Waveriders

Waveriders is an award-winning Irish documentary film directed by Joel Conroy which was released in 2008. The film stars and is narrated by Cillian Murphy, known for his striking performances in movies like 'Inception' and 'The Dark Knight.' Surfing legends Kelly Slater and Richie Fitzgerald also appear in the film adding their vast knowledge and vivid experiences of the thrilling world of surfing.

The film traverses along a unique arc as it manages to interweave Ireland's forgotten role in the evolution of surfing with the compelling tale of a group of modern-day Irish surfers on a journey to discover and ride the biggest waves on earth. The brilliantly directed film invites viewers to the edges of Ireland and into monstrous Atlantic swells, where the surfers challenge the biggest sea waves, finding themselves humbled by the power of nature and thrilled by the risks they take.

Waveriders begins with the story of George Freeth, an Irish-Hawaiian who is considered the 'father of modern surfing.' He was the first to cut the board in half, turning it into a more maneuverable entity, transforming surfing from mere exercise into a thrilling sport. His story forms the backbone of the documentary as it explores the significant Irish influence in surfing while celebrating the bold spirit of risk and adventure.

The film transitions seamlessly from historical documentation to intense action sequences. It moves from the warm hues of Hawaii, where Freeth rekindled the lost practice of wave-riding, to the famous beaches of California, where he demonstrated surfing to the western world. From there, the documentary swings around to the cold, grey, awe-inspiring Atlantic coast off Ireland. Here, we are introduced to local legends like Richie Fitzgerald who faces down some of the biggest and most potent swells the North Atlantic has to offer.

Featuring world champion surfer Kelly Slater, Waveriders showcases some intense and awe-inspiring action sequences. The surfers, accompanied by the legendary Slater, pursue and ride giant waves reaching up to 50 feet. The film captures the stunningly enormous 'Aileen's Wave' off the Cliffs of Moher and the daunting waves off shores of Donegal, bringing in electrifying excitement and attention-gripping sequences that take the viewers on a wild, sea-pounding ride.

Throughout the film, the audience is offered a view into the surfers' passion, their relationship with this elemental force, their respect for the sea, and the pure joy they derive out of the challenge. Behind the thrill of the immense waves, Waveriders also delicately paints the spirit of the surfing community—united, enthusiastic, and undeterred by the danger.

Waveriders is not just for adrenaline junkies or sports enthusiasts; the documentary moves beyond the realm of an action-filled sports film as it draws the audience into contemplating the potency of the natural world, heritage, and personal courage. Cinematically, it is a visual treat, interspersed with stunning aerial landscape shots of Ireland's rugged coastline, close-ups of the surfer's experiences, and underlying it all, a stirring soundtrack that goes hand in hand with the powerful images, reflecting the emotions and thrills the surfers feel.

As a documentary, Waverider serves as a courageous film that captures the inherent beauty and intensity of surfing like never before. Through its engaging mix of history, breathtaking cinematography, and edge-of-the-seat action, it reveals the magnetic pull of the waves that lure these surfers into the water, making it a standout movie in the genre of sports documentaries.

Whether you're a surfer or not, Waveriders, with its amazing cinematography, gripping storyline, and engaging performances by Murphy, Slater, and Fitzgerald, is an absolute must-watch; drawing you into a world filled with vast, majestic waves and individuals who brave these waters with boards under their feet and an unimaginable passion in their hearts.