Learning to Breathe

Learning to Breathe is a 2014 documentary centered around the life of Anthony Ruffo, a professional surfer who battles with drug addiction. Directed by Rocky Romano, the film features key personalities such as Anthony Ruffo himself, Vince Collier, and Shane Desmond. Focusing on themes of redemption, resilience, and personal growth, the movie masterfully uses Ruffo's personal experiences and struggles as a lens through which it explores wider issues around drug addiction in the competitive world of surfing.

Anthony Ruffo, a quintessential figure in the world of surfing, is known for his impactful influence on the sport as a whole. As a legendary Santa Cruz surfer, Ruffo mentored many of the talented surfers we see on the global stage today. However, behind all of these professional achievements and his charismatic persona, Ruffo was simultaneously battling his own personal demons, primarily a complicated relationship with drug addiction. This film dissects his inspirational journey from the peak of surfing fame to the pit of addiction and out the other side.

Vince Collier and Shane Desmond, both significant figures in the surfing world, provide robust support in this biographical documentary. They provide additional perspectives on Ruffo's journey, the respective roles they played in his life, and offer their views on the overarching problems of drug abuse in the sporting world.

Learning to Breathe does not sugarcoat the brutal realities of addiction, making it all the more powerful and insightful. The movie shows Ruffo’s tragedies and triumphs, representing his highs and lows, his moments of despair, and his return from the brink. It takes an unflinching look at the impact of drugs on not just the individual, but also the community. One of the highlights of the narrative is Ruffo’s arrest in 2010 for methamphetamine possession and intent to sell, which becomes a turning point both in Ruffo's life and in the storyline. From this juncture, the narrative embarks on a path that follows his determined and arduous journey towards recovery.

The predominant motif throughout the movie is the representation of 'learning to breathe', a strong metaphorical allusion to Ruffo's path to recovery and redemption. Water, an element he spent his life conquering, serves as a beautiful metaphor for his struggle against addiction. Just as one must learn to breathe while surfing, navigating waves and the unpredictability of the ocean, Ruffo must learn to control his breathing, his life, amid the stormy seas of addiction.

Through interviews, archival footage and beautiful shots of surfing action, the audience is drawn into the captivating and conflicting world of Ruffo where fame, talent, and addiction collide. This detailed approach, combined with compelling storytelling, offers a unique insight into a prominent public figure's life, emphasizing the very human struggle behind public personas.

The film’s cinematography is particularly noteworthy, using stunning surfing visuals to create a wonderful contrast against the dark, often painful narrative of addiction. It unquestionably enhances the impact of the story, serving as an effective commentary on the human capacity to oscillate between incredible feats and equally remarkable lows.

Learning to Breathe tries to impart an important message, succeeding in its attempt largely due to the honesty and raw vulnerability of its primary subject, Anthony Ruffo. It captivates the audience by addressing the powerful themes of addiction, recovery, and redemption. Despite its somber storyline, the film leaves viewers with a feeling of hope, demonstrating the power of resilience and the human ability to rise even after the hardest falls.

This film is not just for surfing enthusiasts, but for anyone interested in stories of personal struggle and triumph, as it delves deep into the human psyche, exploring how one can fall victim to their own weaknesses but also rise above them with strength, resilience, and determination. Through the tale of this legendary surfer, Learning to Breathe leaves a mark, encouraging its viewers to persevere in the face of adversity, and most importantly, to never stop 'learning to breathe,' no matter how stormy the seas of life become.