Crystal Voyager
Clip 2: One wave, one surfer
2 min 55 sec (
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Taken from the documentary Crystal Voyager (1973)
Original title classification G – this clip chosen to be G
Availability of the complete title
Curator’s clip description
After a great day surfing with his friend Richie West, George Greenough goes back to work on his boat, a 37-foot hull on which he is building his own cabin. He explains his philosophy of surfing, and his need for isolation on the waves.
Teachers’ notes
provided by The Le@rning Federation
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This clip shows tracking shots of George Greenough, designer, innovator, photographer, filmmaker and surfer, and friends racing ahead of white water, first on a surfboard and then on a kneeboard. They are shown disappearing inside a curling wave then emerging, still riding. The lyrics on the audio track describe the joys of escaping the surfing crowds. This is followed by a point-of-view shot from inside the wave. The clip then cuts to Greenough working alone on his boat, intercut with more surfing shots, as his voice-over describes his passionate attitude to surfing. The clip ends with shots of Greenough surfing, while the song on the soundtrack describes surfing as an activity best enjoyed when alone.
Educational value points
- The clip comprises sequences from Crystal Voyager, the first surfing film biography. The film reveals George Greenough’s philosophy and approach to the surfing lifestyle. The footage of the lone surfers and Greenough’s narration indicate that a desire for solitude is the motivating force behind his passion for surfing and his conviction that surfing is more than a sport, it is a way of life.
- Greenough is shown riding his innovative kneeboard known as the ‘spoon’. This revolutionary board was designed by Greenough himself and delivered higher speeds and better manoeuvrability on the waves by reducing buoyancy.
- In the clip Greenough is seen working by himself on the construction of his 37-foot sailboat, indicating his commitment to working and living independently. The yacht will give him the freedom to continue to surf away from the increasing numbers of surfers, whom he calls ‘the pack’.
- The 1966 world champion surfer, Australian Nat Young (1947–), is mentioned, with Greenough describing him as being able to quickly establish his position on a wave and claim the waves he wants. Young became well known for his individualistic approach to surfing.
- The clip demonstrates how image and soundtrack are integrated to convey Greenough’s philosophy. The footage of the surfers alone on the waves is complemented by the soundtrack. The lyrics describe the pursuit of freedom through lines such as ‘And if you feel that you need somebody to help ya, step aside / You know I don’t need nothing, ‘cos all I really want to do is ride’.
- The camera work is innovative, with the point-of-view sequences being filmed from inside a breaking wave, which surfers call ‘the green room’. The sequences were shot by Greenough with a waterproof camera that was strapped to his back. This camera was his own invention and was first used in his earlier film The Innermost Limits of Pure Fun (1970).
