Film News
Surf Film Series at the Surfing Heritage Foundation, “Pipeline Masters” — A New Film by Stacy Peralta
Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 8 September, 2006 : - - A special screening of “Pipeline Masters,” the latest documentary by Stacy Peralta, maker of the highly acclaimed films “Riding Giants” and “Dogtown and Z-Boys,” will take place Saturday, September 16, at the Surfing Heritage Foundation in San Clemente.
“The Banzai Pipeline is the most recognizable wave in the world, the most dangerous and without doubt the most significant wave in surfing history,” says Peralta. “With this film, we’re chronicling the sports greatest in search of making their mark upon it.”
Indeed, few surf spots can claim the fame and notoriety of this awe-inspiring, powerful and sometimes lethal break that is considered by many to be the world’s most perfect tube ride. Breaking in shallow water over a gnarly reef just yards from shore, it offers spectators and filmmakers a rare chance to be up close and personal with a unique phenomenon of nature and the daredevil surfers who ride its grinding, cylindrical waves.
But surfers pay a heavy price to master Pipeline’s power: the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, surf spot is infamous for the number of severe injuries surfers suffer there; on average, a surfer dies at Pipeline every other year.“Pipeline Masters” though is not so much a documentary about Pipeline’s dangers as a celebration of the surfers who have conquered its might and attained true mastery of the spot.
“Pipeline Masters” takes the viewer on a 45-year tour of the tube’s history from its “discovery” in the early 1960s, through the years of Gerry Lopez’s domination of it in the mid-’70s (he is still considered by many to be the unrivaled master of the break) right up to the modern era of professional surfers like multi-time World Champions Kelly Slater and Andy Irons who compete there in an annual tournament that tests the ultimate in tube-riding skill.
At least two recognized “masters” will be attending the screening. John Peck, now 62 years old, was one of the earliest surfers to claim fame as a “backsider” at the renowned left-hand barrel and, in 1963, he was captured in three surfing films and on a Surfer Magazine poster with his crouching, rail-grab approach to negotiating the fast, hollow wave.
Also on-hand for the screening will be Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, the 1978 World Champion who was part of that era’s international “backside attack” at Pipeline’s annual surf tournament. The 52-year-old Australian is now President of the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), pro surfing’s world governing body.
“Pipeline Masters” is the last in this summer’s series of surf films intended to entertain, inspire and raise funds for the non-profit Surfing Heritage Foundation’s mission to create understanding and appreciation of surfing as a sport, lifestyle and culture.
The Surfing Heritage Foundation will open its doors early at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, to give the audience time to tour the facility’s fascinating display of some 150-plus historic surfboards dating back to the 1890s. The under-the-stars outdoor screening of the film will begin at dusk (approximately 8:30 p.m.) and the evening’s film program also includes an 11-minute comedy, “R.I.P. Tide,” by former pro surfer and longtime owner/shaper/designer of Spyder surfboards, Dennis Jarvis.
Tickets are $10 for general admission. A special VIP admission for $25 includes preferred seating and a choice of refreshments. Attendance is limited and advance tickets are recommended and may be purchased by calling (949) 388-0313.
The summer surf film series is produced by Keiko Beatie and Big Red Productions. The “Pipeline Masters” premiere is sponsored by Op and Icons of Surf. Surfing Heritage Foundation is located at 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, CA 92672. For more information please call the Surfing Heritage Foundation at (949) 388-0313.
Other Heritage Foundation News:
This from our friends at Nalu’s Grill, come support their establishment, come say “hi” to Tom while picking up a copy of his great book and enjoy some tasty food. Don't miss this one...Tom Servais: Masters of Surf Photography book signing with special appearances by world class surf professionals on Monday September 11th from 11AM-2PM at Nalu' in Irvine. 6741 Quail Hill Pkwy, 92603. Just off the 405.
Take a lunch break, grab some grub, get some autographs, and hang with great personalities from the surf industry. - Tony & James, Nalu’s
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Barry K Haun
Film - Surfersvillage
