Showtime at the pier

It’s arguable that there is no better way to watch a surf flick than to sit at the sand’s edge after sunset. Beyond the big-screen action, those rolling ocean waves are just a few feet away.

That’s why the Family Movie Nite film series in Peninsula Park at the base of the Balboa Pier has been such a summer success.

“They just come in droves,” said Mary Lonich, executive director of the Balboa Performing Arts Theater foundation, who puts on the Family Movie Nite. “We heard nothing, nothing but good news.”

Twice already this summer, the theater foundation, together with Quiksilver, has presented a full-length feature surf movie on a giant beachside screen. The third and final movie this summer will be shown Thursday.

The event is free and opens at 6:30 p.m.; the movie starts at 8.

The theater foundation sells food and beverages at the event, with all proceeds going to the foundation’s renovation of the historic theater.

There is also an opportunity drawing sponsored by Aloha Airlines to win two round-trip airline tickets to Hawaii. Quiksilver has merchandise give-aways and surf stars on hand to sign autographs.

This is the second year of the family movie night on the beach, which Lonich said he hopes will continue. Attendance has doubled since the first showing last summer.

“It’s definitely proven to be what the community wants,” Lonich said.

The crowd is mostly families, some of whom walk to the movie or ride their bikes. People bring their own picnic or buy food there, Lonich said.

“You can literally sit anywhere on that lawn and have a great view of the movie,” Lonich said.

The last film of the summer series is Dane Reynolds’ “First Chapter,” a flick about one of the newer stars on the surfing scene. The movie is being released on DVD,and it is Reynolds’ first film that focuses on himself.

“It’s definitely one of those good old-fashioned surf films,” Quiksilver spokesman Josh Katz said.

Showing free surf films to a family audience in Newport Beach epitomizes what Quiksilver is all about, Katz said.

“Although we are this global brand … it’s important to us to be aware that our headquarters is here in Orange County,” Katz said. “A lot of the brand’s history is right here in Newport Beach.”

For Quiksilver, an international company with many facets, the film component of their brand allows them to share the foundation of the Quiksilver lifestyle, Katz said.

“We’re really a youth-oriented brand, and these movie nights are a great way for us to bring these types of projects to youth and to the families,” Katz said.