One Winter Story” is an unprecedented glimpse into the male-dominated world of big-wave surfing from an unusual and seldom seen perspective - a woman’s. This hour-long film explores the nature of fear and faith through the experience big-wave surf pioneer, Sarah Gerhardt. “One Winter Story” is a personal documentary that follows Sarah as she surfs Maverick’s, a monstrous wave that breaks in the freezing, shark-infested waters off Half Moon Bay in Northern California.

Sarah’s journey to Maverick’s was anything but easy. Surfing became her escape from the hardships of home and faith became the guiding force in her life. Sarah is a genuine big-wave pioneer, the first woman to surf what is one of the largest waves in the world. In the years she has been surfing the wave, Sarah has discovered that although she has many limitations, Maverick’s allows her to live as though she doesn’t have any, bringing her peace as she finds her place in the lineup, and in the world. Also featured in the film are big wave surfers Mike Gerhardt, Ken Bradshaw, and Jenny Useldinger.

REVIEWS
One of the “highlights of the 2007 Maui Film Festival Lineup.” Variety Magazine, 6/8/2007

“…As a grainy ode to Sarah Garhardt’s femail pioneering of Maverick’s, this film will get you inspired.” Surfing Magazine, March 2008

“…a striking montage complete with epic surf footage”Cooler Magazine, Feb/March 2008

“One Winter Story has a gritty, real life feel to it. Definitely worth a watch…” Surfer, March 2008

“This is a story that transcends the world of surfing; its an insiration to anyone, anywhere, who sets out to accomplish what they dream of.” Eastern Surf Magazine, March 2008

Editor
Sally Lundburg
Online & Additional Editing
Kirk Goldberg
Fiscal Sponsor
Film Arts Foundation
Additional Music by
DJ Spooky
Peggy Honeywell
Robyn Hitchcock
Re-creation
Kathie Stilinovich
Mollie Stilinovich
Marija Stilinovich