When you think of surfing – legends like Kelly Slater, Mark Healy, Laird Hamilton, Bethany Hamilton (and many others!) may come to mind. But what you might not think of are those on the other side of the waves: lifeguards.
A surfer rides a wave on the North Shore in O’ahu, Hawaii, in this undated image. (Courtesy of Marty Hoffman Films in association with MacGillivray Freeman Films)
While “Big Wave Guardians” is generously rewarding with scenes of crystal clear water, big waves and the beautiful Hawaiian island of O’ahu, the documentary also captures the power of the ocean, honoring those who risk their lives for others to follow in their footsteps. passions, catching that next break or big wave.
A lifeguard patrols the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, in this undated image. (Courtesy of “Big Wave Guardians”/Marty Hoffman Films in association with MacGillivray Freeman Films)
Written by Poway High School graduate Jim Kempton, the documentary began as an adventure to capture the spirit of surfers along the North Shore. But as Kempton conducted the research, he quickly discovered that the real story was with lifeguards, not just those on O’ahu.
“There is a real shortage of lifeguards everywhere right now, and we hope this inspires many junior guards or current lifeguards to keep going,” Kempton said.
Documentary filmmaker and Poway High School graduate Jim Kempton is seen chatting on the set of “Big Wave Guardians” in this undated image. (Courtesy of Daphne Bercilla)
As for San Diego, Kempton said the lifeguard community is very tight-knit and it’s amazing to see people’s reactions, whether they know nothing about surfing and lifeguarding or they know everything.
The documentary premiered on June 24 to much fanfare at Teatro La Paloma in Encinitas. The filmmakers’ family, surfers from all over Southern California, local lifeguards and onlookers like myself were lined up on the block an hour before the premiere.
A packed line forms on the street in front of Teatro La Paloma in Encinitas, June 24, 2022. (Courtesy of Mackenzie Stafford)
Once inside, the heroic work of the lifeguards was recognized right at the gate. The filmmakers asked all “the men and women of the water”, as they say in the film, to stand up before the screening to be recognized.
One spectator, Courtney Stamatis, has been a lifeguard for the city of Encinitas for three years. Together with a group of fellow “water people”, she was finally able to soak up the warm glow of the spotlight. “I thought it was amazing.”
“I felt very valued. It just goes to show how all the lifeguards are intimately connected and it’s a community.”
We are often not recognized by the public, but there are days when you go home and you are so proud of yourself,” Stamatis said.
The documentary also highlights how technology has revolutionized security protocols.
Have you ever wondered why there are jet skis on every major beach? “Big Wave Guardians” features surf safety founders Brian Kealana and Terry Ahue.
Jet skis tow surfers off a wave in O’ahu, Hawaii, in this undated image. (Courtesy of “Big Wave Guardians”/Marty Hoffman in association with MacGillivray Freeman Films)
Kealana and Ahue teamed up with Kohl Christensen, Pat Chong Tim and Danilo Couto to create the Big Wave Risk Assessment Group, better known as BWRAG. While the group aims to educate local lifeguards, it also aims to spread the message to surfers by teaching them ways to help others. By learning a few safety steps, it allows some surfers to be prepared in case of an emergency, in some cases saving the lives of others.
For anyone interested in seeing “Big Wave Guardians”, it will be playing at Teatro La Paloma until July 14th. Tickets are $12 at the door. For more information on showtimes, visit the La Paloma website.
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Contents
Where can I surf for beginners in San Diego?
5 beginner surf spots in San Diego
- La Jolla Shores. La Jolla is number 1 on this list because you just can’t talk about surfing in San Diego without mentioning this beach. …
- Tourmaline Beach. Tourmaline Beach is on the border of the Pacific Beah and La Jolla districts of San Diego. …
- Pacific Beach. …
- Mission Beach. …
- By the sea.
Who is the best surfer alive?
| Kelly Slater | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 160 lb (73 kg) |
| surfing career | |
| Active years | 1989–present |
Who is the most famous surfer in the world? PHOTOS: Kelly Slater, the most famous surfer in the world, is from Cocoa Beach. Kelly Slater on the beach in Fiji. Slater, a native of Cocoa Beach, has won 55 major titles. He is the most famous surfer in the world.
Who is the most famous male surfer?
Robert Kelly Slater (born February 11, 1972) is an American professional surfer, author, actor, model, environmental activist, entrepreneur and innovator best known for his unprecedented 11 world surfing championships. He is widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time.
Who is the best surfer in the world now?
The little boy from Hawaii who did well, John John Florence is widely recognized as the best surfer in the world right now – when he’s not injured, that is.
Who is famous in surfing?
Duke Kahanamoku is called the father of surfing in the modern world. He is a Hawaiian who has been instrumental in making surfing more popular than ever before. At just twenty years old, he began to earn a name for himself as a short-distance swim record holder.
Is Bethany Hamilton the best surfer in the world?
In 2016 alone, Bethany’s ability to inspire reached new heights as she won a six-time world champion and the world’s highest ranked surfer in a major WSL competition.
Did they ever find Bethany Hamilton’s arm?
Have they ever found the exact shark that bit Bethany’s arm? Yup. At the time, a fishing family led by Ralph Young captured and killed a tiger shark about a mile from the attack site.
Is Bethany Hamilton a pro surfer?
Bethany Meilani Hamilton (born February 8, 1990) is an American professional surfer and writer who survived a 2003 shark attack in which her left arm was bitten and who eventually returned to professional surfing.
Does Bethany Hamilton still have her surfboard?
Today, his board is on display at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, where Cox is operations manager. And now, with the film being shown across the country, Cox hopes that even more people will visit the museum to see the painting he’s had since April 2010. It’s by far the museum’s biggest attraction.
Who is the goat of surfing?
Ask any surfer about the greatest of all time, and they’ll likely spill the name “Kelly Slater” from their lips. Known as The GOAT – The Greatest of All-Time – Slater is a professional surfer and 11-time world champion, with more titles under his belt than any other surfer in history.
Who is the best surfer right now?
Kelly Slater is somehow still on top. The iconic surfer has won 11 world titles, 56 professional events and 832 heats in his three decades of competition, and in a way, nothing has changed. “I only know how to win,†he says matter-of-factly.
Who is the greatest surfer of all time?
Robert Kelly Slater (born February 11, 1972) is an American professional surfer, best known for being a World Surf League champion a record 11 times. Slater is widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time. Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA Hawaii, USA
Is Kelly Slater the best surfer?
Kelly Slater is the greatest competitive surfer of all time. He has an iron grip on nearly every major record in the sport, including his 11 world titles, 55 career wins and being the youngest and oldest world champion in men’s history.
Does San Diego have good surfing?
San Diego has the warmest water and several of the best surf spots on the California coast. From the pier at Imperial Beach to the pier at Oceanside there are several waves that can be surfed all year round.
How big are the waves in San Diego? The biggest wave size in San Diego is usually no more than 15 feet. On days like this, it’s best to find a big-wave spot like La Jolla Cove to see surfers paddling their big boards.
Can you surf year-round in San Diego?
San Diego was built for surfing and vice versa. Mild weather year round, consistent waves, warm water, beautiful people – if you’re not a surfer when you get here, it should be time to leave.
Is it safe to surf in San Diego?
So, is it safe to surf in San Diego after it rains? It is generally accepted that it is not safe to surf after it rains in San Diego. In fact, surfing organizations like Surfrider and most Southern California counties advise against surfing for 72 hours after rain.
How high are the waves in San Diego?
On average, wave size in San Diego is between 3-4 feet year round. Of course, there is a lot of variability throughout the year and season.
Is it safe to surf in La Jolla?
The shores of La Jolla are sandy bottom with hidden rocks, which makes for ideal conditions for safety and waves. By eliminating worrying about what’s underneath the waves, you can simply focus on catching the waves, standing up and surfing the line!
Is San Diego known for surfing?
San Diego is one of the biggest surf cities in the world. People come from miles around and even from all over the world to experience some of the most excellent waves California has to offer.
Are there waves in San Diego?
If you’re already a dedicated surfer, you’ll find a variety of different waves and conditions along San Diego’s 110 kilometers of open water coastline to beckon you to paddle.
Can you surf year round in San Diego?
San Diego was built for surfing and vice versa. Mild weather year round, consistent waves, warm water, beautiful people – if you’re not a surfer when you get here, it should be time to leave.
Can you surf year round in California? Stunning coastlines, lots of sunshine and consistent waves year-round make California a premier surfing destination. Not to mention California’s legendary surfing history and the endless amount of amazing things to do and see in the aptly named Golden State.
Can you surf in San Diego in winter?
THE WAVES ARE PERFECT FOR SURFING. Surfers choose San Diego in winter because not only is the weather favorable, but the waves are great for surfing. In winter, the air gets colder and the ocean water is still cooling, creating the perfect waves for practicing the craft.
Can you surf in San Diego year round?
Swell Seasons Periods of absolute flatness alternate with fun, head-on waves. Generally speaking, San Diego’s best surf season is from August to November.
Is it too cold to surf in San Diego?
Clean, powerful surf is common during the winter – the best time to surf in San Diego. Ocean Temperature: Winter water temperatures in San Diego are easily the coldest of the year, fluctuating between 58-60°F. A 4/3 thick wetsuit will be your best friend to keep you warm.
Can you surf in the winter in California?
Black’s Beach, California With the ocean still warm enough from the summer, the fresh sea breeze and some of the biggest waves of the year, San Diego is one of the best cities for winter surfing. Black’s Beach is a three-kilometer stretch of sand that is known for its incredible winter waves.
Can you surf in San Diego in July?
Swell Seasons In June and July the water starts to warm up and the swells from the south start to arrive. Periods of absolute flatness alternate with fun, head-up waves. Generally speaking, San Diego’s best surf season is from August to November.
When can you surf in San Diego?
Generally speaking, San Diego’s best surf season is from August to November. In late summer and early fall, large, orderly waves from the south combine with Santa Ana winds to produce beautiful offshore walls and barrels.
Are San Diego beaches good for surfing?
San Diego is one of the biggest surf cities in the world. People come from miles around and even from all over the world to experience some of the most excellent waves California has to offer.
Is it too cold to surf in San Diego?
Clean, powerful surf is common during the winter – the best time to surf in San Diego. Ocean Temperature: Winter water temperatures in San Diego are easily the coldest of the year, fluctuating between 58-60°F. A 4/3 thick wetsuit will be your best friend to keep you warm.
Do surfers surf all year round?
“With the right thickness of wetsuit, surfing is really affordable all year round.
Can you surf year round?
But joking aside, surfing, like bat and ball sports, can be practiced at any time of the year. Yes, we have seasons for professional competitions like the World Championship Tour. But these competitions depend on promotional weather and premium surfing conditions.
Is surfing better in summer or winter?
Winter waves are more reliable than summer waves. Less northerly winds mean the swell is smoother and cleaner than the warmer months. This makes it much easier to take a break and ride a wave to shore.
Can you go surfing in winter?
“With the right thickness of wetsuit, surfing is really affordable all year round. Opt for a 5:3 suit with a fleece lining and liquid-sealed seams if possible. It is also very important to insulate the head and extremities – so wear a hood, gloves and boots for your winter surf sessions. ‘
Why do surfers surf in the winter?
The reason surfing can be better in winter is that winter storms are more powerful and generate more consistent waves. Winter conditions also create more waves. There is more moisture in the air during winter, and more moisture usually means more storms.
