Surf’s Up @ The Pav

The Hawaiian winter is currently providing very ballsy surfers with very wide cavernous barrels. The North Shore is pulsing and Bruce Irons, Makua Rothman and the like are charging kegs so wide, merely watching footage will make a hairy man shiver. On the East Shore – aka Bondi – besides the recent southern swell, Surf’s Up @ The Pav has returned to the Bondi Pavilion.

Surf’s Up @ The Pav isn’t just for local waxheads looking to flex their knowledge of Kelly’s wave pool, John John’s loss in the Pipe comp and who invented the shaka. There is something for everyone, or at least most, throughout the 10-day event with stand-up comedy, music, storytelling, film screenings and art happening all through February.

Film – Blue

Whether many would admit it or not, industrial scale fishing, habitat destruction, species loss and pollution have had a catastrophic impact on the ocean. Blue dives deep into the current state of affairs and how close we are to complete destruction. The screening is followed by talk with environmentalist Tim Silverwood.

Class – Swing Dancing

Free classes for those looking to learn the basic steps, rhythms and techniques of swing dancing.

Film – Big Wednesday

This classic surf flick is worth watching even if only to see a pre-Point Break Gary Busey in action. The story follows a group of mates that, after fighting in the Vietnam War, meet up to chase the Great Swell of ‘74’ and ride the wave of a lifetime.

Film – Epicly Later’d Spike Jonze

The Academy Award-winning Jonze is weird and a genius. This doco shows both sides as it tells the story of how surfing and skateboarding influenced his body of work.

Film – Beautiful Bondi (1999)

Have a look at where Bondi came from. Beautiful Bondi is made up of rarely-seen archival footage and recollections from current and former Bondi residents, including Margaret Whitlam.

Performance – Alex the Astronaut

After receiving props from Elton John and Triple J, and living in New York studying Maths and Physics on a soccer scholarship, Alex is here to tell his flowery stories intertwined with graceful lyrics. This kid is a talent.

Exhibition – The Wood Shed Pyrography with James Robinson

A hands-on pyrography workshop for those looking to burn designs into wooden surfboards.

Film – Given (2016)

A beautiful film that follows renowned surfers, Aamion and Daize Goodwin from their home in Kauai around the world on a modern day surf safari.

Surf’s Up @ The Pav will run from February 2-24 at the Bondi Pavilion. For more information and for bookings, visit the Bondi Pavilion Theatre page.

words by niall roeder