I’m from California, so even though I wouldn’t consider myself an avid surfer by any stretch of the imagination, the allure of the sand, the sea, and the surf has been a steady constant throughout my life. A person standing on a piece of polyurethane board as a monstrous wave looms just behind them has long been something I’ve admired, and indeed many have found the sport/hobby/recreation to be equally compelling. Surfing documentaries, when done right, are among the most captivating films because of the undeniable grandeur of this image.

Fans of surfing already know who Rob Machado is. Non-fans should know that he’s one of the best in the sport. Both groups can get to know the man behind the board better, when The Drifter comes out on DVD tomorrow. Pulsating with mood and wonderment, the autobiographical film captures Machado on a 2008 trip to Indonesia where he was left alone with his thoughts, desires, and the empty perfection of an unnamed Indian Ocean reef.

This one’s flying way under the radar, but should be of interest to surf fans and non-fans alike. It’s not often we get to witness a journey of self-discovery set against so beautiful a land/sea-scape. Anyone who’s ever traveled through a foreign land or done some serious soul-searching in an unfamiliar place should recognize something in this film. Oh yeah, and it also draws attention to a good cause — The Sumba Foundation, which works to lessen the effects of poverty on the Indonesian island of Sumba. Check out the trailer for The Drifter after the jump.

The Drifter was directed by Taylor Steele. You can also see a behind-the-scenes featurette about the film here, or pre-order your copy of The Drifter here.

Tags: Rob Machado, Taylor Steele, The Drifter