Watch Riding Giants

Riding Giants is an insightful and exhilarating documentary film that traces the history and evolution of surfing in America, with a particular emphasis on the emergence of big-wave surfing. Released in 2004, the film features some of the most daring and legendary surfers of all time, including Laird Hamilton, Darrick Doerner, and Dave Kalama.

The movie takes viewers on a wild ride through the history of surfing, from its Polynesian roots to its modern-day popularity. The documentary's first section shows us how surfing started in Hawaii and Polynesia as a religious ritual that involved riding waves on wooden boards. The film highlights some of the early pioneers of surfing, including Duke Kahanamoku, who took the sport to the mainland and helped popularize it around the world.

As the film progresses, it explores how surfing evolved into a subculture in the U.S. during the 1950s and 60s, with surfers developing their own unique language, fashion, and music. We get to see vintage footage of the early surfing scenes along the California coastline, and learn how the sport began to attract more and more people as it became more accessible.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Riding Giants is the way it delves into the world of big-wave surfing, which involves riding waves that are at least 20 feet tall. The filmmakers show us how surfers had to adapt their boards and their techniques to be able to surf these monster waves, and we get to see some truly jaw-dropping footage of surfers tackling waves that are several stories high. We also see how these surfers pushed the boundaries of what was possible, using jet skis and tow ropes to get into even bigger and more dangerous waves.

Through interviews with surfers and industry insiders, we get a sense of the camaraderie and competition that exists within the surfing community. The film also explores some of the darker aspects of the sport, such as the use of steroids and the pressures to perform that can sometimes drive surfers to take unnecessary risks.

Throughout the movie, we hear from a variety of iconic surfers, including Gerry Lopez, Greg Noll, and Jeff Clark. However, the real star of the film is Laird Hamilton, one of the most famous and accomplished surfers of all time. Hamilton is presented as a visionary figure who was instrumental in pushing the boundaries of big-wave surfing. We see him riding some of the biggest waves ever recorded, and we hear from other surfers who describe him as fearless, innovative, and completely dedicated to the sport.

Overall, Riding Giants is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging documentary that explores the history, culture, and pure adrenaline of surfing. The film's use of archival footage and contemporary interviews gives viewers a sense of the sport's evolution, and the incredible action footage will leave audiences breathless. Whether you're a surfing enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates thrilling documentary filmmaking, Riding Giants is a must-see.

Riding Giants is a 2004 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 80.