, which is also an E-glass, and the Volan. The WARP glass has more fibers up the weave’s length, which adds vertical strength to your board. Oftentimes, the WARP is overlain with a standard E-glass for added stability. The Volan, on the other hand, is a heavier cloth that generally comes in 8 oz. and 10 oz. sizes. It was originally used in the boat and tools industry. It was also what surfboard makers used back in the 1950s to 1960s. Since Volan is a heavy cloth, it is typically used for longboards where weight is considered a plus. Common Glass Schedules Lightweight: 4+4 x 4 (common in competitions) Lightweight Plus: 4+4 x 6 (lightweight with extra sturdiness at the bottom) Standard: 6+4 x 6 (strong and durable; good for egg and fish boards) Heavy-duty: 6+6 x 6 (minimum requirement for a longboard) These are just some of the common glass schedule combinations for surfboards. Of course, you’re not limited to these. After all, the schedules you’ll choose will depend on the board type you’re glassing and its purpose. Polyester Resin vs. Epoxy Resin Surfboards can be glassed with two types of resin: polyester and epoxy. If you need help with choosing, we’ve previously reviewed 5 products that have been proven to work well with surfboards here. Listed below are some of their pros and cons: Polyester Resin Pros & Cons Pros Gives the board a lively and bouncy feel, especially when new Affordable and easy to get Cons Polyester resin tends to degrade faster Smelly and not the best option health-wise Epoxy Resin Pros & Cons Pros Tougher and stronger; can handle harder impacts More health and environment-friendly Cons More expensive Yellows faster than polyester resin Sometimes, people also use these terms to refer to the board’s core (e.g., fiberglass boards and epoxy boards). This is an important consideration, since the board’s material and the resin you must use go hand in hand. Here’s the general rule to remember: For polyurethane boards (fiberglass), you can use either polyester or epoxy resin. For expanded polystyrene (EPS, Styrofoam, or epoxy boards), you must only use epoxy resin. This is because the polyester resin can melt away the epoxy board’s core. Thus, before you buy your resin, make sure that you’re getting the right one for your board. Freelap vs. Cutlap The last piece of the puzzle before starting the glassing process is choosing whether you’re doing a clear glass job or a tinted one. That’s because this will eventually lead to choosing between freelap or cutlap technique. Freelap Technique For clear glass jobs, you can do freelap. If you wish to design or paint your surfboard, do it before you start glassing your board. This technique involves saturating the fiberglass overlaps with resin and simply sticking it onto the other side of your board. Once the resin cures, you’ll have to sand down the overlaps until it’s flush with the board. Be careful during the sanding process as you don’t want to hit the foam while doing so. This is done to prevent air bubbles once it’s time to glass the other side. Cutlap Technique Cutlap, meanwhile, is the technique to use when you’re using tinted or pigmented resin. This involves taping off the other side of the board’s outline with masking tape. The tape is usually 1.5 inches thick from the edge of the rail. Sometimes, masking paper is also used to ensure that no color makes it to the middle of the board. Doing this marks the lap line and … Read more

Top 5 Best Surf Vans for Any Trip (Guide)

Best Surf Vans

In the United States alone, there are 355,000 surf vans and trailers sold every year. It’s accommodation and transportation in one, a tiny house with all the basic comforts that surfers can take anytime, anywhere. It gives them the freedom to come and go in different places — where they get to ride the first waves in the morning and be the last to pick up the surfboard as the sun sets. See, being a surfer isn’t always fun and waves.  It isn’t as comfortable as some people might think. Oftentimes, it’s filled with days on the road, constantly hopping from one beach to the next. Always being on the lookout for the biggest swells and breaks.  Most of them don’t stay in hotels to save money, especially during peak seasons when prices are unbelievably high. For this reason, surf vans became a popular choice for surfers and campers alike. What makes a good surf van? Surf vans can be a temporary home for a few days or even weeks. That’s why it must have all the necessary amenities to make it comfortable — even with its limited space. In choosing the right surf van, you must consider these things: Amenities and features A livable surf van should include a bed or sleeping area for at least two people, a small kitchen with a sink and stove, and ample space for storage of camping gear. It should also have a dining area that can be located outdoors, solar panels for electricity, air-conditioning, USB ports, and lastly — racks at the top for shortboard or longboard surfboards.  4WD, AWD, FWD, or RWD capabilities The engine power and driving system of this type of vehicle are also important. Most car companies offer FWD (Front-wheel drive) and RWD (Rear-wheel drive) as cheaper options. But when planning on driving the surf van through tough roads, getting an AWD (All-wheel drive) or a 4WD (Four-wheel drive) is something that we recommend against the alternatives. This is especially helpful if the van gets stuck in mud, flood, or beach sand.  Maintenance Although surf vans are good options for surfers on the go, they also come with their downsides. Most of them are old — as in half a decade old — so there could be some issues with their maintenance costs and performance on the road. Also, it might be gruesome to find a replacement for some of their broken parts. Ground clearance Unlike cars, surf vans aren’t designed for driving on rough terrains. Instead, they’re meant to carry cargo, so their ground clearance must be considered. It mustn’t be too low from the ground to lessen scraping, more so when driving through rocky roads or flooded areas during the rainy season.  Top 5 Best Surf Vans Surf vans enable surfers to live and enjoy life by the beach to the fullest. Just imagine having to wake up next to the sea and sleep with the sounds of ocean waves crashing through the shores every night… But wait — not all of them are created the same. That’s why we’ve made a list of the ‘tried and tested’ surf vans by many surfers worldwide. Here’s the summary of our Top 5 Best Surf Vans: Volkswagen Westfalia (Our Top Pick) Balboa (Best Budget) Mercedes Benz Sprinter (Best High End) RAM ProMaster (Most Customizable) Ford Transit (For Working Surfers) #1: Volkswagen Westfalia (Our Top Pick) Specifications:  Pre-owned starts at USD 27,000 to 28,000 RWD / 4WD Low-ceiling 15 ft length 93 sq ft interior Let’s start this list with the brand that started the most classic look of all surf vans — the iconic Volkswagen Westfalia. This surf/camper van was manufactured from the 1950s to the early 2000s with only over 1000 units sold. But even though VW has already stopped this van’s production, it remains one of the popular choices for many surfers and hippies until today. So, what makes this surf van famous aside from its aesthetic appearance? See, Volkswagen Westfalia can be converted in many ways. Every unit has standard equipment such as foldout seats for sleeping, birch plywood panels for a homey interior, cabinetries for extra storage, and wide windows for ventilation and full views of the sea.  Some models have sinks, as well as other equipment like mini ref, camping stoves, awnings and side tents, and portable chemical toilets. This surf van is comfortable and spacious enough to fit two to four people. It’s compact, reliable, and customizable — perfect for every surfer’s needs.  #2: Balboa (Best Budget) Specifications:  Pre-owned starts at USD 15,000 to 17,000  High-ceiling 18 ft length Has a 30-gallon water tank The Balboa is a vehicle that’s unlike any other. This surf van was manufactured in 1972 and has only been in production for three years, making it one of the rarest vans in the market with only 30 units left cruising around. Since many people don’t see this type of van often, it’s guaranteed to spark conversations with other surf van enthusiasts.  What’s great about Balboas is that they’re cheaper compared to other surf/camper vans. This is because they’re made by combining Dodge, Chevy, and Early Ford chassis. It started first as a regular van that had the rear-end cut off, then turned into a newer, better version of it.  Now, let’s get into the interior part of this vehicle. There are two different layouts for the Balboa — one with an L-shaped kitchenette, and one with a straight kitchen on the driver’s side. Both are spacious enough and can fit multiple persons inside without feeling cramped. Surprisingly, it also has a full bathroom that has its sink, shower, and even a vanity light, a feature that’s difficult to find in other surf vans today.  For the icing on the cake, the Balboa has large windows that give panoramic and unobstructed views of the beach from inside the surf van. Pretty cool, huh? #3: Mercedes Benz Sprinter (Best High End) Specifications:  Price starts at USD 36,355 for … Read more

Top 15 Best Surf Movies (Update + Guide)

Best Surf Movies

If there’s another way to transport us to a place and time more than the books, it’s the movies. The plot, the storyline, the music, everything feels as if it is sending us to where the action happens as it happens. These make the best medium for documenting surfing. Surf movies take us to deserted beaches with perfect and endless waves. The iconic cinematography, wide-open vistas of the coastlines, and surfers shredding every wave they can find help ease your craving for a surf vacation at least a little. This article gives you fifteen of the best surf movies binge-able while you wait for the next surf trip you are looking forward to. Top 15 Best Surf Movies More than 500 surf films have been released since filmmakers decided to take on the deep and highly diverse surfing world. These big-budget films, documentaries, and a few punchy action clips are all worthy of seeing if you are a true blue surfer. While all of them are laudable, there are still those that broke new grounds and took the sport in a different light. The best surf movies – those that make anyone who watches it feel the exciting rage of the waters are: The Endless Summer (1966) Morning of the Earth (1972) Thicker Than Water (1999) Chasing Mavericks (2012) Point Break (1991) Five Summer Stories (1972) The Innermost Limits of Pure Fun (1970) View From a Blue Moon (2015) Under An Arctic Sky Blue Horizon (2004) Soul Surfer (2011) Step Into Liquid (2003) North Shore (1987) The September Sessions (2002) Big Wednesday (1978) 1. The Endless Summer, 1966 Director: Bruce Brown Writer: Bruce Brown Stars: Robert August, Michael Hynson, Lord James Blears Release Date: February 18, 1965 It was the adventure of unreserved enthusiasts Mike Hynson and Robert August, captured in videos. Little did they know that their collected footage will soon become the most iconic film that embodies the life of a surfer and what it takes to find that perfect wave. The title Endless Summer comes from the idea expressed at both the beginning and end of the film. It is a narrative presentation of the adventures of Mike and Robert had presented in a fun-loving and personal style. 2. Morning of the Earth, 1972 Director: Albert Falzon Producer: David Elfick Stars: Chris Brock, Stephen Cooney, Terry Fitzgerald Country of Origin: Australia This classic surf film portrays surfers living in spiritual harmony with nature, shaping and making their boards, as they voyaged in search of the perfect waves across Australia’s northeast coast, Bali, and Hawaii. Morning of the Earth is regarded as one of the best of its genre and is noted as recording the first surfers to take Uluwatu waves on the southernmost tip of Bali. This surf movie also brought Bali to the attention of surfers all around the world. 3. Thicker Than Water, 1999 Director: Jack Johnson, Chris Malloy, Emmett Malloy Running Time: 45 minutes Stars: Raimana Boucher, Saxon Boucher, Timmy Curran Country of Origin: United States Thicker Than Water is a compilation of images and clips. The film documented an eighteen-month journey through the North Atlantic, South Pacific, and the Bay of Bengal. Kelly Slater and Rob Machado also starred in this film. Jack Johnson and the Malloy brothers made sure this film features all the requirements of a good surf movie – board design, surf approach, locations, style, all the way down to the music that exemplified the culture. 4. Chasing Mavericks, 2012 Director: Michael Apted, Curtis Hanson Writer: Kario Salem, Jim Meenaghan, Brandon Hooper Stars: Jonny Weston, Gerard Butler, Elisabeth Shue Country of Origin: United States Chasing Mavericks is an American biographical drama about American surfer Jay Moriarity’s adventures as a surfer. It depicted how he discovered the mythic Mavericks surf break and later enlisted to train how to survive the swells. Sure enough, Jay was able to ride the Mavericks successfully and was captured on video. However, the movie ended on a sad note with his passing while free-diving in the Maldives. The ending has an assemblage of people holding a surfer’s memorial service for him. 5. Point Break, 1991 Director: Kathryn Bigelow Writer: Rick King, W. Peter Iliff Stars: Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, Gary Busey Country of Origin: United States This American action crime film centers on an undercover FBI agent tasked with investigating the identities of a group of bank robbers as he develops a relationship with the group’s leader. The surf movie title refers to the surfing term “point break,” where a wave breaks as it hits a point of land jutting out from the coastline. It may appear as just another action movie but, the story revolves around an FBI agent’s attempt to infiltrate a surfing community. 6. Five Summer Stories, 1972 Director: Greg MacGillivray Writer: Jim Freeman, Greg MacGillivray Stars: Eddie Aikau, Dru Harrison, Sam Hawk Country of Origin: United States Five Summer Stories is a full-on surf movie heralded as one of the finest surf movies ever made. It is a cultural icon from that watershed era when the world was at a critical crossroads with a dim reflection of the emerging sport – surfing. Five Summer Stories is mostly long shots showing the start, the ride, and the fall of each surf. The director took some snipes at commercialism and competitions in general. The solid political angle has undoubtedly enriched the film for most of its viewers. 7. The Innermost Limits of Pure Fun, 1970 Director: George Greenough Running Time: 1 hr 32 min Stars: Chris Brock, Russel Hughes, Gary Keys Country of Origin: Australia The Innermost Limits of Pure Fun is a blast of surfing and good tunes. Viewers loved how it had no corny commentary or staged stunts like in most surf flicks nowadays. This time capsule brings you historical facts about the shortboard’s evolution. Another interesting point of this surf movie is Greenough’s design style, photojournalism, and delivery process. These factors made him one of the best pioneers with water shouts. … Read more

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