Student Chosen Topic #3 - Simon Robson

Spiritual Culture in Surf's Up

04/27/2021

    Today I decided to watch the movie Surf's Up. I love this film for many reasons but today I wanted to watch it because although it is a goofy kids movie about surfing penguins it still helps me to remember and reconnect with surfing culture and ideals. Many people may find it funny to talk about surfing culture, but in many ways I find it to be as much of a spiritual experience as other religious practices. When I am able to go surfing is when I feel most connected to the Earth and the God who created it. The flowing of the ocean and the ability to travel with it and be able to reach such a sense of accomplishment and joy is surreal. Throughout the movie we see as Cody learns to be a good surfer by letting go and finding the rhythm of the waves and going with them. Big Z teaches him that by letting go you become more connected with the earth and in turn you can understand the movements and the waves more. He emphasizes the lack of resistance and teaches Cody how it can lead to success. This kind of mindset is very important in surfing and can lead to a happier lifestyle and a more enlightened one as well. When you are able to go with the flow and understand the rhythms of the earth you are able to find more balance and enjoyment in life leading to more success. This film focuses on this surfing culture and the legends that come before you. It is also important to acknowledge and respect those who come before you as they are the ones who built the culture and the reality that you know now. Especially in surfing it is important to acknowledge those who inspired you. For me this would be Kelly Slater.

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