Riding Giants is more than another blissful surfing movie. It's an outstanding documentary about one era in American alternative lifestyles, when surfing was well-suited to a radical culture of social dropouts. Using an amazing array of amateur film clips, shot for the most part in Hawaii and California from the late 1950s and early '60s, director Stacy Peralta traces the rise of surfing's appeal to young men looking to test themselves in an unorthodox (and sexy) milieu--of "living life to the fullest," as former surfer-turned-screenwriter John Milius (
Big Wednesday) puts it at one point. Lengthy chapters on the glories of Oahu's Makaha and the "superstition and dread" that accompanied the big-wave challenge of Waimea Bay are riveting and sometimes heroic, particularly told through the memories of surf legend Greg Noll. Great material, too, about the deadly wonders of surfing Mavericks, California, where the rocks will get one if the violent tides don't.
--Tom Keogh
From its early Hawaiian roots to its current status as a recreational lifestyle enjoyed worldwide, bigwave surfing is given the definitive exploration by acclaimed director Stacy Peralta (Dogtown and Z-Boys).
1 1 word: wow
surfing giants is an exelent movie about three guys who have the gut to go big wave surfing. the first, greg noll. he was an amaizing surfer and one of the earlier ones, then jeff clark he was a risky surfer. last but definitly not least larid hamilton. he surfed many places including one with amaizing waves that weren't so much that high, but very dence. the movie was rated pg-13 because of the language, otherwise the movie is appropriate for pretty much all ages. if you like this movie, then also try "step into liquid" (also rated pg-13)
the movie really motivates me to learn how to surf better. (yup, i do surf)
it was a "totally tubular" movie!
2 JAWS
The giants referred to in Riding Giants are not the gargantuan waves in the film but the real life dudes who rode them. From Greg "the Bull" Noll who pioneered the sport in the fifties to Laird Hamilton who refined it in the nineties, this excellent documentary chronicles surfing as if it were the space program. And indeed, we see these guys conquer each realm of wave riding as if they venture to alien worlds. The film is broken up by the areas with the biggest, wildest surf spots such as Mavericks in Northern Cali and most notably Peahi in Maui, better known as Jaws, where the water breaks off a coral spur creating monolithic, fifty to eighty foot waves that dwarfs Laird Hamilton as he boards down the face at 30mph (Jaws was also covered in an excellent 1998 National Geographic).
Not just a documentary, it's a first caliber adventure an adventure that reaffirms human endevour in the face of natures power. And when watching it with someone, turn and watch their eyes dialate in awe when they see these waves. Seriously, Jaws is no joke. Worth owning just so you can see it again and again.
3 Giant Surfing
Great movie with the history of big surf. From Makaha to Teahupoo, through the classic days of Mavericks, and the passing of Mark Foo, to the amazing Jaws. Interviews with legends such as Greg DaBull Noll to Laird Hamilton. Great footage!!! It is a great documentary and not only a whole bunch of surfing footage. The second half of this movie you will never want to stop watching. Huge Surf!!!
4 Story of surfers who risk their lives for their obsession
Here in New York City I'm surrounded by tall buildings and a cold and snowy winter. It's a perfect time for a surfing film and Riding Giants, the 2004 entry into list the ever-growing documentaries about the sport, is one of the best. By now I take the spectacular cinematography that is possible today for granted. But I just cannot get enough of the real-life stories of the surfers who risk their lives for their obsession.
For example, there is Jeff Clark. For fifteen years he surfed all by himself in frigid water off the rocky coast of California just north of San Francisco. When other surfers finally discovered these waves, the best of them rushed there with photographers at the ready. The cameras were running when a well know and experienced surfer, Mark Foo, drowned. And then there is Laird Hamilton. He's enjoying his fame and fortune now. But we first meet him in the late sixties, a little boy of 4 years old, who loved to body surf. One of the surfers took an interest in the little boy, and wound up marrying his single mother. Little Laird grew up in the world of surfing and has recently made a fortune when he developed a business for jet skis and a towing boats Formerly, it would take hours for a surfer to get out to the big waves. But now this is done in a matter of minutes and it's changed the sport entirely.
The film is a documentary about surfing from the 1950s on. I've seen other films on this subject but it seems there is always new and fresh material. This time it is includes some vintage home movies about group of young men who defined convention, and went off to live on the beach and do nothing but surf all day. We watch them surfing and playfully living their free and fun life. Many of them are still alive with happy memories of that time. And some of them continued to surf, becoming legends in the sport.
In addition the great cinematography, there are also drawings. In one section of the film the surfers talk about what it feels like to be buried under a mountain of waves. Naturally there are no photos to illustrate this. But the drawings really gave me a feeling of what it must be like.
This is a fine film. I loved every minute of it. But, I honestly had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach as I watched these surfers having so much pleasure in the surf when I thought about the recent tsunami tragedy. In spite of this, I still cannot help but recommend this film.
5 The Lifestyle of Big Wave Surfing
I have to start off by saying that I am a huge sucker for surfing films. I can't think of one that I have seen that didn't have an affect on me in one way or another, so you might think that my review may be a little biased but in this case, thankfully it's not. 'Riding Giants' is one of the best surfing films ever made. I have never attempted surfing (being that I live in Massachusetts) but I hope that one day I will be able to move somewhere warm where I could take surfing lessons. I want that feeling that all the surfers talk about. Now on to the review...
I thought at first that this film was only a Laird Hamilton 'vehicle' because he was the poster boy during the promotion of the film. As great as I now think he is (after seeing this film) I am thankful that 'Riding Giants' is much more than that. It's also not just about the size of the waves but about the feelings that come from taking on a wave, large or small. Stacy Peralta and crew (three cheers to the editor, Paul Crowder) do a real fantastic job of teaching the viewer about the history and power of big wave surfing and using it as a spring (surf)board of the future showing what the new breeds of surfers have so far accomplished in progressing big wave surfing.
I couldn't get enough of Stacy Peralta's previous film, `Dogtown and Z-Boys', while still being a great documentary, the film seems archaic in regards to the editing and effects that his team used in 'Riding Giants'. This film moves along very well, I was never tempted to press fast forward, being constantly glued to the screen. The visual technique of Riding Giants is beautifully structured and executed. You get your long shots and fast cuts but they are used with precision. There's a heavier use of effects like animation and 3-D rendering of some photos that are just refreshing to see. Like in 'Dogtown', the music plays a very big part in the film covering different genres from electronic, hard rock, hawaiian, to old surf rock of the 60s.
The film just makes me want to meet with all the surfers just so I could shake their hands and tell them that they are truly inspirational. They are true storytellers and extremely brave people. Greg Noll was the first pioneer of big wave surfing and he is really great to listen to. It's nice to see someone in his late 60's that is still genuine and has the balls to say whatever comes to mind. Jeff Clark was the first person to surf the now famous Mavericks and he had surfed there for fifteen years before anyone else gave it a try. That is just plain crazy when you actually see what Mavericks is really about. Laird Hamilton is heralded by some as the greatest big wave surfer that has ever been and there are the others who think of him as someone who has ruined or cheated big wave surfing because of the artificial advancements that he and his group have used like the tow-in, the feet straps, and the foil board (which is not shown in this film but is ahead of its time and certainly something to see). As years go by I am sure that the few Laird-heaters still left will eat their words, thanking him for what he has accomplished so far.
Riding Giants is such a beautiful experience that has a lot to offer to the surfers and non-surfers alike. Check it out!
6 Inspiring for a wide range of viewers
Yes, it's a great documentary on the historical elements of big wave surfing. Yes, it's a fantastic collection of big wave surfing footage and still imagery that spans 40 years of the sport. Yes, it tastefully features key individuals from each era. Yes, it's an extremely well done documentary that is artfully produced. But in addtion to all that, this is a well-told story of our urge to explore, to innovate, and to live fully. It's not just a "surfer movie". It's not another "Endless Summer" with merely lots of cool surfing footage (although it has all that for sure). It's as much about people who are passionate, inspired to keep stepping just a little further in the face of self-doubt and fear for the reward of being in a higher place -- metaphorically and, in the case of this movie, literally.
7 A review by a non-Surfer
I loved this movie. Riding Giants takes a look at the history of big-wave surfing and its subculture. Peralta mixes vintage footage along with interviews from past and contemporary surfing legends. I'm pretty unfamiliar with the surfing culture, and I found this documentary to be very informative and entertaining. The surfing footage is impressive, but Riding Giants is more than just footage of surfers riding giant waves. The interviews and home movies do a great job of bringing out the personalities behind the sport, and give a deeper insight of what the surf lifestyle meant to its participants.
8 Absolutely ridiculous
This movie is sick. If it wasn't for the fear of being crushed to death by a 50 foot wave, I would move to Hawaii and start big wave surfing tomorrow. I watched Riding Giants last week and every day since then I have been sitting in my cubicle at work searching the net for Jaws footage. This is easily the best surfing movie ever, and probably the best documentary of the year.
Also, if I was forced to have my girlfriend cheat on me, but I got to choose who it would be with, it would be with Laird Hamilton. Hell, after a few beers I'd probably do it.
9 A documentary about passion
My wife and I are skate skiers living near Tahoe and this movie, along with Step Into Liquid, was the perfect movie for a Saturday night in January after a day out playing in the snow.
This review can't match the detail or eloquence of the spotlighted reviews. What I can say is that Peralta captures the passion that grips each of the surfers he interviews. What else but passion makes a guy paddle 45 minutes through cold Northern Cali surf to surf a monstrous wave that, if it doesn't drown him, can pound his body through a boneyard? And does it solo for fifteen years? That, my friends, is the passion of someone who loves what he does without any regard for glory or fame. May we all find that one thing in life that inspires us so.
My only critique (one that I had with SIL and ES II, but that doesn't mean the movie is less than five stars) is that the movie lacks a discussion of the severe localism that plagues certain beach communities and is inconsistent with the surfing happy face presented here.
But that's nitpicking....surfing movies are meant to be fun and transporting. We loved Endless Summer II, smiled and "wowed" our way through SIL, and highly recommend Riding Giants.
10 Men and women of faith
This is a great film.
As this documentary unfolds, what grips you is the crystalline purity with which these men and women pursue the thing that makes them happy; makes them feel, at least for that one moment when they skim atop a liquid volcano, absolutely connected to everything. My favorite surfer, among many great legends and personalities, was Jeff Clark, who surfed the towering, icy, rock-strewn waters of Maverick, California for fifteen years by himself before anyone seemed to know it was there.
I have never surfed in my life. This film did not make me want to become a surfer. Instead, it reminded me that life is something to be loved and lived with devotion. How many films have you seen that have given you that feeling? --Mykal Banta
11 Men Who Ride Mountains...
Once again Stacy Peralta(Dogtown & Z-Boys) has outdone himself. The sheer ferocity of the waves you see in the movie is just unreal. That on top of having the surfers themselves, many of whom helped pioneer the sport to where it is today, is awesome. Riding Giants is a true pleasure to watch and the job Peralta and friends does w/ the editing is great. One giant thrillride! Go get this one... it's fantastic.
12 Facinating look into the history of surfing
Whether you have any inherent interest in surfing or not, this documentary is still facinating. It covers not only this history of how surfing evolved to its present form, but also how surfers were viewed by the media and the world at large, and the passions that drove these surfers to devote all their waking hours to the pursuit of one amazing wave. It allows this film to be deeply interesting on many levels. The format is also excellent, with out the use of too much overly flashy effects (which I felt detracted some what from the similiar, still excellent but inferior cinematicly, Dogtown and ZBoys). The footage and the interviews really speak for themselves.
13 Kowabunga, dude!
This is, to paraphrase Jeff Spicoli, a bitchin' movie with some tasty waves. It starts with a history of surfing and proceeds to cover the early big-wave surfers in Hawaii from the 40's and 50's and moves to California where the action shifted in the 60's. The section on Mavricks in Northern California was especially good before ending back in Hawaii with present-day monster-wave surfing legend Laird Hamilton.
The photography is absolutely stunning making you go, like, "Whoa, dude! How they get that shot?" The interviews with both old and current big-wave riders were well done, very entertaining, and quite informative. All in all, a masterful movie, even for non-surfers.
If everything you know about surfing comes from watching Beach Blanket Bingo ten or twenty times, think again. See this movie and you'll never look at the ocean in quite the same way again.
14 From a non surfing "surf widow"
Take it from a non-surfing "surf widow" this is a truly GREAT film. I can't tell you how many countless boring surf films I have sat thru with my surfer husband- the endless droning commentary and endless footage of of one wave after another that all looks the same to a greenhorn like me. This is WAY different- the footage was unusual and the back story was really interesting. This was a film that kept me glued to the screen and wanting more. The candid interviews with the surfing greats is among the best I've seen- you really felt that you got to know and understand them and really care about them. It showed the humanity and the passion of the sport. This film has what so many of the other surfing films are lacking- real heart. This film will be enjoyable to ANYONE regardless of your interest in the sport of surfing.
15 Awesome action! Simply one of the best...
I met Laird back in 1984 when he moved into the condo next door during his brief fling at modeling for the now defunct Surfbreaker clothing line in southern orange county, CA. Even back then at the age of 20 or so, you could tell he was destined for something great in the surfing world. He was not only in awesome physical condition, but was was easy going and friendly to those he met...and you could see he lived to surf.
Now to the film... if you are interested in the history of Big Wave surfing, you HAVE to get RIDING GIANTS! It starts with a brief history going back hundreds of years and works up to the 40's and 50's with some great footage of all the greats who made this sport what it is today. There are not only unbelievable action shots of HUGE waves from that era, but the still pictures and interviews with the legends are in themselves worth this movie.
Fast forward to the culmination of all that went before, with an amazing shot of Laird catching the most perfectly shaped HUGE heavy wave you've ever seen (Tahiti)...BUY this movie, its a must for anyone who loves the ocean!
Steve
16 That's The Way It Was -- And Still Is
I surfed in high school and college -- in the sixties and early seventies -- and this is the first movie that really communicates the way it was then. It also communicates the incredible obsession that many surfers have with their sport. If you've ever surfed, or if you haven't and want to know a little of what drives surfers, this is the movie for you. Ever since I saw it, I've been thinking, if I get back in shape, maybe.....
17 Stacy goes surfing...
Stacy Peralta's "Riding Giants" is a worthy successor to his groundbreaking "Dogtown and Z-Boys". Worthy, but not as important, simply because he's not covering a story that's gone untold as he did before.
When Peralta did "Dogtown & Z-Boys", he was not only documenting a moment in time that was unknown to most outside a small niche culture, it was almost forgotten by the current generation of skaters who owed many of their moves & attitudes to it. This made "Dogtown & Z-Boys" not only an enjoyable documentary, but an important one as well.
"Riding Giants" covers ground that has been partially covered before, most recently in "Step Into Liquid". What does set "Riding Giants" apart from the pack of surf documentaries are never-seen archival footage & photos from the late 1950's, shot by one of the original big-wave riders, Greg Noll. The shots of Hawaii's North Shore nearly 50 years ago are amazing; no hotels, no crowds, hardly any roads. Noll & his compadres were true trailblazers into this unknown frontier.
A highlight of the film is the Mavericks section. The home movie footage spotlights how courageous Jeff Clark was to surf this gnarly, cold brute for 15 years by himself. Although Clark downplays the bravery displayed by categorizing Mavericks as his "refuge", when surfer Mike Ho is killed his first day there, the danger is made clear to even the driest couch potato.
My favorite part of the DVD is one of the Special Features. In additon to the usual director's commentary, the viewer can also eavesdrop on the surfers themselves discussing the movie as it plays. Listening to Greg Noll, Laird Hamilton & Jeff Clark pointing out the finer aspects of take offs, board design, & swapping anecdotes is truly a treat & not to be missed!
So, "Riding Giants" isn't indispensable in the way "Dogtown & Z-Boys" is, but the DVD is certainly worth purchasing for the special features. You'll definitely be viewing it multiple times.
18 Whooeee! What a ride!
I just watched this DVD and all the extras on it and I'm glad to see Stacy Peralta succeeded again. I have never been a skateboarder or surfer, but I own "Dogtown & Z-Boys" and will probably own this one as well; there's something in it for everyone and if you didn't know about the early surfing subculture, it kinda makes you wish you were a part of it. Unlike other surfing films, some of which Peralta refers to as "surfing pornography," the interviews with surfing pioneers mixed with some of their own homegrown footage brought it all to a much deeper level than some of those awesome, but sterile documentaries. You get a sense of what drove them to keep trying for that bigger, better wave and why they devoted hours upon hours riding huge gulps of water.
Stacy and Paul Crowder, who does a fine editing job, talk about having a similar aesthetic approach to their projects. Their style of infusing great music, excellent editing and letting those who are interviewed really shine has worked so well for both Dogtown and Riding Giants. I hate to say they have a winning formula, but it works and it only enhances the subject matter. There's a passion here to get it right--to tell the story in a way that captures the respect and admiration Peralta has for these surfers...the awe they rightly deserve.
If at times it seems too reverential, I just look at those giant waves knowing myself what it's like to be turned upside down in puny gale-force breakers, getting hit by one after another and not being able to get up, and I think, "And I thought that was tough!" It is truly amazing to watch these guys challenge the unknown, enjoy nature's beauty and fury in a way most of us never will, at least not to that degree. I found Jeff Clark's solitary years on The Mavericks to be the epitome of true love of surfing--braving cold water, jagged rocks, sharks, no one to save him--he must have found a way to become one with those waves or he was just so damn lucky. The interviews with all the surfers is the heartbeat of the film...and then there's just those WAVES...giants that are never taken for granted.
Hats off to Sam George for his enthusiastic commentary throughout. This is a job well done and I hope more is coming from Peralta & Co.
19 Fascinating even if you're not a surfer
This film keeps its word: it is a documentary in the true sense of giving the viewer a comprehensive understanding of how big wave surfing evolved. Although I had seen a handful of films about surfing and always appreciated its power, beauty, and Zen quality, it wasn't until seeing this film that I understood how surfers developed the brilliant series of innovations that led from surfing big waves on long boards to tow-in surfing and the almost limitless flexibility of surfing the biggest waves on short boards. It was also interesting to see how the sport exploded in the U.S. almost overnight from the quixotic pastime of a few misfits to a national phenomenon. While it would be easy to dismiss big wave surfers as adrenaline junkies, I think they are on to something much more profound. For them, surfing is a crucible that distills their being to the pure essentials and places them in direct contact with the mystery of existence. While most of society relies on material enrichment as its measure of success and happiness, the surfer's Nirvana is the ephemeral moment of riding the perfect wave. If there is such a thing as reincarnation, I definitely want to come back as a big wave rider.
20 Pleasantly Surprised
My wife rented this DVD for me and I reluctantly watched it (alone) and I was more than pleasantly surprised. I have surfed for over 30 years but learned a great deal from this film. This documentary is a great history lesson in surfing. The commentary by Gregg Noll as well as the footage of Laird Hamilton's death-defying ride at Teahupoo are worth the price alone. I now own this DVD .
21 The Most Entertaining Documentary In A Long Time.........
I had a ticket to see Riding Giants at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. I didn't know much about it rather that it was a surf documentary, and when I came out after the screening, I was completely blown away and on an adreniline rush that I haven't experienced in a long time during a film. The history of surfing was a lot more interesting than it seems, and this film truely shows it. It starts with a very neat part cardboard cutout, part still photograph, part animated sequence that tells the origins of surfing from Hawaii dating way back. The brief history then brings us to the history of big wave surfing and the surf ledgends that started the new generation of surfers in the late fifties continuing until now. It shows how these boys were social drop-outs and spent time being together, goofing off, and surfing. It wasn't a sport to impress chicks, it was an act of rebellion and the adventure of pushing the limits. It has original film footage of the pioneers, all the way up through surfing superstar of the now, Laird Hamilton. As I described before about the still photographs and Animation, later on in the film there are still photographs of the famous surfers who have pushed the limits. The effect used on the photograph makes the pictures look 3-dementional, and really adds to the entertainment of the film. The pictures look like they are actually really moving pictures, they are great. I am not a surfer. I am from Salt Lake City and the only thing close to surfing I have done is snowboarding. I didn't know very much about surfing, but this film is great for the biggest die hard fan of surfing and the date he has that only knows what a surf board is because she saw her dads beach boys album cover. It is great entertainment, and worth of buying. A Plus.
22 A very well made documentary
I had no real intention to see this film, but after being dragged to see it, I had to admit it was truly an incredible movie. Even though I live in a beach city, I am not exactly an avid surfer, yet I still enjoyed it a lot. This film is interesting enough to be viewed by anyone, interested in surfing or not.
The history of surfing is very fascinating and it is very cool to see interviews with the people who love the thrill of riding giant waves. The footage of the surfing is especially amazing, seeing the tiny guy riding in a monolith of water is just dream-like and truly incredible. I also loved the retro footage of 50s and 60s era surf culture, if you are in to that culture or stlye at all, I recommend this film simply for that aspect.
Another great part of the movie was the music, which I enjoyed so much I bought the soundtrack. It covers a diverse ammount of surf rock, hawaiian music, and epic rock ballads, and every piece fits brilliantly well with the visuals.
A very high-quality documentary and interesting film in general. 5 stars.
23 The real deal
Not that I have ever surfed waves and will ever(maybe in another life!) of this size, great film, mouth open wide stuff!!
24 AMAZING
My boyfriend, who is a surfer, brought me to see Riding Giants, and I had no idea what to expect. It turned out to be the best surf film I have ever seen, one of the best documentaries I have ever seen, and possibly one of the best films I have ever seen. The cinimatography is beautiful, and the story that is told is extremely entertaining. Even though I am not a surfer, I loved this film and totally reccomend it. Whether you are a surfer or not, you have to see Riding Giants.
25 Riding Giants is Truly a Great Documentary
I've never water surfed in my life---and probably never will. My soul mate virtually compelled me to see this film. I reluctantly thought that I would have to suffer through Riding Giants. Fortunately, nothing could have been further from the truth. This is one of the greatest documentaries I've ever seen of any genre whatsoever. Director Stanley Peralta has put together a masterpiece. He introduces us to surfers who popularized this form of athletic perfection unknown to most Americans previous to the early 1960s. These free spirits pursued this activity as some sort of existential quest demanding the similar dedication of a monk or the proverbial starving artist. Living one step ahead of poverty was the reality of superstars like Chuck Noll. Real fame and financial remuneration didn't occur until the juvenile surfer movies (remember Annette Funicello and Sandra Dee?) started to appear.
Peralta interviews such modern day heroes as Laird John Hamilton and Dave Kalama. It is fascinating to hear them discuss their passion. Death is their constant companion. At the same time they love life, and are not even minimally nihilistic. We may not wish to imitate them, but this doesn't prevent us from admiring their courage and near obsession with riding waves that can betray them at a moment's notice. A few women have even joined their ranks. Riding Giants is most certainly a dvd that you will wish to add to your collection. I strongly believe that it should also be nominated for an Academy Award. Documentaries don't get much better than this.
26 Better than Free Ride or Litmus
The best surf movie I have ever seen; it was premiered at Cork Film Festival in October. Being in the cinema was almost as good as being in perfect surf. Every surfer should have this DVD and everyone who needs to understand surfers and surfing should also see it
