Trying to choose the best surf films of all time is like trying to choose between the barreling waves of
Hossegor, the thunderous Pipeline or gargantuan Jaws when it is released. In other words, it is near impossible. However, when push comes to shove there are some films that stand out above the rest. So here are our top 4 best surf films ever for you to marvel at, and no doubt argue about. Enjoy!
Title: Billabong Odyssey
First released: 2003
Directed By: Philip Boston
Featuring: Mike Parsons, Brad Gerlach, Carlos Burle, Eraldo Gueiros, Ken Bradshaw, Layne Beachley and many many more...
Synopsis: Opening with one of the biggest waves ever ridden on film, the Billabong Odyssey explores the world of big wave riding and the crazies who live for the monster waves. The film is a who’s who of the big wave riding scene, and even has footage of the late Mark Foo and Malik Joyeux.
Although since the film’s release other surfers have stepped up to the challenge of avalanche sized waves, the Billabong Odyssey was one of the first films to take the story of big wave riding global. It lives on through the annual Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards, which honour the achievements of the biggest waves ridden and documented from the year. Philip Boston’s film has inspired people around the world to... never, ever attempt to surf a big day. Sometimes we all need a bit of humbling.
Title: My Eyes Won’t Dry 2
Year: 2008
Directed By: Brian Conley
Featuring: Brian Conley
Synopsis: Every surfer dreams of getting barreled and surviving to tell the tale. Well Brian Conley took things one step further, he documented it. After the success of his first film in the series ‘My Eyes Won’t Dry’, he went out to some of the best spots on the globe and pulled into insane waves for his and our viewing pleasure. Filmed using the wonderful invention of the head sports cam, Conley takes us deep into the barrel and hypnotizes us with the wave’s wall of water as he hangs out in the tube. Mesmerizing.
Title: Shelter
Year: 2001
Directed By: Chris Malloy and Taylor Steele
Featuring: Rob Machado, Taylor Knox, Joel Tudor, Mick Fanning, Dean Morrison, Jack Johnson, The Malloys, Kelly Slater... need we say anymore?
Synopsis: A quintessential modern day surf classic. Beautifully shot on 16mm film, Shelter was Woodshed Films aka The Moonshine Conspiracy’s 3rd project and focuses on soul surfing. Centering on a 2 month gathering of surfers on a farm in Oz, Shelter has a raw quality about it whilst it tells the tale of surfers and their lives. Its majesty is found not only in the deep stories and superb surfing, but in the music that weaves its way throughout the film- Music that was written for the film and even within the film. Shelter is a piece of art that feels more like an encouraging friend than a distant pipe dream/dream of pipe.
Title: Riding Giants
Year: 2004
Directed By: Stacy Peralta
Featuring: Laird Hamilton, Jeff Clark, Greg Noll and every influential surfer of the last 50 years
Synopsis: One of the only non-Hollywood surf films that made it to cinema's all over the world. Directed and written by Stacy Peralta, one of the original Z-boys who revolutionised skate boarding in California in the 70s. The film documents the origins of surfing and the history of big wave surfing, aka Riding Giants. It is divided into 3 parts, telling a story by following the experiences of 3 surf legends - Greg Noll and monster waves in 1950s Hawaii, Jeff Clark discovering Mavericks in San Francisco and Laird Hamilton pushing surfing to new realms never thought possible
If you think we are way off the mark or have forgotten any please drop us a comment below with your list of all time top surf movies...
Here's a round up of Mick Fanning's time in Portugal at the Rip Curl Search Pro back in late October. The first few minutes show him doing a few tricks at different breaks on his way down the Portuguese coast. Skip to the 3 minute to see the footage from the comp. The day of the Quarters was such a great day - the waves were some of the best Supertubos has ever produced - heavy, big and barrelling. The last quarter final finished late and it was too dark to continue although we saw Adriano go out for a surf and catch some great barrels (pity it wanst in the comp!)
The semi's and finals were held the next morning and the swell had died down a lot. Owen Wilson couldnt compete because he got injured in the Quarters (despite winning!), so Mick got a by to the final were he beat Bede Durbidge and is now favourite to win the World Title...
To find ot more about the area take a look at our
Peniche Surf Holiday page.
Mick Fanning Portugal Webisode "Searching" from Mick Fanning on Vimeo.
Short video following Parko at this years Rip Curl Search in Peniche. The event was a massive success and rumour has it that it could become a regular feature on the tour next year. Its one of our most popular
surf holiday destinations.
For his perfect 10 wave fast forward to 3:45. Enjoy
Joel Parkinson - Portugal WCT Wrap from Billabong on Vimeo.
Our November clip of the month is one of our all time favourites. It takes us back to the 1980s when the dream tour mostly consisted of Americans and Australians surfing against each other in mostly city surf beaches such as Huntington and Bells Beach. Tens of thousands would turn up to each event and watch. Each event was blown up into a massive festival with other attractions in order to get big sponsors on board - it didnt really work and trouble often started on some beaches leading to major companies pulling out and tv networks withdrawing from the sport.
Probably the biggest rivalry during these times was between American
Tom Curren and Australian
Mark Occhilupo (Occy). Curren was born in 1964 and was from a surf family based in Santa Barbara in the US. He joined the ASP World Tour in 1983 and became world champion in 85, 86 and 1990. Tom left the tour in the early 90s - back then there was 25 events a year and he had had enough. He still competes as a wild card entrant and is a very popular musician with a few decent albums to his name.
Occy came from a suburb in Sydney and is 2 yrs younger than Curren. He joined the World Tour age 17 in 1983! He was 3rd in '84, 4th in '85 and was favourite to win in 86 until Curren beat him to it. He was 9th in '87 but had begun to loose interest. He turned his back on the sport altogether and withdrew from the spotlight in the early 90s. Everyone had thought they had seen the last of him but in 1997 he requalified and finished 2nd to Kelly Slater. In 1999 he went on to win the world title, 16 years after he first event , not a bad comeback! He continued on the tour until 2005. He now commentates on the live webcasts and appears as a wildcard on some of the events.
The clip is taken from the semi final in 1986 at the
Bells Beach Classic, South West Australia (Victoria). If Curren won the semi final he would become WCT Champion. It is regarded as one of the best ever heats in professional surfing. The moment when both surfers are riding a wave in the one shot, Curran riding regular in front, and Occy goofy on the wave behind, is truelly awesome. Enjoy...