Ah...the Hollywood surf movie. Do you remember where you were when In God's Hands was released? Or can you recite any of Keanu's lines from Pointbreak? Probably not. But as you take a look at my list of some of the most memorable surf moments in modern celluloid, remember that this really a tongue in cheek bit of fun with references to "modern" flicks. You wouldn't believe the grief I have taken for all the movies I left out. So to set the record straight, I am not referring surf movies like say Barrels of Fun or Momentum or surfing masterpieces like The Endless Summer or Riding Giants. And yes, evidentally, I missed an era that some consider "modern" in which Gidget and Ride the Wild Surf were released. But I just needed a forum where I could say that North Shore: the movie rules! And there's nothing anybody can do to stop me. If you have a list yourself, go ahead and share it. We all want to hear.

I just finshed reviewing some more surf gear, and with Christmas just around the point, you might need some gift giving ideas for the surfer in your life. In one corner, there's the Flyin' Fish from Degree 33 surfboards. If your surfing loved one is looking for a fast and fluid board to rip junky waves, the Flyin Fish might look nice wrapped up under the tree, especially for beginner and intermediate surfers. In the other corner, Loaded Skateboards put together an innovative longboard skateboard combination that effectively mimics the carving and muscle movement of surfing. The Dervish is perfect for cross-training and surf fitness when the waves are flat.

Surfers are often tough gift givees since surfboards and surf gear are insanely personal, and a non-surfer is lost when confronted with the nuanced intracies of surf gear and surf-related stuff. For your convenience, I am feverishly trying to review goods so you can feel confident about your purchases.

With Turkey Day already planned, would-be gift givers and cheer mongers are searching for the hottest and most "perfect-est" gift for their wave riding loved ones. Anyone can go to the local Kook Mart and pick out some cookie cutter clone gear. However, loads of smaller and dare I say more interesting products are out there. Take a gander below:

Avoid the cold in a Radiator Wetsuit

Give the gift of reading with Surfing's Greatest Misadventures, The Story of Miki Dora, and the classic In Search of Captain Zero

How about a pair of Curve Lockdown Racks to keep your board secured for that winter session?

Or even more insane...buy your holiday honey a new surfboard. You will never feel so loved.

If you've never bought a board, here are some tips on How to Buy a Surfboard.

The latest blow to the surf world comes from the death of surfer/shaper Chris Hawk. Chris (along with his brothers Sam and Tom) was an early influence on surfing in Huntington Beach. With shaping experience gleaned from years spent surfing Hawaii and working with shaping legends like Dick Brewer, Chris became one of the hottest shapers on the West Coast in the 60's and 70's. His contributions to surf culture and surfboard design recently garnered him an invitation this year to the Surfers' Hall of Fame, but his induction ceremony was moved forward prior to the normal July event due to Hawk's terminal diagnosis with throat cancer. Chris will be remembered for his contributions to the sport, but his greatest achievement was creating a true surfing life. To build a life experience based on the pursuit of waves and funding said pursuit through a surf-related gig (shaping being the epitome of surf culture perpetuation) is the goal of every wave rider. It's a shame that Hawk's journey was cut short before its completion.

On a much lighter note, the latest edition of Surfer Magazine boasts guest editor Joel Tudor, which in and of itself is not exceptional, but instead, it's his collaboration with editor-in-chief Joel Patterson that is illuminating. Patterson has overseen a steady improvement in both content and delivery at the mag and even his intro to Tudor's foray into surf literature is honest and inspiring. Tudor and Patterson work together to craft a different look and tone (closer to John Severson's original concept), highlighting counter-culture icons and underground legends in a non-traditional layout. But this isn't something out of character for the mag of late. Looking through my collection of Surfer Mags from previous months, I have relished the in-depth profiles of "real" humans (not pro surf puff pieces) and probing articles on travel and the environment. While Transworld Surf serves its purpose as the purveyor of blips and blurbs and gross out comedy (and yes there is a place for that), Surfer has risen above the fray with some great (dare I say) journalism from surfing's inner realm. Keep it up Patterson.