Watch The History of Australian Surfing

The History of Australian Surfing is a comprehensive and engaging documentary that delves into the rich and fascinating world of surfing, particularly in Australia. The film, which was released in 1985, is directed by Paul Witzig and features famous surfer Nat Young as the narrator and guide. The documentary traces the evolution of surfing in Australia, from its early beginnings to the contemporary scene of the mid-1980s. It covers a range of topics, including the cultural, social, and economic significance of the sport, the emergence of new surfboard designs and technologies, and the careers and accomplishments of many of Australia's most renowned surfers.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its ability to balance historical context with a sense of excitement and action. The opening sequence features soaring aerial shots of the Australian coast, set to a pulsing rock soundtrack. From the moment the scene is set, the viewer is transported into the high-energy realm of the surf world.

The narrative of the film follows a chronological order, beginning with surfing's introduction to Australia in the early 1900s. The documentary explains how the sport was brought to Australia by Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku and details his influence on the founding of the first surf clubs in Sydney and Queensland.

The film then moves on to the 1950s and 1960s, which are considered the glory days of Australian surfing. Young surfers like Bob McTavish and Midget Farrelly began experimenting with shorter, lighter surfboards that allowed for more maneuverability and improved performance. The documentary showcases vintage footage of these daredevil surfers catching enormous, adrenaline-pumping waves and executing fluid, graceful maneuvers.

As the sport continued to grow in popularity, more and more Australians became passionate about surfing. The documentary explains how the beach culture of the 1970s and 1980s saw surfing become an essential part of Australian identity, and how this unique connection between lifestyle and sport continues to play a significant role in the country's cultural fabric.

Throughout the film, the stories of famous surfers such as Mark Richards, Wayne Lynch, and Michael Peterson are celebrated. Interviews with these athletes, as well as with pioneers like George Greenough and Peter Drouyn, provide insights and perspectives on the evolution of the sport in Australia.

Perhaps one of the most captivating aspects of The History of Australian Surfing is its exploration of the spiritual and transcendental qualities of the sport. The documentary touches on the idea that surfing provides a way for practitioners to connect with nature and to experience a kind of transcendental flow-state.

Through beautiful slow-motion footage, the documentary captures the beauty and awe-inspiring power of Australia's most famous waves, such as Bells Beach, Kirra, and Pipeline. The film's soundtrack, which features a mix of classic rock, reggae, and atmospheric instrumentals, adds to the poetic and meditative mood of these sequences.

Overall, The History of Australian Surfing is an excellent documentary that provides a fascinating and comprehensive look at one of the world's most popular sports. Its combination of engaging storytelling, stunning visuals, and intriguing insights make it a must-watch for anyone interested in surfing, Australia, or sports documentaries in general.

The History of Australian Surfing is a 1970 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.