That First Glide

That First Glide is a movie which catapulted into the scene in 2011, offering an unparalleled cinematic journey into the vibrant and compelling world of stand up paddleboarding. This film beautifully showcases not just a sport, but also a lifestyle, a community, and an immersive relationship with nature that transcends mere physical activity.

The film poses legendary waterman Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, and Brian L. Keaulana at the heart of its narrative. Each of these individuals has contributed significantly to the cultural phenomenon of stand up paddleboarding, also known as SUP. Their dynamic and fascinating personal histories, detailed interviews, and extraordinary exploits serve as fascinating focal points around which the film's narrative flows, much like the undulating waves they conquer.

The film was directed by Mike Waltze, who himself is an acclaimed windsurfer and film maker, and is known for his ability to capture the emotion, intensity, and untamed beauty of the ocean. Waltze brings his innate understanding of the surfing subculture and their unique perspective towards the sea and life itself to the fore with this film.

That First Glide opens with a captivating historical toe-dip into the world of stand up paddleboarding. It gives the audience an impressive retrospective of the genesis and growth of this sport, tracking its roots from the early Polynesian culture to its modern resurgence in the Hawaiian surf society and eventually its global spread. The evolution of SUP is not just limited to the sporting domain. The film nudges us to see how this sport has changed and enriched people's lives, providing a meditative connection with the elements and developing a thriving community of devotees around it.

The thrilling feats of Hamilton, Kalama, and Keaulana are exhilarating to watch and their personal stories make these icons more approachable. Hamilton, commonly known as the godfather of SUP, shares his exciting exploits and the thrill of pioneering the modern form of this water sport. Kalama, his long-time friend and professional rival, adds wit, wisdom, and a more holistic connection to the sport and oceanic lifestyle. Keaulana, a Hawaiian lifeguard legend, completes this trinity with his infectious enthusiasm for the sport and his deep-seated respect towards the ocean as a lifeguard.

The film captures the tension, the thrill, the camaraderie, and the inherent risk that comes along with this enthralling sport through real life experiences of these individuals. Alongside these gripping narratives, Waltze includes breathtaking imagery of surf breaks and stand-up paddle surfers from around the world.

From detailed close-ups of the surfers and their boards, to dramatic loops capturing the raw power and beauty of the ocean, each shot is a celebration of the sport that it orbits. The film embraces a fluid shooting style that tries to emulate the rush and serenity of balancing on the board, making the audience feel a part of this unique subculture. In addition, there's the mellow, rhythmic soundtrack that perfectly underscores the energy, rhythm, and bonding of the community with nature.

The film isn’t just a chronicle for devoted paddleboarders, but also for anyone intrigued by the sport. It provides a comprehensive view of SUP, guiding us about its basics, safety protocols, and the gratifying experience one derives from it. The film doesn't shy away from explaining how SUP can be a challenging enterprise and an intense workout, but it also emphasizes the meditative aspect of the sport that stems from its deeply engrained relationship with nature.

Moreover, That First Glide goes beyond the sport to highlight the environmental consciousness within the SUP community. The movie nudges us to pay attention to our environment and respect the water bodies that offer this joyous experience.

To conclude, That First Glide is in essence a thrilling and visually breathtaking exploration of stand up paddleboarding. It provides an unprecedented look into the world of the sport's founding icons and explores the deep connection between humans and the ocean that this sport embodies. It is more than just a documentary; it’s an inspiring adventure that celebrates the spirit of adventure, history, community, and above all, the enduring allure of the sea.