A surf culture documentary

Wāhine Waveriders

Wāhine Waveriders is a documentary celebrating three generations of female surfers and the trailblazing legacy their family has built, and continue to maintain, in the lineup at the bottom of Te Wai Pounamu. 

Kia Ora! Welcome to the page for the surf culture documentary: Wāhine Waveriders.

Created by a team of female creatives & surfers based in the South Island of Aotearoa, Wāhine Waveriders is a film not just about surfing; it's about the power of community and nature to heal and unite. It's a testament to the human spirit, showing how the relentless force of the ocean mirrors the resilience of these women, inspiring viewers to find their own paths to healing and empowerment.

As competitive surfing becomes more mainstream and grows in size, it sometimes feels like it’s taking itself too seriously, not to mention how image focused the industry continues to become. Not only do you have to be good, you have to look good. It sometimes feels as though we’ve forgotten the reason we all picked up a surfboard in the first place; to play, have fun and connect with ourselves, the ocean and each other. In the remote, coastal town of Riverton three generations of wāhine surfers are reshaping the culture and creating an inclusive atmosphere unlike anywhere else. The icy cold water hosts a line up prioritising fun and kindness above all else and the joy of that is infectious. Beyond celebrating our heroines contribution to this incredible surf community, Wāhine Waveriders will explore their personal connection to the ocean and celebrate it’s profound impact on physical and emotional recovery. Through the lens of womanhood across three generations, this film will highlight the evolving attitudes toward women in surfing.