The End of an Era, and the Future of Surf Cinema: What Logan Dulien’s ‘Snapt5’ Signals
The surf world is bracing for a shift. Logan Dulien, the driving force behind the iconic Gets surf movie franchise, is releasing his final film, Snapt5, on August 2nd. But this isn’t just the end of a beloved series; it’s a bellwether for the entire surf media landscape, highlighting a growing tension between the demand for instant content and the artistry of curated, long-form filmmaking.
A Legacy Built on Big Screen Energy
Dulien’s vision for Snapt5 is ambitious – a Jumbotron premiere in Huntington Beach, a global tour, and a runtime exceeding 75 minutes, dwarfing previous installments. This commitment to the cinematic experience is central to the Gets ethos. As Dulien himself puts it, it’s about the collective energy of watching incredible surfing with a shared audience. “It’s not about storylines or rainbows and butterflies. It’s strictly good surfing and to get people psyched to go surfing,” he explained.
That energy is palpable. Those who’ve experienced a Gets screening firsthand, like this writer at a Snap4 showing in Half Moon Bay, understand the unique power of seeing high-performance surfing amplified on a large screen, fueled by a vibrant atmosphere. But this experience is becoming increasingly rare.
The Challenge of Unseen Footage in the Age of Instant Uploads
Dulien’s decision to step away from filmmaking isn’t born of disinterest, but practicality. A core tenet of the Gets films has always been showcasing unseen footage – clips not already circulating on Instagram or YouTube. However, the pressure on surfers to constantly feed the social media machine is making this increasingly difficult. Surfers are incentivized to share their best waves immediately, diminishing the value of holding content for a larger project.
This creates a bind. Dulien doesn’t want to jeopardize surfers’ sponsorships or friendships by asking them to withhold content. As he notes, “I don’t want to put pressure on surfers (and their friendships) in a way that complicates their careers.” This is a critical point: the current content ecosystem often prioritizes short-term gains over the long-term value of curated projects.
The Rise of the “Creator” and the Democratization of Surf Media
The shift Dulien is responding to is part of a broader trend: the rise of the individual surf “creator.” Surfers like Mason Ho, Harry Bryant, and Noa Deane are not only elite athletes but also skilled filmmakers and editors in their own right. They control their narratives, curate their own content, and build direct relationships with their audiences. Dulien acknowledges this, granting creators like Ho significant autonomy over their sections in Snapt5.
This democratization of surf media is empowering, but it also fragments attention. Instead of gathering in a cinema to experience a shared vision, audiences are consuming a constant stream of individual clips. While platforms like YouTube and TikTok offer accessibility, they often lack the artistic cohesion and immersive experience of a well-crafted surf film.
What’s Next for Surf Cinema?
The future of surf cinema likely lies in finding a balance between these two forces. We can expect to see more hybrid models – films that incorporate user-generated content, leverage social media for promotion, and offer exclusive experiences to build community. The success of projects like Snapt5, even as a final installment, demonstrates that there’s still a strong appetite for high-quality, curated surf films.
However, filmmakers will need to adapt. Perhaps we’ll see shorter, more frequent releases, or a greater emphasis on storytelling and character development to differentiate themselves from the endless scroll of social media. The key will be to offer something that individual clips simply can’t: a cohesive, immersive, and emotionally resonant experience.
The legacy of Logan Dulien and the Gets franchise isn’t just about incredible surfing; it’s about the power of shared experience. As the surf media landscape continues to evolve, preserving that sense of community will be crucial. What will it take to recapture that magic in a world saturated with content? That’s the question facing surf filmmakers today.
Explore more about the evolving world of surf media and athlete branding in our article on the impact of social media on professional surfing.
