The Endless Summer
By Andrea Beach,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Dated but fascinating surfing documentary still charms.
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Endless Summer
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In the early 1960s, two California surfers decide to spend a year of THE ENDLESS SUMMER, living their dream of finding new places to surf by following warm weather all around the world. Filmmaker Bruce Brown documents their experiences, from being the first people to use surfboards in Dakar, to finding waves in Tahiti, to learning why you don't try to pet zebras. Sometimes they find waves, sometimes they don't. But they always find a new adventure around every corner.
Is It Any Good?
A fascinating travel adventure that always keeps the sport of surfing, and the waves, front and center. Director Bruce Brown's photography in The Endless Summer makes viewers wish they were out on the waves, too. At a time when surf and beach culture was just breaking through pop culture, audiences were given a real, detailed look at surfing, some of its heroes, and two engaging young men who became virtual ambassadors of the sport.
It may not be fair to put modern expectations on attitudes from over half a century ago, but some of those attitudes may make today's audiences cringe, like half-seriously wondering if they'll be attacked by natives, and patronizing attitudes toward women, both in general and as surfers. The movie's biggest appeal is to fans interested in the history of the sport, especially in how it has changed since the early '60s. But anyone can be inspired by Robert and Mike's spirit of adventure and desire to chase their dreams.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Endless Summer shows the people of Western Africa. What do you think expectations were about what it would be like? What were those expectations based on?
What are the film's attitudes toward women and female surfers? How can you tell? If a similar documentary were made today, would things be different? How?
Mike and Robert certainly didn't go everywhere. Are there any places they skipped that you'd like to go to someday, whether to surf or just to have an adventure?
Movie Details
- In theaters: June 15, 1966
- On DVD or streaming: May 23, 2000
- Cast: Michael Hynson, Robert August
- Director: Bruce Brown
- Studio: Bruce Brown Films
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Adventures, Friendship, History
- Character Strengths: Curiosity
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: April 4, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate