Surfing Videos Are About More Than Just Waves And Tricks

Searching for surfing videos online yields hundreds of thousands of results. Since the arrival of websites where users can upload their own videos, the web has run thick with videos of surfers, waves, and wipeouts. One positive of this trend is that it helps level the playing field: surfing, like any other sport, can be a hard scene to break into, so giving the world access to images of your bravest big-wave attempt, or your most skillful ride in the tube is a good way to publicize your exploits. Or if you're just in it for fun, sharing your favorite clips online can be a great way to share with family and friends your best sessions. Not to mention, having an almost unlimited cache of videos means you've always got something to watch and get stoked on.

All told, despite the chaos and static of the web, having so much surf footage online is probably a good thing. Yet despite all those positives, professionally-made surf videos occupy an extremely important place in the world of surfing. Because they are filmed and produced by professional filmmakers, these videos can do an excellent job of highlighting the positivity of surfing culture, and the beauty of the places where surfing happens.

Surfing has long battled the reputation of being an outsider, counterculture, or slacker activity. Even though it's a multi-billion dollar industry, and even though a lot of surfing language and style has been appropriated by the masses, there is still a lingering attitude that doesn't always favor surfers. But show the skeptic some surf dvds, and they're likely to walk away convinced that most surfers are typically graceful, gracious, and peaceful. Because so many surf films explore themes of friendship, brotherhood, travel, and reverence for nature, it's hard to walk away from a well made surf film and not feel both relaxed and inspired.

Another important reason for supporting professional surfing videos is that they draw attention to the natural beauty of the places where surfing occurs. Because of environmental threats to oceans and aquatic ecosystems, shorelines and surfing spots can contain pollutants that threaten surfers, swimmers, and the local marine life. Runoff from nearby factories, untreated sewage, or accidental spillage from shipping vessels are just a few of the contaminants that can find their way into spots with popular waves. While surfers don't always intentionally take on the responsibility of environmental stewardship, by being a part of professional-quality film productions featuring these increasingly endangered coastal areas, they can help draw attention to the natural beauty of locales that face ever-increasing environmental threats.

There's a lot of value in the everyday clips uploaded and viewed by surfers worldwide. But the reason professional surfing videos still matter is because they have the power to tell stories beyond the simple act of surfing. It may be that no two waves are ever the same, but every time a wave is recreated on screen, the magic of surfing is renewed.