Cinema history explores surfing through various film genres

The history of surfing in cinema spans various styles, from animated family films to action thrillers. The 2007 animated film ‘Surf’s Up’ uses a mockumentary format to follow a penguin named Cody who dreams of becoming a professional surfer. The film features animated versions of professional surfers Kelly Slater and Rob Machado.

In the action genre, the 1991 film ‘Point Break’ depicts an FBI agent infiltrating a gang of surfers who commit bank robberies to fund their lifestyle. Older cinematic representations include the 1959 film ‘Gidget’, which highlighted the growing notoriety of Malibu surfing, and the 1966 documentary ‘The Endless Summer’.