Old Surf Movies: Classic Surfing Movies You Should Watch Today!
Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Matt Hapgood
As a surfer and lover of the sport, I have always been fascinated by the evolution of surfing and the culture that surrounds it – I really believe there’s nothing quite like surf culture!
One aspect of this culture that has always intrigued me is the old surf movies. These films capture a time when surfing was still a relatively unknown sport, and the surfers themselves were seen as rebels and outcasts.
Watching these old surf movies is like taking a step back in time. They provide a glimpse into a world that no longer exists, where the waves were uncrowded, and the surfers were free to ride them without any restrictions or regulations.
These films also showcase the evolution of surfing itself, from the early days of longboards to the more modern shortboards that we see today.
Despite the advances in technology and the popularity of surfing today, there is still something special about these old surf movies.
They remind us of a simpler time, when surfing was all about the stoke and the connection to nature. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just a fan of the sport, these films are a must-see for anyone who wants to truly understand the history and culture of surfing.
Here’s my list of the best old surf movies you should go and watch today!
Gidget (1959)
The Endless Summer (1966)
The Innermost Limits of Pure Fun (1969)
Morning of the Earth (1971)
Five Summer Stories (1972)
Crystal Voyager (1973)
Big Wednesday (1978)
Beyond Blazing Boards (1985)
North Shore (1987)
Origins of Surf Cinema
Pioneering Films
I have always been fascinated by the history of surfing and the culture that surrounds it. One aspect of that culture that has always intrigued me is the world of surf cinema. The first surf films were made in the 1950s and 60s and were largely the work of a few pioneering filmmakers.
One of the earliest and most influential surf films was Bruce Brown’s “The Endless Summer,” released in 1966. The film followed two surfers as they traveled around the world in search of the perfect wave. The film was a huge success and helped to popularize surfing around the world.
Another important film from this era was John Severson’s “Surf Fever,” released in 1960. Severson’s film was one of the first to feature music and narration, and it helped to establish the conventions of the genre.
Cultural Impact
Surf cinema had a significant impact on the culture of the 1960s and beyond. These films helped to popularize surfing and helped to create a new image of the surfer as a cool, laid-back figure who was in tune with nature.
Surf films also had a significant impact on the music of the era. Many of the films featured surf rock and other forms of music that became associated with the surfing lifestyle.
Overall, the origins of surf cinema are an important part of the history of surfing and the cultural impact that it has had on the world. These pioneering films helped to establish the conventions of the genre and helped to create a new image of the surfer that still resonates today.
Iconic Old Surf Movies
As a surf enthusiast, I have watched numerous surf movies over the years. Some of them have stood the test of time and are still considered classics today. Here are some of the most iconic old surf movies that every surfer should watch.
Gidget (1959)
“Gidget” is a 1959 film that tells the story of a young girl who falls in love with surfing. The movie is credited with helping to introduce surfing to a wider audience and inspiring a generation of female surfers. The film’s catchy theme song, “Gidget,” also became a hit single.
The Endless Summer (1966)
Released in 1966, “The Endless Summer” is perhaps the most famous surf movie of all time. Directed by Bruce Brown, the film follows two surfers as they travel the world in search of the perfect wave. The movie’s laid-back vibe and stunning cinematography captured the essence of surfing and helped to popularize the sport.
The Innermost Limits of Pure Fun (1969)
“The Innermost Limits of Pure Fun” is a 1969 surf movie that features some of the best surfers of the time, including Mike Hynson and David Nuuhiwa. The film is known for its innovative camera work and psychedelic editing style. It captures the spirit of the late 1960s and is a must-watch for surfers who are interested in the history of the sport.
Morning of the Earth (1971)
Released in 1971, “Morning of the Earth” is a surf movie that focuses on the connection between surfing and nature. The film features stunning footage of surfers riding waves in remote locations around the world, set to a soundtrack of original music. The movie’s message of environmentalism and spiritual connection with nature resonated with audiences and helped to inspire a generation of surfers.
Five Summer Stories (1972)
“Five Summer Stories” is a 1972 surf movie that features some of the best surfers of the time, including Gerry Lopez and Shaun Tomson. The film is known for its stunning cinematography and its portrayal of the surfing lifestyle. It captures the essence of surfing during the 1970s and is a classic of the genre.
Crystal Voyager (1973)
“Crystal Voyager” is a 1973 surf movie that tells the story of surfer and filmmaker George Greenough. The film features stunning footage of Greenough riding waves on his custom-built surfboard, which had a camera mounted on the nose. The movie’s innovative camera work and Greenough’s unique surfing style make it a must-watch for surfers who are interested in the history of the sport.
Big Wednesday (1978)
“Big Wednesday” is a 1978 film that tells the story of three friends as they grow up and surf together in California during the 1960s and 1970s. The movie is known for its epic surfing scenes and its portrayal of the surfing lifestyle. It has become a cult classic among surfers and is often cited as one of the best surf movies ever made.
Beyond Blazing Boards (1985)
“Beyond Blazing Boards” is an 1985 surf movie that features some of the best surfers of the time, including Tom Curren and Mark Occhilupo. The film is known for its stunning cinematography and its portrayal of the surfing lifestyle. It captures the essence of surfing during the 1980s and is a classic of the genre.
North Shore (1987)
“North Shore” is a 1987 film that tells the story of a young surfer from Arizona who travels to Hawaii to surf the legendary waves of the North Shore. The movie is known for its epic surfing scenes and its portrayal of the surfing culture in Hawaii. It has become a cult classic among surfers and is often cited as one of the best surf movies of the 1980s.
Film-making Techniques
Cinematography
As old surf movies were usually filmed in the 1960s and 1970s, the cinematography techniques used were quite different from modern-day methods. The cameras used were often bulky and difficult to maneuver, resulting in a more static and less dynamic filming style. However, this also allowed for longer takes and shots that captured the entire wave ride. Additionally, the use of slow-motion shots was common in old surf movies, which added a unique and dramatic effect to the footage.
Soundtracks
The soundtracks of old surf movies were an integral part of the overall experience. The music used was typically upbeat and energetic, with a focus on instrumental surf rock. This helped to create a sense of excitement and energy, and added to the overall vibe of the movie. Some of the most iconic old surf movies featured soundtracks from legendary bands such as The Beach Boys and The Ventures.
Editing Styles
The editing styles used in old surf movies were often simple and straightforward. The footage was typically presented in a linear fashion, with shots of surfers riding waves interspersed with shots of the beach and surrounding scenery. However, some old surf movies also experimented with more avant-garde editing techniques, such as split-screen shots and psychedelic visual effects. These techniques were used to create a more surreal and dreamlike atmosphere, and to enhance the overall viewing experience.
Legacy and Influence
Old surf movies have had a significant impact on modern surf culture and contemporary surf filmmaking. As a surfer and a film enthusiast, I have seen how these films have influenced the way we surf and how we make surf films today.
Modern Surf Culture
Old surf movies captured the essence of the surfing lifestyle and helped to popularize it worldwide. They showcased the beauty of the ocean, the thrill of riding waves, and the freedom that comes with surfing. These films inspired a generation of surfers and created a culture that is still alive today.
Surfers who grew up watching old surf movies have carried on the legacy by passing down the stoke to younger generations. They have also helped to shape the way we surf and the equipment we use. Many surfers today still ride classic longboards and single fins, which were popularized in old surf movies.
Contemporary Surf Filmmaking
Old surf movies also had a significant impact on contemporary surf filmmaking. They were the pioneers of the surf film genre and set the standard for surf films today. Old surf movies were not just about the surfing, they were also about the lifestyle and the culture that surrounded surfing.
Contemporary surf filmmakers have taken inspiration from old surf movies and have continued to push the boundaries of surf filmmaking. They have incorporated new technology and techniques to create stunning visuals and captivating stories. However, they have not forgotten the roots of surf filmmaking and have continued to pay homage to the old surf movies that started it all.
In conclusion, old surf movies have left a lasting legacy on surf culture and surf filmmaking. They have inspired generations of surfers and filmmakers and have helped to shape the way we surf and the way we make surf films today.
