The Endless Summer (1966)

Genre: Documentary

Directed by: Bruce Brown

Cast: Mike Hynson, Robert August

Running time: 95 minutes

Director and narrator Bruce Brown follows two surfers, Mike Hynson and Robert August, who are traveling around the globe looking for the best waves. They start out in Hawaii, but then travel to Africa, to Australia, to New Zealand, and to Tahiti. Along the way, they interact with the locals, learn about their ways and initiate some to the love of surfing.

I must admit that it took me a little while to get my feet wet and find my wave with this documentary. At first, I was really wondering what the point of it all was. It really started slow and almost lost me, but then I got it. I was hooked for the trip through the surfer’s world, though I have never and will never surf.

The images in The Endless Summer are simply majestic. Though the film was shot in the 1960’s, they are clear and crisp, really putting the viewer in the heart of the action. You can feel the power of those waves coming up and crashing down around those daredevils of the sea. Brown’s narration is also very good. He manages to be bring a good dose of humor to the proceedings, without having to try too hard.

All things considered, I highly recommend this film. Even if you are not an adept of the sport of surfing – I sure was not -, you can get a lot of entertainment out of it.

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