In this unique film, two gay surfers embark on a global journey to uncover the taboo of homosexuality in surfing.
Surfer Thomas Castets set up a website in an effort to reach out to the gay surfing community, he wanted to explore the unchartered waters of the life experiences of male and female surfers who are gay.
Now gaysurfers.net is a social network with almost 6,000 members from all over the world.
After the overwhelming response to the website, Thomas teamed up with Australian former state champion surfer David Wakefield (who chose not to pursue a surfing career due to his sexual orientation) and decided to document these stories.
The pair uncover a world of fear and discrimination but they are determined to change this mindset which has thwarted countless gay surfers in the industry.
Ian Thomson, Director of ‘OUT in the Line-Up’ joined Sean on the Moncrieff show.
“When I still read daily reports of homophobia, violence, suicide and capital punishment for gay people in Russia, Iran, Uganda, Africa, South America and many other places around the world, I am reminded of why it is important for me to make this film.”
However, the team did struggle to obtain some of the crucial voices of contemporary, professional surfing in the documentary, for example Ian points out that there are currently no male openly gay surfers who are on tour.
The crew follow David and Thomas from the east coast of Australia to Hawaii, California, Mexico and the Galapagos Islands as they meet and surf with people from all walks of surfing life, an openly gay three-time world champion, former US Congressman and award winning surfers as well as average people, gay and straight with a passion for waves.
“The film investigates issues such as the history of homophobia in surfing, the gap between gay culture and surf culture, the issues facing gay women in surfing, the taboo of homosexuality in professional surfing as well as psychological and mental health issues that affect gay people within surfing communities.”
The film won best documentary award at the London Surf Film Festival and it can be downloaded at WWW.OUTINTHELINEUP.COM or over ITunes.
