“I was trying to do other things in the world. I didn’t expect to be a surfer when I grew up and it sort of surprised me.” – Rod Lundquist
The history of surfing in San Francisco just kind of snuck up on itself. As early local Rod Lundquist put it, “Nobody in the city even knew what the hell surfing was. They didn’t know the word.” Wetsuit development pioneer, Jack O’Neill, credits two Hawaiian lifeguards, Eddie Ukini and Clifford Kamaka, as being among the first to surf in the area. Just think how unappealing rugged 50 degree water would be without a wetsuit. It’s not a huge surprise that there were so few takers at first.
Great Highway, a film by Mark Gunson, Krista Howell, and Mark Ruegg, documents this unique time and place in surf culture. From O’Neill’s first surf shop in San Francisco, to interviews with some of the original locals, to solo explorations a little ways south at Mavericks by Jeff Clark, it weaves together an interesting tapestry of iconic moments and characters.
Later this month, February 24 – 25, 2018 Great Highway will be screened at 47 Hills Brewing Company, a venue that “encourages all walks of life to take part in lively conversations and togetherness.” For tickets (which are free) and more information click this link. Also, check out the trailer below for a preview:
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