Watch Paradigm Lost

Paradigm Lost is a visually stunning and exhilarating documentary that follows the life of Kai Lenny, the 24-year-old Hawaiian surfer, windsurfer, kitesurfer, and stand-up paddleboarder, who is considered to be one of the most versatile water sports athletes in the world. Directed by John Decesare, the film offers an intimate and candid glimpse into Lenny's life as he travels around the world, pushing the limits of what is possible in a variety of aquatic sports. From his childhood on the waves of Maui to his travels to surf some of the biggest waves on the planet, the film shows Lenny's extraordinary talent and passion for the ocean.

The film is not just about Lenny, however. It also features interviews with some of the biggest names in surfing and water sports, including Clyde Aikau, Kala Alexander, and Marcilio Browne. These veterans of the sport provide insight into the culture and history of surfing in Hawaii and around the world, and share their own experiences of chasing waves and pushing boundaries.

The documentary is structured around different locations and different sports, each one showcasing Lenny's unique skill set and his fearless approach to the ocean. From surfing the massive waves at Nazaré in Portugal to windsurfing in Maui and kitesurfing in Fiji, Lenny's commitment to his craft is inspiring, and the footage of him in action is nothing short of breathtaking.

One of the highlights of the film is the section on big-wave surfing, where Lenny is joined by some of the sport's biggest names, including Billy Kemper and Ian Walsh. The footage of Lenny and his contemporaries charging down massive swells is truly awe-inspiring, and the film captures the beauty and danger of this extreme sport in vivid detail.

The film also explores Lenny's relationship with his family, especially his father, who introduced him to surfing at a young age. It's clear that his family is a huge part of his life, and their support and encouragement have helped him become one of the most accomplished water sports athletes in the world. Interviews with Lenny's friends and fellow athletes also add to the film's personal touch, as they speak to his incredible talent and his infectious enthusiasm for the sport.

One of the strengths of Paradigm Lost is its stunning cinematography, which captures the beauty and power of the ocean in all its forms. Whether shooting from the water, from the air, or from the shore, the film's team of cinematographers and drone operators have captured some of the most breathtaking surf footage ever seen on screen. The film also makes great use of slow-motion photography, which gives viewers a chance to appreciate the complexity of some of Lenny's most impressive maneuvers.

Overall, Paradigm Lost is an inspiring and visually stunning documentary that celebrates the beauty and power of the ocean, and pays tribute to one of the most talented water sports athletes of our time. Whether you're a fan of surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, or just love being out on the water, this is a film that is sure to leave you in awe of what is possible on the waves.

Paradigm Lost is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.