Watch It Ain't Pretty

It Ain't Pretty is a documentary film from 2016 that showcases the female big wave surfing community in Northern California. The movie is directed by Dayla Soul and focuses on Bianca Valenti, a professional big wave surfer, and her group of friends as they push the boundaries of what is traditionally seen as a male-dominated sport. The film starts by introducing viewers to the lush coastal landscapes of Northern California, showing the waves crashing against the rocky cliffs and the surfers paddling out to sea. We then meet Valenti, who narrates most of the film, explaining her passion for surfing and the challenges she has faced as a woman in the sport. Throughout the movie, we see Valenti and her friends, including big-wave surfers Paige Alms and Keala Kennelly, travel to various locations around the world in search of the biggest waves they can find.

One of the key themes of It Ain't Pretty is the obstacles that female surfers face in a male-dominated industry. Valenti explains how she has had to fight for recognition and equal access to resources, despite her impressive surf credentials. We also see Kennelly discussing her experiences of sexism and discrimination within the industry, particularly when it comes to being paid equally to male surfers. The movie does an excellent job of highlighting these issues and showcasing the strength and determination of the female surfers featured in the film.

One of the standout sequences in the movie is when Valenti and her friends travel to Maui to surf the famous spot known as Peahi or 'Jaws'. We see the surfers paddling out into the vast ocean, braving the enormous waves that can reach up to 60 feet in height. The footage of the surfers riding these enormous waves is spectacular and speaks to the incredible skill and athleticism required to thrive in this sport. It's clear from the way the surfers talk about the experience that it's not just about the adrenaline rush of riding such a wave, but also about the deeper connection to the ocean and nature that comes from such an experience.

Throughout the movie, we also see Valenti working to create opportunities for other women in the sport. She organizes an all-female big wave surfing competition in San Francisco, which becomes a major event in the surfing calendar. The competition provides a platform for female surfers to showcase their skills and for the community to come together and support one another.

It Ain't Pretty is a poignant and inspiring documentary that paints a compelling portrait of the female big wave surfing community. The movie is beautifully shot and edited, with stunning footage of the surfers riding waves that are simply breathtaking. The film also does an excellent job of highlighting the challenges faced by female surfers in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by men. Through the stories of Valenti, Kennelly, and Alms, we see the incredible strength and resilience of these athletes as they push the boundaries of what is possible in big wave surfing.

Overall, It Ain't Pretty is a must-see for any surfing enthusiast or anyone interested in the empowerment of women in sports. The film is a celebration of the beauty and power of the ocean, as well as the human spirit and determination required to so fearlessly ride its waves.

It Ain't Pretty is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.