Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez Wrap-Up

Sunday evening saw a crowd of 500 surfers, skaters and aspiring movie makers descend on Croyde for the Patagonia screening of The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez.

The evening kicked off with on-site music and refreshments as punters took to their deckchairs to listen to Kevin Cooke and Yvette Curtis from The North Devon World Surfing Reserve, with ticket revenue from the evening of just shy of £4,000 raised for the organisation. The pair spoke about breaking down the barriers to surfing and educating the next generation on protecting our coastal playgrounds.

Soon after, Californian surf and skate legend and director of the film, Stacy Peralta, took to the stage to introduce the Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez. Stacy talked of it being his first second ever visit to England, the original being back in the 70’s when he was arrested for skateboarding at the airport. It was also his first time on the Devon coast, and he’d fallen in love with the rugged ocean views.

Set against an ocean backdrop, Freshwell Campsite in Croyde provided a perfect picturesque setting for a surf movie by the sea, and as the wind subsided throughout the evening we were treated to a beautiful powder pink sunset as the film rolled on.

We were taken through the journey of Gerry Lopez’s rise to ocean maverick, from humble beginnings in Hawaii to Co-Founding the original surf brand, Lightning Bolt, dominating at Pipeline and even dabbling in life as a Hollywood actor, Gerry’s tantalising tales combined with Stacy’s smooth transitions and 70’s styling made for a fun-filled fusion.

Stacy Peralta & Kevin and Yvette

After the film, Stacy took part in an audience Q&A session, which saw geared-up groms put their burning questions to the renowned movie-maker. Eyes young and old lit up across the field as Stacy name-dropped some of his state-side comrades, Tony Hawk, Steve Caballero, Lance Mountain and Rodney Mullen to name a few!

A big thanks to everyone that came along, Croyde & Saunton Surf Clubs and to our charity partners Plastic Free North Devon, 2 Minute Beach Clean, Wave Wahines, The Wave Project, Museum of British Surfing, and Surfers Not Street Children.