Things Surfers Like: The Big Lebowski

September 18, 10:54 PMSurf ExaminerPat Pemberton

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It's entirely appropriate that Jeff Bridges is a surfer.

Because his character from "The Big Lebowski" is so much like a surfer. He's a Southern Californian with a laid-back attitude (aided, in part, by ganja), an apparent disdain for socks and a desire to work minimally, if at all.

In short, he represents the mellow lifestyle that is so often associated with surfers, whether or not anyone has ever met a surfer like the Dude. In fact, a penguin named Big Z -- with a voice very similar to the Dude's -- is the closest any surfer has come to actually resembling the Dude. 

Ironically, there's no mention of the Dude surfing in "The Big Lebowski." In fact, he seems interested only in bowling -- along with the occasional acid flashback. And, in fact, his friend Donny is the surfer -- the one  who explored the beaches "from La Jolla to Leo Carrillo and up to Pismo."

Nonetheless, the surfer loves "The Big Lebowski," and -- like other Achievers -- will quite often recite lines from the movie, including (but not limited to):

"Over the line!"

"At least it's an ethos!" and

"You're out of your element!"

If these quotes can be used in conjunction with surfing, that's a bonus. But it's not necessary.