It Ain't Pretty

It Ain't Pretty, a 2016 documentary film directed by Dayla Soul, is a gripping, inspirational and thought-provoking portrayal of the trials, triumphs and grit of a group of audacious women surfers who brave the treacherous, male-dominated waters of the infamous Ocean Beach in San Francisco. The film spotlights the passion and tenacity of four particularly dynamic women at its helm – Bianca Valenti, Savannah Shaughnessy, Rebecca Wunderlich and Sarah Gerhardt.

In It Ain't Pretty, the audience is drawn into the unforgiving, relentless world of big wave surfing, an area of sport that for a very long time remained a male preserve. The film captures the adrenaline-surging, heart-stopping moments as these exceptional women undertake gigantic, jaw-dropping waves that thrash and roll, yard after yard, as far as the eye can see. Director Dayla Soul pays an intimate tribute to these surf warriors, breaking down stereotypes, and shining a light on the true raw essence of of the brave-hearted women who dare to surf big waves.

Bianca Valenti, a celebrated figure in the world of professional surfing, narrates much of the film. She combines a delicious knack for storytelling with her own raw, honest experiences in challenging the status quo in a male-centric surfing scene. Her journey from an amateur surfer to one of the pioneers in advocating for equal pay and recognition for female surfers, provides one of the integral backbones of the documentary, making for a compelling, heartfelt narrative.

This film is not just about celebrating women in surfing, though that is indeed its central theme. It's also an unfortunate expose of the gender inequality and sexism that persists in both sports and society at large. Quoting instances of bias, the documentary provides a glimpse into the disparagement and hardships these women have to face for simply pursuing their passion. It Ain't Pretty juxtaposes the beauty and the free-spiritedness of the wild ocean waves with the ugly and bitter reality of societal prejudice, hence making the title even more poignant and resonating.

It Ain't Pretty features Savannah Shaughnessy, a powerhouse of talent and courage who hails from Santa Cruz. It follows Savannah as she carves out a name for herself in the world of big wave surfing, amidst all the struggle, courage and fortitude that come hand in hand with mastering any territorial encroachment, literal or metaphorical.

Rebecca Wunderlich and Sarah Gerhardt enrich the narrative with their stories. The strength and determination of these women echo throughout the film, encouraging all women, surfers or not, to rise above barriers and to never let societal norms stifle their aspirations.

Dayla Soul's documentary also pays tribute to the unflinching determination exhibited by every woman who has ever braved monstrous crests to ride the exhilaration of the surf. It's her handling of the intricate and often painful realities that these individuals face that give It Ain't Pretty its powerful pull. Soul's lens digs deep, laying bare the powerful message that emboldens women to push beyond limitations, both societal and personal, to claim their rightful place in the line-up and in the world.

One of the highlights of the documentary is its gorgeous cinematography. The film is beautifully shot, with the camera continually swaying between the majestic raging seas and the gritty, day-to-day life of its protagonists. In its visual and sonic design, It Ain't Pretty shows how the raw power of the ocean mirrors the indomitable spirit of the women who ride its waves.

It Ain't Pretty serves to remind us that the fight for gender equality is far from over; however, it’s also a heartwarming tale of resilience, audacity, and a love for the sport that surpasses every roadblock. This film is an elixir of empowerment not just for the aspiring women surfers, but for any woman pushing against the wave of societal norms and bias. The spirit of It Ain't Pretty encourages any woman to press on in the face of adversity, because any adversity, no matter how imposing, "ain't pretty," but the courage to face it head on, always is.