(6.13) Wanna see surfer Nathan Fletcher do an acid drop out of a helicopter? Head down to the mall Thursday for a one-night-only screening of the surfer documentary, “Heavy Water.” Big waves need a big screen.
Heavy Water follows big wave surfer Nathan Fletcher through the evolution of surfing and his relationship with big waves. Tracing his lineage back to his grandfather, one of the pioneers of Oahu’s North Shore, Fletcher and other fellow surf and skateboard legends share insights from the pursuit of their passion. A voyage through the eyes of the surfing community that delves deep into the mind-set of the board sports culture and its roots, culminating in a spectacular, never-before-performed stunt, which once again raises the bar of what is possible.
Yeah, I didn’t know what an acid drop was either. According to Surfer Today, the trick started with skateboarders in the 70s. “In a classic acid drop, the surfer jumps from a higher obstacle, cliff or rock into the peeling wave, and rides it down the line.” So . . . helicopter. The writer goes on to say, “Never do an acid drop alone.”
I could watch surfing footage forever — with or without music, commentary, or acid — but this movie has a story to tell about the ground-breaking Fletcher dynasty of Hawaii, including older brother Christian Fletcher, not to be confused with Fletcher Christian. Dad Herbie pioneered tow-in surfing.
Michael Oblowitz directs. From Surfer.com:
Needless to say, Nathan’s is a hell of a story. And there might be no one more suited to tell it than Oblowitz, the also somewhat unhinged documentarian behind “Sea of Darkness”.
Nathan Fletcher recalls, “When I was growing up, I just wanted to run and jump off things.” Lucky for us there was no one around to stop him.
Not rated. Running time: 1 hour, 24 minutes. Trailer here.
Heavy Water, 7pm, Thursday, June 13, Prov Place Cinema, downtown, (directions)