“The Endless Summer II” is a documentary styled indie film directed by Bruce Brown. Released in 1994, it serves as a follow up to his classic, “The Endless Summer.”
Where the original picture was a groundbreaking introduction to the sport of surfing, “The Endless Summer II” is more of an homage. This time, surfers Pat O’Connell and Robert “Wingnut” Weaver embark on the globetrotting journey to find the perfect beaches to hang-ten.
Comparison to the original film isn’t fair. When Bruce Brown’s camera rolled in 1964, surfing was a niche activity. As he narrates, only four countries had surfing at the time. 30 years later, it has grown to a year-round worldwide sport.
Clips show how surfing was once limited to the most shredded of athletes, and now people of all ages, genders and body types enjoy it. No longer restricted to warm ocean shores, Brown explores man-made surf pools and extremists who dodge grizzlies in the frigid waters of Alaska.
Pat O’Connell and Wingnut Weaver weren’t born at the time of the original film. But both grew up idolizing it, as evidenced by décor on their walls and a fascination with the movie. The men are shown watching it at the beginning and are both eager to retrace some of the same beaches and waters Mike Hynson and Robert August were on decades before.
Character Driven
“The Endless Summer II” is like its predecessor in that there’s no plot. We go on a journey with O’Connell and Weaver as they cross the world, rubbing elbows with locals and wildlife along the way. They encounter some of the same people from the original movie, and surf in some of the exact same spots.
I wasn’t on either journey, but the way the filming is presented, I felt as though I was. I literally pumped my fist at one point when a certain character from before made a cameo. It’s a testament to Brown’s filmmaking style that makes both these pictures feel so personal.
The amazing soundtrack by The Sandals is a perfect accompaniment to the narrative. Its an evocative harmony that offers a full range of emotion. Exciting when watching surfers ride the waves. Sad at the end when O’Connell and Weaver leave for home with the narration reminding us that “they’ll remember their journey for the rest of their lives. But more than that, they’ll remember the people they met. Their friends.”
Bruce Brown
Brown serves as narrator, though this time we hear dialogue from other on-screen people. Brown’s delivery will keep you smiling as he cracks jokes in a deadpan voice, some of which are so subtle it will take a minute or two to understand. You’ll learn about surfing, which is part of the purpose. Those of us who didn’t grow up near warm waters can still experience the joys of riding the waves from the comfort of our couch. And once again I found myself envious of the surfer lifestyle. Free-spirited and caring only about the board and the water.
Brown’s passion for surfing can be felt through the screen. “Waves are a true gift of nature to us.” He earnestly explains. “Like fingerprints, no two are exactly alike.” Brown ends the movie with genuine appreciation, and as he thanks us for watching, I couldn’t help but think he seemed like a cool dude.
Every Memorial Day weekend, I watch “The Endless Summer” as an aloha to summer tradition. I will now add the sequel to the viewing. Bruce Brown has since passed away, but I would love to see a third film done in his honor.
