TO BE FRANK is an intimate and heartfelt short documentary exploring authenticity, connection, and the soul of surfing through the lens of Frank Paine, a 73-year-old South Bay icon and humble local legend. Directed by Anna Wilder Burns, this film uncovers how one man’s presence on a two-block stretch of Hermosa Beach has shaped an entire surf community.
With his unforgettable moustache and magnetic spirit, Frank reminds us that surfing isn’t just about waves—it’s about belonging, passion, and the bonds that make the ride worthwhile.
The Down the Line surf shops are perfect examples of classic surf shops – amazing selections of boards, top honest advice.
“If surfing is religion, then surf shops are the temples of stoke.” Shaun Tomson
Surf Shop Day is 17/5/25
We love surf shops… So we just have to get behind this… And here is why you should too…
Apart from actually riding waves, is there anything cooler than walking into a well stocked shop and checking to the boards? Personally my life has bean transformed from visits to shops. As a kid I got my first wetsuits from a legendary surf shop owner – John Heath from Piran surf. I literally know every surfboard that was in the rack of Tris surf shop over a decade of my teens. I remember Down the Line opening with it’s stupendous glistening lines of boards.
Yeah you can browse on line, but there is still no substitute for a real surf shop. Putting a board under your arm and speaking to a person who has dedicated their life to helping customers with equipment and getting face to face feedback and advice.
We have an amazing choice of showrooms with incredibly history and staff who are dedicated to getting you sorted out with the board or wetsuit YOU NEED, not what some review wants to sell you.
Talking to trustworthy board sales people and shapers and building a long term relationship is priceless when it comes to boards. Cord, St Agnes,
One piece of proof of this is number of second hand nearly new surfboards online, bought on reviews, but unsuitable for their owners. Just a chat with a decent surf shop sales person or shaper takes mistakes out of the equation and over the years that advice will get you sorted out with magic shapes not only increasing your enjoyment, but shortening the learning curve and saving you money.
International surf shop day is 17 May 2205. Do your research with our board and wetsuit guides and then go in and get your mitts on some quality shapes and suits. You will not regret it!
This passion project was filmed in Bali at the end of 2024 by the talented Lucien Michiels and Noémie Kreitlow. With a clear vision in mind, they reached out to connect, and from the first conversation, we clicked. We talked about life, purpose, and creativity, and it just felt natural to collaborate.
I love crossing paths with passionate souls. We shared stories, laughters, and a deep moments along the way. What came out is something really honest and close to my heart.
This is a piece of my story. One wave at a time, surfing helped me come back to myself.
“Winter turned savage, cold slabs, wild winds, and a strike mission into the heart of the North Atlantic. Probably one of the best waves I’ve ever caught.” Nic von Rupp
Filmed by @henricasta Edited by @henricasta
Additional Footage: Alex Laurel Above Creators Peter Clyni Stephen Maloney Coty’s Filmer
“I have waited for years to film Cape Solander big, like real big. And it could not have happened on a better day. Here’s part one of two exceptional days, Good Friday and Easter Saturday. Cape Solander turns back into Cape Fear with waves measuring 6 to 10 feet with some 15 foot bombs. Featuring the Mad Hueys, Max McGuigan, Oscar Berry and Jimmi Hill. Plus the Mullet Lord, Kipp Caddy and others. This swell was so raw it was almost unsurfable. But when the Cape is breaking these surfers don’t say no.” Tim Bonython
The level of commitment it takes to surf this beast is next level. Just imagine dropping into the backdoor of this monster—insane! Full respect to the local crew and the Slab Tour for constantly pushing the limits. Hit play for some heavy pits and brutal beatdowns.
