"Ride the Wild Surf" is really two movies, two great movies. One is a beach party fun, boy meets girl, campy treat. The other is a strong tast of balance of bravado and self doubt one feels fulfilling a dangerous dream. This is by far the best of the surf movies. Not a documentary like "The Endless Summer" but a movie, like "Big Wednesday" or even "Gidgot." It plays smooth and sweet with it's young cast flying to Hawaii, surfing, dancing and finding love. The dialog is at the same time over the top corn ball, witty sharp and beatnick hip. All's well till the big waves hit and the cast turns to try their hand at Waimea. Then tempers flair, heroes doubt themselves and some just throw in the towel. Even after all these years, it still captures just what it's like to fly to Hawaii and tackle the North Shore for the first time. With some of the best '60 surf footage ever shot, "Ride The Wild Surf" is the best of the surf movies. Unlike Mr Chinn's brother in law, it will not be 'replaced with automation.'
Review of Ride the Wild Surf
