Surfing for Life

If there is a fountain of youth to be had in the United States, first-time directors Roy Earnest and David L. Brown's film suggest that it may be found in the Hawaiian surf. Witness the senior citizens in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s, with sound minds and sounder bodies than anyone might expect, who seemingly owe it all to their lifelong commitment to catching some waves. Most of the folks interviewed have been surfing since the 1940s, and they continue to do so, albeit on smaller waves than in their heydays. In a society that celebrates youth almost exclusively, and frequently outright mocks the elderly (as in the parade of senility jokes on such TV shows as The Simpsons), Surfing for Life is certainly a step in the right direction. It's unfortunate that the film doesn't have much more to say than, essentially, that here are healthy old people, and they surf. Under Beau Bridges' narration, we learn that Gidget was based on a real person, and that beach movies turned the surf scene into a more commercial venture. But that's about it. Otherwise, the film just feels like hanging out with a group of friendly people, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but not particularly informative. However, if Earnest and Brown intended their film to be a PSA for the health benefits of surfing, they've certainly succeeded: One look at 93-year-old John "Doc" Ball, who shows no signs of packing it in any time soon, should swiftly encourage the longevity-minded to start waxing a board.