03.b.Walking on Water - Movie Premier
Surfers attend screening of Christian film. By Jennifer Parker - The Sun News - November 8, 2007 Surfers both new to the sea and weathered by the waves were welcomed to a free movie screening of "Walking on Water" on Oct. 24 at Socastee High School. The faith-based film followed two young surfers, Luke and Tyler, as they journeyed around the world, met professional surfers and learned about new cultures. Several area surf shops, churches and organizations sponsored the East Coast tour stop, which also featured music, prizes and appearances by professional surfers."For me personally, my favorite films are Walking on Water films. To be involved in the very first tour for the movie, I'm stoked," said Garrett Bayer, media coordinator for Christian Surfers Myrtle Beach. The movie is a product of Walking on Water, a nonprofit brainchild of Bryan Jennings based in San Diego that produces films and hosts surf camps."I was a professional surfer just starting out and wanted to give back and share my faith. I didn't really mean to start an organization, but I guess God had other plans," he said. Event promotion began two months ago after the local Christian Surfers chapter was tapped by the national organization to host the event."We actually came here a month early," said 13-year-old Delanie Sage as she laughed with her friend Caitlin Purvis. "We thought it was in September." Christian Surfers Myrtle Beach Co-director Brian Weiler said such an enthusiastic reaction was what he was looking for at the film's premiere."We hope that people leave differently and stoked on God and that lives are changed." Professional surfer Jesse Hines, a Kitty Hawk, N.C., native appeared in the film and has also been involved in other Walking on Water productions. He joined the Socastee tour stop and said he's glad to be focused on new surfers."We didn't have anything like this when I was a kid. It's pretty cool to be involved with this for the next generation." Coastal Carolina University student Chris Aakjer said this area was ideal to host the event."There's a lot of surf popularity. About half of the kids that go to school have surfed. It's a good way to represent surfing. When I grew up, you always heard about surfers and skaters being aggressive. It gives surfing a better name.""It's cool because most people wouldn't listen to a Bible study, but if you add surfing, they're interested," said Socastee High School student Jack Hannigan. "It gives it a little flair.""Whoever missed it is missing out big time," Sage said. |
