Every year, as the summer ends, the surf companies show off their clothes and surfers in free surf films. They are a visual delight and the soundtrack always supplies a new favorite song. Here is the first one, from Billabong – Daze at Sea – available for download in various sizes:
A beautiful short film by John Lynch set to the music of Sam Bauer – and the combination shines.
From the filmmaker:
I was so involved in my DSLR work, I had the impulse to look at some 16mm footage. To see what I used to shoot on my trusty old vintage 16mm Bolex.
It was refreshing to see moments in footage presented exactly the way they were filmed. No effects were necessary for the texture and feel. A quality that celluloid film will always have over digital.
I met Sam Bauer a few years ago on a project. We became friends and he expressed interest in doing a cut and composing a score to my cinematography. I gave him a series of out-takes from my 2003 South Africa Trip that became a part in “Change the Subject” (released in 2004).
Sam was the editor of Donnie Darko so he possesses natural affinity for sound design and score. This is Sam’s interpretation of the footage.
It was is refreshing to see this after so many years.
J. Lynch
I’m a big fan of the crew at Misfit Pictures and the last movie they made – Manufacturing Stoke. It opened my eyes to the DIY community in surfing and inspired me to get out in the ocean, and I bet it will do the same for you.
There next project is just getting started - called What the Sea Gives Me - and you have the chance to be a part of it. There is a Kickstarter campaign to help fund the movie – and get awesome goodies – but first more about the film:
- It will be a feature-length documentary comprised of intimate and candid interviews with some of the ocean’s most extraordinary ambassadors.
- We will give you an honest and personal look through the eyes of those who thrive under the most extreme water conditions, those ensuring the proper care of the oceans for future generations and those who simply derive a sense of pure joy from the sea.
- The goal is to raise ocean awareness on a global level while reminding the viewer how closely we are all connected to the sea; and, to introduce you to a unique group of people we find absolutely captivating.
It looks to be an amazing movie and I hope you become a part of it.
Donate $5 or $25 or $100 and join the Kickstarter campaign:
The Aaron Chang bio:
As a force in visually defining the sport of surfing Aaron has pursued his photography to the far ends of the earth. For 25 years, as a senior photographer for Surfing magazine, Aaron was at the core of the surfing world discovering new talent and surf spots on a global scale. Having traveled to 40+ countries in search of the perfect adventure Aaron’s work has graced the covers of over 100 magazines.
Aaron is a legend and his work is amazing. His next great adventure is opening his own gallery in Southern California. Below are some pieces of his, including many shots from his gallery.
The Wedge on September 5, 2012, from HBStonelight and John Minar.
The Wedge – Newport Beach, CA
I’m not sure of the wave height, but I would say 5-10 feet. And, it looked like those with handplanes were getting the best rides.
Surf City is putting on an awesome event for surf dogs. Taking place over three days in September, 28-30, 2012, it includes a surf dog competition and other fun events, like a pet fashion show and dog toy expo.
The full schedule:
Friday 6 – 8:00 PM – The Shorebreak Hotel
Saturday, 12 Noon – 4:00 PM – The Strand on 5th
Sunday, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM – Dog Beach
**Registration is open for all events.
**Follow on Twitter – Facebook
I will definitely be attending with my pup Jesse, and I hope to see you there!
To end with this funny line from the site:
Huntington Beach is going to dogs! The premier dog surfing competition on the dog surfing circuit.
The “dog surfing circuit” – lol
Summer is the time for movies under the stars and the Friends of Del Mar are bringing together two nights of ocean and surf films, for the 3rd annual cinema series. More on this free event from the Del Mar Times:
This year, the Cinema Series kicks off Sept. 7 at sunset (around 7:30 p.m.) with a trio of award-winning surf films, Abroad/Salmon Theory/Manufacturing Stoke, an unflinching and timely look at the surf industry today, with a special guest appearances by the filmmakers and founders of the San Diego Surf Film Festival.
The Sept. 8 marquee kicks off with Amazing Jellies (official selection: San Francisco Ocean Film Festival), followed by Willem & The Whales, a look at a world without whales told through the eyes of a child. The feature presentation will be Universal Pictures’ Big Miracle, starring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski.
Details:
Del Mar Cinema Series
Sep. 7-8, 2012
7:30pm (food trucks at 6pm)
Del Mar Shores Park (9th St & Stratford Ct.)
Free, open to the public (donation suggested)
There is a new brand on the street, Republic of Kalifornia, and they are producing some awesome designs. Starting with a re-design of the California flag: the iconic bear, star, and red stripe…with a fuzzy twist.
Last weekend, while attending the Sunset Beach Handplane Demo Day, I met a fascinating surfboard shaper by the name of Jeff Beck. Through his company, Nine Lights, Jeff is performing some incredible experiments that could change the surfing industry. He had many of his boards on-hand to try for free, which is a regular part of the “demo day” ethos.
The first board that I tried, called the Slipper, perfectly represents Jeff’s unique design sense. The board has no stringer and instead uses a thin piece of wood on top (fiberglass bottom). According to Jeff, “when you remove the stringer it opens up all sorts of design possibilities. You can experiment with different shapes and sizes.” He said the wood top provides as much, or more, strength than the stringer would provide.
I took the board out to try him at his word. Now, I’m 6-feet tall and weigh 180+ pounds. I pounded the hell out of that board because it is a modified Alaia, which means no fins, long and real thin (picture below). You have to pop-up quick and immediately start turning. The board never once gave or bent and felt stronger than my classic stringer boards. I definitely think Jeff is on to something, and it was so much fun to ride that it was my favorite of the event.
To give you more insight into Jeff’s innovative thinking I want to tell you about his handplanes made out of aerospace airplane wings. Made from the foam in the wings they are super-strong and amazingly lightweight. When you hold it in your hand all the weight you feel is in the leash. I tried one out and it definitely feels stronger than regular surfboard EPS foam (I kept smacking it because I couldn’t believe how strong it was). An amazing way to recycle old airplanes and turn them into a fun ride.
Overall, I was truly impressed by Jeff’s deep understanding of surfboard design, experimental concepts, and his environmental focus. The next time I’m in the market for a surfboard I will assuredly be checking out Nine Lights Surfboards.
Here are a few other designs from Jeff, and make sure to visit his website and like him on Facebook.
Morgan Maassen is possibly the world’s most talented surf photographer. All you have to do is look at these shots and you will be impressed. He is also a past winner of the Follow the Light Foundation.
Here are 8 of his images pulled from his public Facebook page, where you can find tons more. He can also be found at: