German Gems 2011: Keep Surfing

What do you do when you live in Munich, Germany, love to surf, but happen to live in Munich, Germany? You have to get creative. Keep Surfing is a truly endearing documentary by Bjoern Richie Lob that (most likely) introduces the viewer to the sport as well as providing a history of its formation 35 years ago. The majority of film takes place in Munich, focusing on the Eisbach river as the catalyst that started river surfing in Germany.

We follow a handful of adamant surfers on their quest to find new and exciting rivers to challenge. The personalities of these guys evokes a Guy Ritchie assemblage of characters, but they are so wonderfully real and likable. In fact, my favorite part about Keep Surfing is the kinship between everyone and their happy, radiant spirits. Where I feel other surfing films focus on the majesty of the ocean and its waves, I find this film focusing on the beauty of people doing what they love to do.

The footage is beautiful and effortless probably due to the fact that Lob is a surfer himself. We are taken to other places in the world, albeit briefly, but the quick tour rounds out the experience nicely. The only thing that would make this movie better was if it were in 3D! Just kidding...

There isn't much to complain about with this one. Watch it if you like surfing, watch it if you don't. You'll like it either way. Go see it on January 15th at 2pm and you can meet the director in person. If he's anything like the dudes in this film, you'll want to meet him.