A few years ago, some of the top surfers in the world banded together and took off on a global search for that 'perfect wave.' They called their expedition The Billabong Odyssey, and this documentary chronicles both the group's formation and its first major forays into the roiling waters off the coasts of France, Mexico, Australia, Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest.
'The Billabong Odyssey' is more than just a series of breathtaking stunts being performed on awe-inspiring waves; it is an informative piece of film-making that instructs those of us who wouldn't know a surf board from an emery board on the fine points of the sport. Through voice-over narration by many of the men on the team, we learn about how the sport has changed and evolved over the years, most notably since the advent of towing vehicles which makes it possible for riders to go out to monster waves that previous generations of paddling surfers could only look off into the distance and dream about reaching. We are informed as to how monster waves form, where they are most likely to occur, and what kinds of dangers they pose for those brave (or foolish) enough to venture into them. We also see just how far technology will advance the sport in the years to come as innovative fans come up with more and more sophisticated equipment and accoutrements to make conquering that ultimate wave a viable possibility. In addition, the film reveals a great deal about the psychology of the sport, affording us glimpses into the mindset of people who are willing to risk life and limb in pursuit of that ultimate thrill.
Of course, the main attraction of a film like 'The Billabong Odyssey' is its phenomenal, you-are-there views of some of the world's greatest waves and the men who attempt to conquer them. The filmmakers plunge us right into the thick of the action, allowing us to ride along with the members of the team, as they wipe out or fulfill their ultimate challenge - only to head right back into the surf to do it all over again.
The film feels a little disjointed at times, losing some of its focus 'round about the midway point. The Odyssey members tend to get lost in the crowd and we miss that sense of camaraderie and group cohesiveness the movie provides us with at the beginning. Still, in terms of its visuals and the insight it offers into the sport, 'The Billabong Odyssey' provides a first-rate arm chair adventure for both the water-logged and the landlubbers among us.
'The Billabong Odyssey' is more than just a series of breathtaking stunts being performed on awe-inspiring waves; it is an informative piece of film-making that instructs those of us who wouldn't know a surf board from an emery board on the fine points of the sport. Through voice-over narration by many of the men on the team, we learn about how the sport has changed and evolved over the years, most notably since the advent of towing vehicles which makes it possible for riders to go out to monster waves that previous generations of paddling surfers could only look off into the distance and dream about reaching. We are informed as to how monster waves form, where they are most likely to occur, and what kinds of dangers they pose for those brave (or foolish) enough to venture into them. We also see just how far technology will advance the sport in the years to come as innovative fans come up with more and more sophisticated equipment and accoutrements to make conquering that ultimate wave a viable possibility. In addition, the film reveals a great deal about the psychology of the sport, affording us glimpses into the mindset of people who are willing to risk life and limb in pursuit of that ultimate thrill.
Of course, the main attraction of a film like 'The Billabong Odyssey' is its phenomenal, you-are-there views of some of the world's greatest waves and the men who attempt to conquer them. The filmmakers plunge us right into the thick of the action, allowing us to ride along with the members of the team, as they wipe out or fulfill their ultimate challenge - only to head right back into the surf to do it all over again.
The film feels a little disjointed at times, losing some of its focus 'round about the midway point. The Odyssey members tend to get lost in the crowd and we miss that sense of camaraderie and group cohesiveness the movie provides us with at the beginning. Still, in terms of its visuals and the insight it offers into the sport, 'The Billabong Odyssey' provides a first-rate arm chair adventure for both the water-logged and the landlubbers among us.