In 2020, Surfing was officially added to the Olympics. In preparation for this new competition, China gears up a brand new surfing school, training children as young as nine to be Olympic-class surfers. Surf Nation follows two of the most skilled surfers attending the new training camp, Alex and Lolo. Alex has been surfing for a long time, thanks to his grandfather, one of the first world champion surfers, who taught him the basics from a young age. This has given him a wealth of experience that others at the school rush to attain for themselves.
Lolo seeks independence. She sees the opportunity as a way to both serves her country and earn a living doing something she loves. Both Alex and Lolo struggle to meet the expectations of their trainers: Surfing isn’t like other sports where pressure and rigorous training make perfect. This microcosmic culture clash is at the center of this informative documentary.
Good Docs brings us yet another excellent documentary title. Surf Nation is an intriguing documentary. Starting in 2019, the documentary has a number of subjects, but key among them are Alex and Lolo. Alex attends the surf school and competitions not for national glory, but in a bid to become a world champion surfer like his grandfather. Lolo, on the other hand, sees value in serving her country at the Olympics and hopes to find and maintain a career as one of China’s first national surfers. The differences in Chinese culture and surf culture at large create issues for both the surfers and their trainers.
The best surfers are laid-back and individualistic while the training culture in China is regimental and strict. Chinese leadership at the camp seems willing to adjust their new program to make it as efficient as possible, but the pressure still weighs on some of the kids. It is a beautifully shot and poignant documentary about a fascinating subculture just being created in China. Public and educational librarians should really consider adding Surf Nation and Good Docs titles to their collections. I haven’t seen a bad one yet! Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Surf Nation belongs on sports and culture documentary shelves.
What kind of film series could use this title?
Any documentary series about Chinese culture in recent decades would benefit from the addition of Surf Nation.