Produced by Castle Films in 1960, “Surf Riders” explores the rich culture and thrilling sports of Hawaii, focusing on its native traditions like the hula dance and surfing. It highlights how the hula, once performed for Polynesian gods, is now danced for visitors, with easy-to-follow lessons from skilled teachers. Surfing is portrayed as a central aspect of Hawaiian life, with visitors quickly learning to ride waves on heavy, long surfboards. The powerful waves of Hawaii, shaped by coral reefs, create both challenges and excitement for surfers, with some riders taking on massive, 30-foot waves at incredible speeds. The sport is portrayed as both dangerous and exhilarating, requiring skill, balance, and swimming ability. The narration also reflects on the deep connection surfers have with the ocean, seeing it as a challenge to be embraced, with many surfers returning daily to ride the waves. Ultimately, it emphasizes the spirit of adventure and dedication that defines Hawaii’s surf culture.

00:00: Introduction to Hawaii, a land of adventure and romance, with emphasis on the hula dance, a native art that expresses joy and is taught to visitors.

0:41 – 1:15: The hula’s cultural significance, its evolution from being danced for gods to being performed for visitors, with hula teachers making it easy to learn.

1:15 – 2:02: Introduction to surfing in Hawaii, where Polynesians, skilled with outrigger canoes, provide thrilling surfing experiences for visitors.

2:02 – 2:54: Explanation of the surfboards, their sizes, and weight; how visitors quickly learn to surf, riding waves with technique and skill.

2:54 – 3:23: The power of Hawaii’s surf and coral reefs, creating huge waves that are difficult to ride but can still be enjoyed with proper skill.

3:23 – 3:58: Body surfing as an alternative to using surfboards, where swimmers become the board and navigate the swells.

3:58 – 4:43: Discussion on how skilled Hawaiians are as swimmers due to their ocean sports; introduction of champion surfers who tackle massive waves.

4:43 – 5:06: Champion surfers face 30-foot-high waves at incredible speeds, testing their balance and skills in dangerous conditions.

5:06 – 5:40: Surfers discuss the thrill of riding massive waves, with a focus on the danger and excitement of the sport, as well as the importance of swimming ability.

5:40 – 6:26: More on the dangerous but thrilling nature of the sport, with champion surfers embracing the challenge and thrill of competing with nature.

6:26 – 7:33: Reflection on why surfers are drawn to the waves, comparing it to climbing mountains or exploring caverns—it’s a challenge of nature that they embrace.

7:33 – End: The dedication of surf riders, who will continue to surf as long as the waves are high, with a poetic note that old surfers don’t die, they just get washed away.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com