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The world’s surf media is awash with stories about Hout Bay big wave surfer Frank Solomon at the moment. Solomon’s film ‘Let’s Be Frank’ premiered in Los Angeles on September 1st. Far more than a biopic or ‘just’ a surf film it is something of an artistic interpretation of things that has happened in his life, created by award-winning film maker, Peter Hamblin.
Four years in the making and shot around the world, surfing is still a central theme in the film. After all Frank is a pro surfer. In between rubbing shoulders with Hollywood celebs and jet-setting on his premiere tour, we got the man to give us some insight into his favourite waves around the world.
Skeleton Bay, Namibia
My favourite wave in the world is probably ‘The Donkey’ (aka Skeleton Bay) in Namibia. Because it is one of the longest waves in the world, and it’s a left. So it’s on my forehand and barrels for like two-kilometres, for a goofyfooter it’s probably the best wave in the whole world. You can’t really describe the place to anyone. You have to witness it to experience just how much of a freak of nature the place is.
Bundoran, Ireland
That whole area has so many good left slabs, and the water is cold, and there’s not too many people, and the waves are heavy so that is one of favourite places to go to. I’m actually heading there after the London premiere so I’m excited.
Dungeon’s, Hout Bay
This is my home town, where I grew up. It’s a very tricky wave – kind of more like a beach break than a normal big wave spot.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Best beach break in the world, 30 Degree water, giant barrels (handles anything from six foot to like 25) and I’ve spent quite a bit of time there, and it’s also just one of my favourite places to go. The food is incredible, ice cold beer right on the beach, as soon as you walk out the water someone hands you a chilled Corona that’s pretty amazing.
Peahi (Jaws), Maui, Hawaii
Perhaps the most challenging of them all. It’s probably the biggest paddle wave in the world and I’ve still not got the wave I’ve wanted to out there – which is kind of frustrating, but also challenging in a way and makes me want to go back.
The South African premiere of Let’s Be Frank happens in Cape Town on September 9 (sold out). You’ll be able to watch it on Red Bull TV from 19 September, and it will also be screened at the Wavescape Festival in Cape Town in December.
By Jazz Kuschke
