10 Best Documentaries About Surfing To Watch - Backpackingman (2024)

These documentaries about surfing show a sport that transcends the boundaries of water and culture, surfing serves as both a personal pursuit and a communal lifestyle.

Documentaries About Surfing

From the sun-soaked beaches of California to the remote breaks of Australia, these documentaries give a journey into the captivating world of surfers, their indomitable spirit, and the ever-elusive quest for the ultimate ride.

Step Into Liquid (2003)

Step Into Liquid” is a documentary film directed by Dana Brown, son of the legendary surf filmmaker Bruce Brown. Released in 2003, the film explores the diverse world of surfing by showcasing various aspects of the sport and its global culture.

The documentary takes you on a journey around the world, featuring surfers in diverse locations such as Ireland, Vietnam, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and more. It highlights the universal appeal of surfing and its ability to bring people together across cultures.

It covers a wide range of surfing styles and disciplines, including traditional longboarding, big wave surfing, tow-in surfing, and even river surfing.

The documentary features interviews and footage of well-known surfers, including Laird Hamilton, Kelly Slater, and others. It gives insights into their perspectives on surfing and the unique challenges they face in different surfing environments.

Similar to his father’s style in “The Endless Summer,” Dana Brown provides a narrative that adds a personal touch to the documentary.

Riding Giants (2004)

Riding Giants explores the history and evolution of big wave surfing, focusing on the surfers who push the boundaries by tackling the largest and most challenging waves around the world.

The documentary provides a historical perspective on the sport of big wave surfing, tracing its roots back to the early days of surfing in Hawaii and the pioneers who first ventured into the realm of riding giants.

It features interviews with some of the most iconic and influential figures in big wave surfing, including Greg Noll, Laird Hamilton, and Jeff Clark. These surfers share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they faced while pursuing big wave riding.

Riding Giants takes you to various surfing locations around the world, showcasing some of the most famous big wave spots, including Waimea Bay in Hawaii and Mavericks in California.

The Endless Summer (1966)

The Endless Summer is a classic surf documentary directed by Bruce Brown. Released in 1966, it follows two surfers, Mike Hynson and Robert August, as they travel the world in search of the perfect wave. The film is known for its iconic surf footage and captures the essence of the surfing subculture during the 1960s.

Bruce Brown narrates the documentary, providing insights into the surfers’ adventures and the global quest for the ultimate surfing experience. “The Endless Summer” is celebrated not only for its breathtaking cinematography but also for its lighthearted and adventurous spirit.

The film showcases surfers riding waves in various locations, including California, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti. One of the key elements that set “The Endless Summer” apart is its focus on the joy of surfing and the camaraderie among surfers.

This is my all-time favourite one out of all these documentaries about surfing.

Under an Arctic Sky (2017)

Under an Arctic Sky follows a group of surfers who embark on a challenging expedition to Iceland in search of perfect waves under the Northern Lights.

The story revolves around six surfers, including Burkard himself, who journey to the remote and icy shores of Iceland during the winter months. The film captures their struggle against harsh weather conditions, freezing temperatures, and challenging surf conditions.

Despite the difficulties, the surfers are rewarded with breathtaking landscapes and the opportunity to ride waves beneath the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

The documentary not only showcases the beauty of Iceland’s rugged and untamed environment but also explores the passion and dedication of surfers who are willing to go to great lengths to chase their dreams.

This is a unique one out of these documentaries about surfing due to the Northern Lights and Arctic location.

Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable (2018)

Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable tells the inspirational life story of Bethany Hamilton, a professional surfer who overcame a significant challenge in her pursuit of the sport. The film follows Hamilton’s journey from her early days as a promising young surfer to her remarkable comeback after a shark attack that resulted in the loss of her left arm.

Bethany Hamilton became a household name in 2003 when, at the age of 13, she survived a shark attack while surfing in Kauai, Hawaii. Despite losing her left arm in the incident, she displayed incredible resilience and determination to return to competitive surfing.

The film chronicles her recovery, the emotional and physical challenges she faced, and her triumphant return to the waves.

View From a Blue Moon (2015)

View from a Blue Moon gives a unique perspective on surfing through the eyes of John John Florence, who is widely regarded as one of the top surfers of his generation.

The film follows Florence as he travels to various surf destinations, including Tahiti, South Africa, and his home in Hawaii. The title, “View from a Blue Moon,” refers to the rare phenomenon of a second full moon in a calendar month, also known as a “blue moon.”

It captures not only the incredible surfing skills of Florence but also the beauty of the landscapes and the cultural aspects of the locations he visits.

Bustin’ Down the Door (2008)

Bustin’ Down the Door explores the early days of professional surfing and the impact of a group of young Australian and South African surfers on the sport. The film is set in the 1970s and focuses on the so-called “Bustin’ Down the Door” generation, a group of surfers who revolutionized the sport by introducing aggressive and innovative surfing techniques.

The title of the film refers to an incident in 1975 when a group of Australian surfers, including Wayne Bartholomew, Shaun Tomson, and Mark Richards, arrived in Hawaii with the intention of challenging the established Hawaiian surfers.

This led to tension and clashes in the lineup, as the Australians sought recognition and acceptance in the notoriously competitive and localized Hawaiian surf scene.

The documentary provides a historical perspective on the evolution of professional surfing and the struggles faced by the early pioneers to break into the mainstream. It also explores the cultural and social dynamics of the surfing world during that time.

Momentum Generation (2018)

Momentum Generation explores the rise of a group of young surfers in the 1990s known as the “Momentum Generation.” These surfers revolutionized the sport and played a significant role in shaping the future of professional surfing.

The documentary focuses on a tight-knit group of surfers, including Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, Taylor Knox, Benji Weatherley, Kalani Robb, and Ross Williams, among others. The film delves into their friendships, rivalries, and the impact they had on the world of surfing during a pivotal period in the sport’s history.

The term “Momentum Generation” originated from the surf film “Momentum,” directed by Taylor Steele, which featured the aforementioned surfers and showcased their innovative and progressive surfing styles.

The documentary explores their journey from young, talented surfers growing up in Hawaii to becoming influential figures in the surfing community. This is one of my personal favourites of all these documentaries about surfing.

North of the Sun (2012)

North of the Sun follows the journey of two Norwegian surfers, Inge Wegge and Jørn Nyseth Ranum, as they embark on an adventure to live off the grid on a remote, uninhabited island in the Arctic Circle.

The island is located north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, and the film documents their experiences over the course of nine months.

The surfers build a makeshift shelter from materials washed ashore and attempt to sustain themselves by foraging for food and surfing the icy waves. The documentary captures their struggle against the harsh Arctic conditions and their determination to live a minimalist lifestyle.

Despite the extreme challenges, the film showcases the beauty of the natural surroundings and the unique surfing opportunities that the Arctic landscape presents.

Bra Boys (2007)

Bra Boys explores the history and lifestyle of a youth surf gang in the Sydney suburb of Maroubra, known as the “Bra Boys.” The documentary is narrated by Russell Crowe and provides an in-depth look at the surfing community, the challenges they face, and the bonds that tie them together.

The Bra Boys gained notoriety for their strong brotherhood and their reputation for being a close-knit, loyal group. The documentary delves into the socioeconomic factors that contributed to the formation of the gang, as well as their connection to the world of professional surfing.

The film also addresses issues such as the gang’s clashes with authority, incidents of violence, and the struggles of growing up in a tough environment. “Bra Boys” offers a mix of personal narratives, archival footage, and interviews with key members of the Bra Boys, including the Abberton brothers.

Surfing

These documentaries about surfing not only capture the essence of riding the waves but also delve into the rich tapestry of surf culture, exploring the diverse stories of those who have dedicated their lives to chasing the perfect swell.

Also, keeping with the water vibe, have a look at the 10 best documentaries about Oceans.

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