Day 50: Perfect Wave
“What every surfer dreams of finding is a small wave with perfect shape. What we call a perfect wave. The odds against finding that are 10 million to one.” They found it too. Off the coast of Cape St. Francis, South Africa, filmmaker Bruce Brown immortalized two surfers catching the perfect wave, and in doing so, he captured the world's imagination.
It's day 50, my thirsty readers, and I just want to say congratulations. We didn't think we could make it this far, but here we are living. Getting away from the overload of Star Wars in the past couple days, I thought it only proper to get back in to that tropical state of mind. Nothing brings to mind a carefree beach lifestyle quite like 1966's The Endless Summer.
If one had enough time and money, they could follow the summer season around the world. Atleast that's the idea Bruce Brown had when he followed Mike Hynson and Robert August on the ultimate globe-trotting surf adventure. The film captured surf culture through the eyes of those who lived the lifestyle. Brown himself was an avid surfer, even before making his surf films. It was that passion which led to the magical narrative he eventually shared with the world.
Originally thought to be too unrelatable to the mainstream audience, The Endless Summer has delighted critics through the years. Roger Ebert, when asked about Brown's work said, "The beautiful photography he brought home almost makes you wonder if Hollywood hasn't been trying too hard" With a 1994 sequel, and another movie with extended footage from the first in 2000, it's hard to argue the film's legacy.
During the film, the surfers made their way to many locations, but none more vital to the story, than Cape St. Francis in South Africa. It was there they found what they were looking for. They found the perfect wave.
Perfect Wave
1.5oz Overproof Jamaican Rum (I used Rum-Bar Overproof, but Rum Fire or Wray & Nephew would work just fine)
.75oz Apricot Liqueur (Giffard once again fits the bill here)
.75oz Watermelon Syrup
.5oz Lime
.5oz Lemon
1oz Pineapple Juice
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Tiki Mug
Whip shake and pour unstrained.
Top with crushed ice.
Garnish with pineapple fronds, fruit slices, flowers, and powdered sugar. (The sugar is meant to represent white sandy beaches)
Is that something we all think about? Are we all trying too hard? The silver-lining to this cloud we've been surrounded by lately, has to be slowing down and not trying so hard. There's no more hustle. There's no more pressure. We can take the time to create what we truly want, instead of what we think the world needs. As a result, the planet has a chance to catch up. I'm looking forward to seeing this beautiful world all over again. I think she needed a break.
Is there something you've always wanted? Have you also made excuses, as to why you haven't gone out and found that one thing which makes you complete? I know I certainly have. Maybe that's what we are all searching for, our own perfect wave. Let's all find them together, but until then, let's keep shaking.