I just picked this up at Hansen’s in Encinitas. I’d been wanting to see it for a while, especially after first seeing Clay absolutely rip in Young Guns 3, and then reading the article all about him and his journey with Aspberger’s syndrome in Surfer Magazine (sept ’08).
This movie gave me chills multiple times. I have such a fascination with the way that Aspberger’s syndrome can produce savant-like talents in certain individuals. In Clay’s case, he is one with the water. He seems to have this innate sixth sense that puts him in tune with the ocean and the waves.
After doing a lot with Surfer’s Healing back home in Montauk, NY, I am in awe of the way that kids with severe autism seem to be soothed by the ocean. It’s a little uncomfortable at first; sometimes those kids do NOT want to go in the water, and they get dragged kicking and screaming. You find yourself thinking, “Is this really such a good idea?” But then those same kids return to the beach after their session and there is such a change. Sometimes they want to go back in again, and a third time. In the movie Just Add Water, there was a comment about how one mother had never heard her child speak a word…until he came out of the ocean after his session with Surfer’s Healing.
Anyway, back to the point…this movie will get you stoked on life, and surfing as a sport and way of life. Of course the surfing is phenomenal. I can’t understand how Clay can pull some of these moves. He has definitely become one of my favorite pros.
Clay can be blunt at times, but sometimes what he says is quite poignant. My favorite quote was his line “Waves…are toys from God.” It doesn’t get any more true or simpler than that.
P.S. – If you buy this DVD, you get a sweet card of wildflower seeds that you can plant (just add water..haha) and a portion of the proceeds goes towards Surfer’s Healing. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me.
