Wolfgang Bloch is one of most acclaimed artists in the surfing world. His paintings are moving and sublime, capturing beachscapes and line-ups with a soothing sense of realism partnered with a healthy pinch of the abstract. I’ve long been a fan.

Earlier this year I contacted Wolfgang on a whim, telling him that I’ve never been much of and “art guy” — but the first time I saw his work profiled on Surfline, I knew that owning one his pieces was a must. He responded kindly and a week later I found myself standing in his Laguna Beach studio. It was a very cool experience and to save you the details…I now own one and gaze at it with appreciation daily.

So when I received a personal invitation from Wolfgang to attend the premiere of his new film, Hanging Five at the La Paloma in Encinitas, I jumped on the RSVP.

Wolfgang Bloch

Hearing from Wolfgang out of the blue was kind of cool.

His email was a simple invite to attend the premiere and asked if I wouldn’t mind passing the word. I did, and as promised, battled fierce rush-hour traffic from L.A. to show up and check the film.

Even though I had watched the trailer, I really didn’t know what to expect, and once Chris Cutri, the film’s producer, hit the stage, I knew this wasn’t the typical Taylor Steele-esque premiere that I’d been to so many times, laced with high-octane edits and adolescent angst. Instead, it was a profile of five artists—five artists who happen to surf.


Wolfgang, Julie Goldstein, Chris Cutri


The stars, Wolfgang Bloch, Andy Davis, Julie Goldstein, Alex Knost, and a very talented and understated Tyler Warren, are introduced in a sort-of scattered manner, but come together quickly with focus and a touch of humor, as we look at the lives and passions in their worlds. Not surprising, the film had an artsy flair to it as it followed each around their studios and interviewed them on topics of how, why and what it's like to chase a dream of art and surf and find relative success.

I’ve been to dozens of films at La Paloma, but this one, although only half packed, had the loudest, most appreciative audience applause I’ve heard in a long time — which shows how the public responded to the overall feeling and tone of the film.

So… Would I see it again? ABSOLUTELY.

Would I recommend it to a friend? YUP…

I found the film to be an inspiration and a compelling showcase of yet another, influential and ever-growing side of the surf world. But as I said to Wolfgang in the very beginning, I’m not much of an “Art Guy,” so what do I know? The Bloch that hangs at the top of my stairwell has got to carry a wee bit of bias.

Check it out for yourself and be your own critic. After all, this is Art, and that’s exactly what everyone involved would hope for—and expect.

Hanging Five Trailer







Art by Julie Goldstein

Art by Tyler Warren


Art by Wolfgang Bloch



Art by Andy Davis