“In those days, nobody went in the ocean…”
Often, we drive out along the Great Highway and don’t think much of seeing surfers riding the waves, or sitting on their boards waiting for the next set.
On Saturday, the Balboa Theater will premiere a new documentary called “The Great Highway” which documents the history of surfing at Ocean Beach.
Despite posted signs warning of dangerous undertow, cold water, large waves, and often foggy conditions, the early surfers of Kelly’s Cove on Ocean Beach braved the elements – sometimes even breaking the law – to pursue their passion.
People have surfed the Bay Area for more than sixty years in the quiet backdrop of the popular surf culture. Much like the city of San Francisco, the surf culture of Northern California is full of character and offers unique perspectives on the history and the future of surfing.
“Great Highway” traces the roots of Bay Area surfing from past to present and explores the changes that time reveals. The history of the beach in San Francisco is explored from the mid 1800’s on and provides a fascinating look at this overlooked segment of the City’s history.
The film also covers some of the history of Fleishhacker Pool, a 1,000 foot long, ocean water swimming pool that sat across the highway from Ocean Beach near what is now the zoo. It operated from 1925 until 1971.
This film has been in the making since 2003 premieres at the Balboa this Saturday night at 9pm as part of a Kelly’s Cove Reunion event. Tickets are available online in advance ($7.50 – $10) or at the Balboa box office.
Sarah B.
Great! So when was “illegal to go in the water at Ocean Beach”, as Jack O’Neill says 46 seconds in ?
I will def see it at the Balboa.
What a great piece of local history!