Girl’s Can’t Surf! Review.

With Deep Creek Brewing we hosted a screening of this epic documentary at Academy Cinemas, Auckland. With a sold out screening full of good vibes we laughed (and maybe cried a little) together… Read on for our review of the movie.

This movie focusses on the rise of competitive surfing as a hugely popular sport and booming business… for the men that is. The women who joined the rise of these initial events had the same dreams as the men, but the industry didn’t support them. This is their story: a struggle to gain respect, sponsorships, support and create an equal platform for athletes- regardless of gender or sexuality.

The documentary takes you chronologically through the years; while this may feel a bit slow paced at time the format allows a focus on the individuals who competed together on tour for many years. It also highlights the slow pace of progress, which isn’t linear- rather it feels like a constant two steps forward, one step back.

We love how the interviews show these women very honestly as the own up to their own personalities and flaws. Anyone who has played a sport or been on a trip with people will recognise the intimacy and complexities of cohabiting and relationships of this kind of environment. These women spent years together, knowing each other at best and worst as competitors, athletes, and humans. They aren’t always nice, but upfront about their shortcomings as they each try and individually navigate the environment of competitive sport as a woman- and all the baggage that comes with it. This is especially hard for the women who had queer sexuality or motherhood. I appreciate the film doesn’t gloss over these things but instead portrays them as much more nuanced and real people. Throughout, you see the women embracing different ways of claiming their femininity and roles as athletes, and sometimes clashing in their idea of how this should be done.

Overall, the film ends on a positive note with the announcement of equal prize packs. You leave the movie feeling grateful, inspired, and humbled. The women are all so generous in their acknowledgment of the roles they played in making surfing better for women and aren’t spiteful or jealous for the women who are reaping the rewards of their hard work. They inspire us to do the same, and continue to make things better for the next generation.

We had so much fun hosting this event with Deep Creek. Full house, full hearts 💙💜 An evening of connection, conversation and inspiration!

Thanks so much to all the ladies who came, to @deepcreekbrewingco for hosting with us and supporting our community. Thanks to @ultimatesurfnskate, @drinkalmighty, @forty__thieves @academycinemas and @farley_performance_training for your continued support!

And to those lucky people who upgraded their ticket to a betty swag bag (worth over $150!) we hope you enjoy the goodness. Printed by @threadbox, fuelled by @allpressespresso, @climaxsurfwax @mamasbrewshop, @poptopwhangamata , @ultimatesurfnskate and with art by @julianadece. And of course some @betty.zine .