Stoked and Broke (Cyrus Sutton, 2010): USA

Reviewed by Laura Horstmann. Viewed at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Ryan Burch and Cyrus Sutton are two twenty-somethings from Encinitas that live at home and don’t do much other than surf and work to support their surfing habits. In their feature documentary, “Stoked and Broke” they use an eight-day surf journey to examine both the freedom and the consequences that come from solely doing what you love.

They set out on a 30 mile route from Encinitas to La Jolla with nothing in their pockets and very little on their backs. They build rickshaws to carry their boards and equipment, collect white sage and oranges, stolen from their neighbors yards, make a few dollars and take off. They spend some nights sleeping outside and depend on the kindness of strangers and acquaintances for food, money, and shelter. They learn how to avoid the cops, cook on a “hobo stove”, eat gourmet dog treats, and trade advertising for a free sandwich.

We also get to see their creativity in action when they take to the waves. Ryan tries out his signature styles on a small foam board while Cyrus experiments with a handmade hand board that drag him through the waves. The surfing footage is fresh and exciting and you never know what they’re gonna try and ride next.

The film starts as a how-to guide for having a “stay-cation surfari” but turns into an interesting examination of passion and freedom. Cyrus interviews several surfing enthusiasts who tell the young boys that despite their extreme love for the ocean, none of it’s worth sacrificing your relationships. The boys ultimately learn that it’s not enough to be stoked. In order to continue living the way they want to live, they need to find the balance between responsibility and fun.

About this entry

You’re currently reading “Stoked and Broke (Cyrus Sutton, 2010): USA,” an entry on Student Film Reviews

Published:
02.15.11 / 3pm
Category:
Films, Santa Barbara Film Festival 2011