Stoked and Broke (Cyrus Sutton, 2010): USA

Reviewed by Rhys Davis. Viewed at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, SBIFF 2011.

Stoked and Broke, I cant say enough about this film. Two kids set out on a 30 mile hike/surf trip with no money in there pockets and two-wheeled carts carrying all their boards and gear. Cyrus Sutton and Ryan Burch explore the San Diego area and how today’s society is so money driven that it can be hard for kids to go out and do different things without money. These two guys show that instead of a money-driven surf trip they will use their own home region and supplies to make the best of it. They certainly succeed and there are plenty of laughs throughout the journey.

Cyrus Sutton who directs the film, does a wonderful job in the beginning creating the story. The whole audience was laughing when we were introduced to Cyrus and Ryan. Cyrus lives out of his van by his parents house. He is an avid surfer and part time filmmaker. He scrapes by with whatever jobs he can find. Ryan lives with his parents, surfs all day, and works at a surf shop when he is not in the water. Both love surfing, and knowing that they don’t have enough money they decide to construct these carts and go on a thirty mile journey down the San Diego coastline.

There are three important interviews in this film that help shape the message they are trying to get across. One interview was done by Cyrus’ older friend a professional surf filmmaker. He explains that the family unit is very important, and that Cyrus and Ryan are lucky that they have family that supports them and their love for surfing.

Another interview was done by a semi-homeless man in Pacific Beach. He explains he has been surfing everyday since he was a kid and never stopped. He now lives in a VW van moving his vehicle three times a night to go unnoticed. He has worked in various jobs, but surfing has always been his number one love. What I took from this, and what I believe Cyrus was trying to get across is that there needs to be balance in life. Years ago you could live by the beach, and surf all day without any repercussions. Today though money is so important, and daily needs are so expensive that it is hard to live the beach-bum lifestyle. It is important to handle your adult responsibilities, but at the same time find a balance that works for you, without living in a van on the side of the road.

The final interview came from a man that Cyrus had gone camping in Mexico with for four months. Cyrus and Ryan stopped by and said hello to him before turning back towards home. This man explains the way he was able to free himself from the corporate America, and work, live, travel, and surf on his own terms. This final interview really helped shape the film’s message of living life how you want it, but at the same time taking care of your life duties so that you may live on your own terms.

I highly recommend this film to anyone and everyone.  A great story with a quality message on life, great surfing footage, and plenty of funny moments along the way.