Watch A Sea for Yourself

A Sea for Yourself is an American documentary film released in 1973. The movie is directed by Hal Jepsen and documents the emergence of the new era of surfing in the 1970s. It features some of the top surfers of the time - Reno Abellira, Larry Bertlemann, and Jean-Louis Bianco, and showcases their skills and the cultural phenomena that surrounded the sport of surfing.

The film begins by presenting surfing as a lifestyle, rather than just a sport, that allows people to connect with nature and the ocean. It then explores the history of surfing, from its origins in Hawaii to its popularization in California. The movie highlights the societal changes of the time, including the rise of counterculture and the embrace of free-spirited lifestyles, and how surfing became an integral part of the movement.

The movie features stunning footage of surfers riding massive waves at iconic locations such as Hawaii's Pipeline and Australia's Bells Beach. The dazzling visuals are accompanied by a soundtrack of popular music of the 1970s, perfectly capturing the mood of the time.

Besides showcasing the adrenaline-pumping action of surfing, the movie also delves into the personal stories of the surfers. Interviews with the surfers reveal their passion for the sport and their motivations for pursuing it. Reno Abellira, a Hawaiian surfer, talks about how he felt surfing enabled him to express himself and to connect with his roots. Larry Bertlemann, the 'Rubberman' from Florida, is shown as an unconventional figure who revolutionized the sport with his unique style. Meanwhile, French surfer Jean-Louis Bianco is presented as someone who embraced surfing as a way of life, rejecting the conventional societal norms of his country.

The film also showcases the subculture of surfing that developed in the 1970s. It portrays a laid-back and free-spirited community that saw surfing as a way of life rather than just a sport. The movie explores how surfers lived their lives, traveling from one beach to another, and forming a tight-knit community. It also features the fashion of the time, such as colorful board shorts and floral shirts, which became synonymous with the surfing culture.

One of the unique aspects of A Sea for Yourself is that it captures the transition of surfing from a niche sport to a mainstream phenomenon. The film shows that surfing had become so popular by the 1970s that it had even spawned a clothing and fashion industry, with companies like Billabong and Quiksilver taking off. The movie also highlights how surfers became a symbol of the counterculture movement, with people embracing the sport as a way to rebel against the status quo.

Overall, A Sea for Yourself is a captivating and visually stunning documentary that captures the essence of the surfing culture of the 1970s. With its breathtaking footage, iconic soundtrack, and personal interviews with surfers, the movie is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of surfing and the cultural phenomena it inspired.

A Sea for Yourself is a 1973 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.