When it comes to surf films from the ’70s and ’80s, Herbie Fletcher co-authored the book. His influence on surfing can’t be understated, and not just on the film side of things. In the mid-’70s, Herbie bought Astrodeck and changed surfing forever through two things: a much-needed product and sheer force of character. He spent more than a decade traveling, surfing, and making sure his products were in the hands of all the best surfers.
Then, in 1985, he dropped Wave Warriors, 45 minutes of sheer surfing madness. It was a hit and spawned spin-off after spin-off, inspiring an entire generation of surf filmmakers. By the ’90s, even Fletcher had lost count. “I’ve made so many movies,” Fletcher said in 1996, “I don’t know how many I’ve made.”
Video courtesy of the Fletchers and Astrodeck.
