The 7 Best Surf Movies to Watch During Lockdown

Our Top Picks on Amazon Prime & Netflix

It’s freezing outside, the lockdown looks like it may be a lengthy one and Brexit has just come into play. We, for sure, plan on getting active, hitting the beach and enjoying walks and skates in our daily lockdown exercises. But for now it’s been a hectic start to the year, so we’re going to cosy up, relax and switch on the telly. If you feel like joining us then we have compiled a list of our top picks for the best surf movies & documentaries on Netflix and Amazon Prime.

If you do however need a little extra motivation to get active outside, we have a few suggestions and tips to enjoy the adventures / exercise outside despite the balmy temperatures. Feel free to check out our winter range here for jackets, beanies and all accessories to stay warm. If you’re brave enough to go for a swim, then don’t forget a changing robe or a thermos mug to enjoy a hot tea after a cold dip.

So without further ado, let’s dive in…

1 | Andy Irons - Kissed by God

IMBD 8.2 – Available on Prime

Summary: Bipolar disorder and addiction as seen through the life of three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons. The untold story of Andy’s life serves to tear down the myths associated with these two ferocious diseases.

Mango Says: 10/10 if you are only going to watch one of these recommendations – make it this. If you don’t have amazon prime, get the free trial and prioritize this one. AI forever!

Watch it Here

Image courtesy of IMDB

2 | Resurface

IMBD 7.0 – Available on Netflix

Summary: After years of nightmares, depression and seizures – war veteran Bobby Lane could see no way out of his trauma other than suicide. Enter former big wave surfer, Van Curaza, who since founded Operation Surf and dedicated his life to helping veterans find solace in surfing.

Backed by a growing body of research organizations such as Operation Surf, the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation are using surfing to help veterans cope with physical and mental trauma.

Mango says: a pretty heavy yet inspirational short highlighting the healing powers of the ocean. Who’s cutting onions? 

Watch it Here

Image courtesy of IMDB

3 | Magnetic

IMBD 6.5 – Available on Netflix

Summary: Following the men and women attracted by the magnetic force of unleashed elements across the globe. With state of the art camera equipment and incredible cinematography, elite adrenaline junkies are filmed doing ridiculous adrenaline junkie things in some pretty remote locations, from New Zealand to Pakistan – to the Islands of Tahiti.

Mango says: high definition and higher octane, this is a visual masterpiece. Definitely worth a watch!

Watch it Here

Image courtesy of IMDB

4 | Don't Crack Under Pressure

IMBD 6.8 – Available on Netflix

Summary: Adrenaline can be addicting. Athletes around the world push their limits in death defying acts just to capture the feeling of it. Extreme sports, extreme climates. A word of caution here – some of the beautiful locations may give us a little FOMO whilst we are in lockdown.

Mango Says: An extreme surf, snow, freedive and Kitesurf epic. Thanks to Tag Heuer who clearly didn’t hold back on the filming budget. This is a great watch, especially for a big old TV.

Watch it Here

Image courtesy of FilmAffinity

5 | Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable

IMBD 7.4 – Available on Netflix

Summary: A Documentary about the legendary willpower and determination of Bethany Hamilton who at the age of thirteen, lost her arm in a brutal shark attack. There is also a hollywood production of this story called soul surfer but we chose to go for the less cheesy documentary.

Mango Says: Incredible story, Bethany Hamilton was back in the water 4 weeks after a shark attack. Made us feel bad for all the times we didn’t paddle out because our wetsuits were damp. Was eye opening to see how much specific training had to be adapted to keep her surfing. A must watch.

Watch it Here

Image courtesy of FilmAffinity

6 | Boardroom

IMBD 7.4 – Available on Prime

Summary: Before there were big surf corporations, a handful of pioneers were building wooden surfboards in their garages. Unbeknownst to them, they created a lifestyle that would be emulated by the generations to come. This is their story.

Mango Says: A great little gem of history from the surfing golden age of nostalgia. If you’re not really into the history of the rise of surfing from California, then give this one a miss as it will just be a bunch of old dudes talking surfboards. 

Watch it Here

Image courtesy of IMDB

7 | Heavy Water

IMBD 6.9 – Available on Prime

Summary: Follow big wave surfer Nathan Fletcher (the guy who just did THAT air) through the evolution of surfing and his relationship with big waves.

Mango Says: We have always been a big fan of Nathan fletcher and when you team him up with the red bull media house, we’re all in!. A quote from the movie “I love to get just as close to death as I can possibly get… and then dodge it”. 

Watch it Here

Image courtesy of Amazon