The film describes surf hero Gerry Lopez as “a Zen Buddhist on land who built his early career on aggressive surfing.”

A new Patagonia documentary The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez examines the life story of surfer and Zen Buddhist Gerry Lopez.

Lopez is an American surfer, surfboard shaper, writer, and actor. In the 1970s, Lopez became famous for “aggressive surfing,” taking on dangerous waves on the North Shore of Oahu. In front of these intimidating waves, Lopez prepared by practicing yoga and meditation.

“For your mind to be still, your breath has to be still, your body has to be still. You have to be at peace with this wave,” Lopez says in the trailer for the film.

The one hour and forty minute film examines Lopez’s popular surfing career, his relationship with Buddhism, and his path to finding peace.

The Yin & Yang of Jerry Lopez was directed by award-winning filmmaker Stacey Peralta, known for his films such as Dogtown and Z-Boys. The film is available for streaming on Patagonia’s website and YouTube channel.