Riding Giants (2004) on Netflix
PG-1320041h 45mDocumentaryHistorySport
A documentary traces surfing from its Hawaiian origins to the pursuit of giant waves. It follows big wave riders across generations, from Waimea Bay to Mavericks and tow-in surfing.
- Netflix3.8/5
- IMDb7.8/104,795 votes
- Rotten Tomatoes93%
Trailer
Plot summary
A historical overview of surfing's Hawaiian roots gives way to the dangerous pursuit of big-wave riding, where waves can reach seventy feet. It chronicles how surfing at Waimea Bay in Hawaii changed during the 1950s, the shift to lighter boards, and the development of tow-in surfing that made riding giants possible. Three surfers illustrate this multigenerational story: a fearless rider who charged big waves in the 1950s and 1960s, a Northern California surfer who found and rode a formidable break alone for years, and a contemporary athlete who brought tow-in riding into the spotlight. Through interviews, archival footage, and home movies, the documentary explores why people dedicate their lives to chasing waves.
