Interview with TheSURFNetwork.com’s Ira Opper

The future is now! We’ve reached a point where you can buy, download, and watch pretty much any surf movie movie right on your computer or even your mobile device. The place where you can do all this is theSURFnetwork.com and I got a chance to talk to the site’s creator and owner, Ira Opper. Along with our interview, we’ve got a way for you to save 50% on surf movies on The Surf Network.

SURFBANG: Tell us a little about yourself.
Ira Opper: Started surfing Malibu at 14. In 1964, I went to the premiere of “Endless Summer” narrated “live” by Bruce Brown at the Santa Monic Civic Auditorium. From that experience I knew immediately what I wanted to pursue as a career and lifestyle. I began producing surf videos and television series in 1986. I live, work and surf in Solana Beach, Ca.

How’d you make the leap into the digital world of internet video?
When the video technology transitioned from analogue to digital in the late 90s, I jumped in. I knew that one day the internet (world wide web) would become the primary global video distribution outlet.

You’ve won a couple emmys for the tv show FINS. Any interest in making a feature surf film?
I really enjoy production and I am passionate about surfing so maybe one day I will produce a feature, but right now I am focusing all my attention on growing the video platforms such as theSURFnetwork.com.

How did theSURFnetwork.com come about?
Just like Dunlap, we accidentally vulcanized rubber and ended up inventing the tire. We were experimenting with video on the web and in the process we made a several mistakes, one mistake resulted in a solution.

What was/is the biggest challenge of operating a site like The Surf Network?
There are several and most are all big.

How many surf movies are currently available on The Surf Network?
Over 500 video titles.

How often are videos added to The Surf Network?
Regularly – It depends on release dates for internet distribution by the filmmakers.

What’s your all time favorite surf movie?
Endless Summer

Favorite surf filmmaker?
Bruce Brown

What’s the most popular or most downloaded movie on The Surf Network?
The surprise hit is “Surf Stronger” the surf fitness video. Maybe it is a guilt purchase. For more info there is a “most popular list” on theSURFnetwork.com

The Surf Network has the first deal on the new site SwarmOn.com, can we expect to see more of The Surf Network on SwarmOn?
Stay Tuned or should I say “Stay iTuned”

Anything else you want to tell us?
Long may you ride!

Thanks Ira!

The other day I wrote about a new surf deal website called SwarmOn.com. Coincidently enough, SwarmOn, has a deal going on where you spend $10 and get $20 worth of movies on theSURFnetwork.com. Just head over to SwarmOn.com, sign up, and purchase the deal. You’ll be watching your favorite surf movies in no time.

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