10 Movies & Shows Like Girls Can’t Surf

Description: A pioneering surf documentary that follows surfers on a global quest for the perfect wave, highlighting the freedom, camaraderie, and thrill of the sport. It embodies the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of passion against all odds.

Fact: The film was shot on a shoestring budget and became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring generations of surfers. It introduced many viewers to surfing destinations around the world they had never seen before.

Description: This documentary explores the world of big wave surfing, capturing the passion, danger, and dedication of surfers who push the limits of the sport. It shares themes of perseverance, adventure, and the deep connection between humans and nature.

Fact: The film features legendary surfers like Laird Hamilton and Greg Noll, who revolutionized big wave surfing. It was one of the first documentaries to showcase the evolution of surfing from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon.

Description: A documentary about the surfers who revolutionized the sport in the 1970s, turning it into a global phenomenon. It captures the rebellious spirit, innovation, and cultural impact of surfing during that era.

Fact: The film focuses on surfers like Wayne Bartholomew and Shaun Tomson, who helped professionalize the sport. Their aggressive style and competitive drive changed surfing forever.

Description: This documentary follows snowboarder Kevin Pearce's recovery after a traumatic brain injury and his journey to redefine his identity. It explores themes of resilience, the cost of extreme sports, and the importance of community support.

Fact: Kevin Pearce was a top snowboarder preparing for the Olympics when his injury occurred. The film highlights the often-overlooked risks of extreme sports and the long road to recovery.

Description: This documentary follows climbers attempting to conquer the Shark's Fin on Mount Meru, one of the most challenging ascents in the world. It explores themes of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.

Fact: Mount Meru's Shark's Fin had never been successfully climbed before the attempts documented in the film. The climbers faced life-threatening conditions, including avalanches and extreme cold.

Description: A documentary chronicling the history of rock climbing in Yosemite Valley, focusing on the rebellious spirit and counterculture of the climbers. It shares themes of defiance, adventure, and the clash between tradition and innovation.

Fact: The film covers decades of climbing history, from the early pioneers to the modern daredevils. Yosemite's El Capitan is considered the mecca of rock climbing, attracting the best climbers in the world.

Description: This inspiring documentary follows Bethany Hamilton's journey as she overcomes a shark attack to return to professional surfing. It highlights resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit.

Fact: Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack at age 13 but returned to surfing just a month later. The film includes footage of her competing against the world's best surfers with one arm.

Description: A gripping documentary about Alex Honnold's attempt to climb El Capitan without ropes, showcasing extreme dedication and the pursuit of seemingly impossible goals. It shares themes of risk, passion, and the drive to push boundaries.

Fact: Alex Honnold's climb was the first free solo ascent of El Capitan, a 3,000-foot vertical rock face. The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in

Description: This documentary delves into the lives of a tight-knit group of surfers who redefined the sport in the 1990s. It explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the transformative power of surfing.

Fact: The film features never-before-seen footage of the surfers' early days. Many of the subjects, like Kelly Slater and Rob Machado, went on to become legends in the sport.

Description: A visually stunning documentary that follows surfers on an expedition to Iceland, battling extreme conditions to ride untouched waves. It captures the raw beauty of nature and the relentless pursuit of adventure.

Fact: The crew faced a once-in-a-century storm during filming, adding to the documentary's intensity. It showcases some of the most remote and pristine surfing locations ever documented.