Directed by Christopher Nelius

This very fulfilling documentary features surfing greats Jodie Cooper, Frieda Zamba, Pauline Menczer, Lisa Andersen, Pam Burridge, Wendy Botha, Layne Beachley and more, who all speak very openly about the highs and the lows they experienced throughout their remarkable careers. These women each share their personal stories of when and how they first discovered and then fell in love with the popular water sport with genuine enthusiasm that’s infectious to watch. From there, the film goes on to chronicle their rise in the male-dominated professional surfing world throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s and delves into the various professional and personal battles they had to face.

You can bet your bottom dollar that the resilient female subjects of this documentary were themselves subject to endless amounts of sexist remarks, such as “surf like a man, look like a woman” and a series of rules that disadvantaged them in any way possible. From not even being allowed to compete (surfing only turned pro in the 1980’s… for men) to earning no or lower prize money (which only changed a couple of years ago in 2019!), these women had to jump more hurdles than a track and field athlete just to be recognised as professional surfers! Though I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes and wanted to clench my fist at the infuriating inequalities and insults seen here, Girls Can’t Surf continually supersedes negative emotions because of the frankness, upbeat, determination and resolve of these stellar surfers and wonderful women. I hope some quality film producers seeking uplifting and empowering true stories to share on the silver screen come across this documentary.

Girls Can’t Surf is showing in cinemas across Australia from March 11.

Moviedoc thanks Madman for the invitation to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
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