Determination, hard work, persistence. These are the things Jay Moriarty never let go of in his fight to catch the biggest waves he’s ever seen. 

     Chasing Mavericks is a 2012 film, based off the life of Jay Moriarty. This professional surfer caught the eyes of the world when he surfed the biggest waves at the age of 15, and  shows the story of what Moriarty had to do to catch his dream. 

     At a young age, Moriarty was drawn to the waves, with the help of his friends he learned to surf. As he grew, he became one of the best surfers in his small town. Frosty, his mentor, said “[he] surfs circles around those other guys.” 

     One day Moriarty saw Frosty leaving with his surfboard. He hopped on the roof of his van and rode it to where Frosty was headed. What he then witnessed Frosty do changed his perspective. He saw the mavericks, giant 20-30 ft waves. He knew from then on that that was what he wanted to accomplish:  to take the drop on that monster.

     Making a deal with Frosty the training began. Essays, countless hours of swimming, holding his breath, troubles with his friends, and a girl he wanted to call his. His dedication never faltered, he knew what he wanted, and he strived for it. 

     Moriarty wasn’t handed a simple life. He had family trouble, working long shifts to help his mother out. Dealing with the “too cool for school” guys that sought out to make Moriarty’s life a little more miserable for a time. Despite the hardships he faced, he took them with a smile. Never treating others with less than kindness.

     This movie shows that you can set your mind to do the impossible and do it. Even when people all around you seem to be against you. No matter what obstacles life throws at you, if you take it and use it to pursue your biggest desire, anything is in your reach. 

      Chasing Mavericks hit all the emotions, including anger, sadness, happiness, gratitude, shock. The story lies beyond what you go into thinking to experience. You come out of it with a lesson. Together, Jay Moriarty and Frosty teach you important aspects of life that can be misguided or lost along the journey.

     A film with integrity and passion, Chasing Mavericks is a family friendly movie that’s good for laughs, and possibly a cry too. Jay Moriarty leaves you wanting more of his determination and compassion for others.