Bound By Sea

Bound By Sea is a gripping documentary from 2013 that brings into focus not just the thrilling world of the surfing community, but also the intricate backdrop of a beautiful and incredibly complex tropical society. From its draw-you-in opening scenes right down to its touching culmination, Bound By Sea is more than an hour of engaging imagery and narration that leaves viewers educated, entertained and at the edge of their seats. It reveals the passion for surfing and the intricate details that bring the rarified community of surfers together.

Directed by Jack Coleman, Bound By Sea tells the story of a memorable year in the life of surf artist Jack Viorel as he embarks on a series of awe-inspiring journeys. The documentary is set in three dramatically beautiful locations: North Carolina, Nicaragua and Hawaii, each having a unique backdrop and a completely different set of challenges for Jack Viorel.

The story starts off in Wilmington, North Carolina, where Jack Viorel resides with his two daughters - Aileen and Gabby. A dedicated father and reputed surf artist, Viorel juggles between his family life, teaching surfing to differently-abled children, and pursuing his passion for surfing. The film captures the beautiful relationship Jack shares with his daughters, Aileen and Gabby, who have been introduced to surfing by their father at a very early age.

As the narrative progresses, Jack Viorel decides to take his humanitarian efforts to a new level, thus introducing the viewers to the second leg of his journey in Nicaragua. Vacationing there with his family, Jack witnesses firsthand the less fortunate living conditions of the locals, often lacking basic facilities like clean drinking water or sustainable income. This deeply affects him and he sets out on a mission to help the community, using his surfing connections and his own resources.

The last part of the journey takes the viewers to the Hawaiian island of Kauai, where an interesting aspect of surfer culture and surf-related art is explored. The film visually captivates the viewers with stunning landscapes and exhilarating surfing scenes, while masterfully encapsulating the essence of Jack Viorel's selfless service to the community.

Throughout the film, the viewers get a chance to see through Jack Viorel’s eyes - a surfer, an artist, a devoted father and an individual deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Jack Viorel's dedication for helping those less fortunate in society and his commitment to incorporate his passion for surfing towards raising awareness and resources for such causes is truly inspirational.

Instead of focusing solely on the exhilarating sports aspect of surfing, Bound By Sea does a commendable job of spotlighting the issues locals face in these surfing locations, and how the sporting community can be mobilized to help improve their living conditions. It collates the elements of humanitarianism, environmentalism, empowerment, and family values, making it a powerful cocktail of emotions for viewers.

In addition to Jack Viorel in the lead role, the documentary also enlists his daughters Aileen and Gabby Viorel, as integral parts of the narrative, showing Jack not just as a surfer or social worker, but also as a loving father. It brings the audience to a profound understanding of how travelling can change individual perspectives and how sport — in this case, surfing — can serve a bigger purpose than entertainment and thrill.

The cinematography of Bound By Sea is another unmissable aspect of the film. The stunning visuals of the surf and breathtaking panoramas of the locations add a certain grandeur to the documentary.

In summary, Bound By Sea is an undeniably evocative and eye-opening documentary that weaves together a tale of passion, adversity, and triumph. It is a must-watch for those who seek adventure, believe in making a difference, and for those who truly love the ocean and the sport of surfing. As viewers watch Jack Viorel and his daughters ride the waves and navigate through life, they might just find themselves longing for a touch of the salt air and the sound of crashing waves. This film will leave both surfers and non-surfers alike cheering for the triumph of the human spirit.