Endless Summer: Untold Story & Shocking Facts
- In 1958, Dick Metz, a Laguna beach native, divested himself of his possessions and embarked on a global adventure.
- Metz's travels took him to Panama, where he boarded a troop transport bound for Tahiti.
- Metz recalls arriving at Victoria Falls in the middle of the night after a long drive through Tanganyika and the Rhodesias.
Discover the untold story of Dick Metz, a pivotal figure in surfing history, whose 1958 journey across the globe led too the discovery of key surf spots. Explore how Metz’s travels, including his time in africa, connected him with surfing pioneer John Whitmore, ultimately influencing the iconic “Endless Summer.” Learn how Metz’s proposal of Cape st. Francis to filmmaker Bruce Brown forever changed the surfing world. Metz’s chance encounters and adventurous spirit highlight his lasting legacy. Dive into the new documentary, “Birth of The Endless Summer: Discovery Of The Cape St. Francis,” now available on streaming platforms. News Directory 3 delivers exclusive insights into Metz’s unbelievable impact on surf culture. Witness the evolution of a pivotal moment. Discover what’s next …
Dick Metz’s African Surf Discovery Featured in New Documentary
Updated June 25, 2025
In 1958, Dick Metz, a Laguna beach native, divested himself of his possessions and embarked on a global adventure. Hitchhiking and hopping trains, he traveled through Mexico, a stark contrast to the conventional American lifestyle of the era. This journey ultimately highlights his pivotal role in surf history.
Metz’s travels took him to Panama, where he boarded a troop transport bound for Tahiti. He then island-hopped via freighters across the South Pacific, eventually reaching Australia. However, it was his time in africa that became the focus of Richard Yelland’s documentary, “Birth Of The Endless Summer: Discovery Of The Cape St. Francis.” The film, after a festival run, is now available on various streaming platforms, showcasing Metz’s influence on surf culture and the discovery of key surf spots.
Metz recalls arriving at Victoria Falls in the middle of the night after a long drive through Tanganyika and the Rhodesias. Instead of staying put, he sought the coast, eventually meeting John Whitmore in Cape Town, considered the father of South African surfing. This chance encounter proved crucial.
Metz described his initial impression of Whitmore’s surfboard: “There was a guy out about 50 yards on what I thought was a surfboard, but it really didn’t look like a surfboard.So, when this guy swam up to me and I said, ‘This is the ugliest surfboard I’ve ever seen.'”
Whitmore retorted, “Well, what the hell do you know about surfboards? Who are you?”
Metz replied, “I told him I was from Hawaii and Southern California.”
Their friendship led Whitmore to suggest Metz visit Cape St. Francis. While the surf wasn’t extraordinary during Metz’s visit, he remembered the spot. Upon returning to the U.S., he recommended it to filmmaker Bruce Brown, who was planning his surf movie, further cementing Metz’s legacy in the surfing world.
Metz reflected, “Had I not gone to Cape Town-bruce, Mike [Hyson] and robert [August] might not have scored perfect Cape Saint Francis in The Endless Summer. It’s funny the way the ball bounces. That particular moment was the key decision that changed the lives of tens of thousands of people in the surfing world.”
What’s next
Viewers can now stream “Birth of The endless Summer: Discovery Of The Cape St. Francis” to witness the untold story of Dick Metz’s journey and its impact on surfing history.