5 Modern Surf Films That’ll Stoke Your Fire (and Your Travel Bug)
At IPD Surf, we live for early surf checks, salty hair, and road trips with boards strapped to the roof. But sometimes the swell goes flat, or you just need a little extra stoke to get you through the week. That’s where a killer surf film comes in.
We’re not talking about grainy edits or highlight reels set to overused tracks—we’re talking about modern, high-energy, beautifully shot films that capture what surfing feels like. Whether you’re watching in your favorite IPD T-shirt, lounging in your go-to board shorts, or under a shade-giving hat, these films bring the vibe home.
1. The Yin & Yang of Gerry Lopez – Patagonia Films
This one's part biography, part soul-surfing documentary. Gerry Lopez is known as one of the smoothest surfers to ever grace a wave, but this film dives deeper into his journey—from Pipeline pioneer to yoga devotee and environmental advocate. It’s mellow, thoughtful, and a perfect reminder that surf culture is about more than just barrels. It’ll have you rethinking your pace, your purpose, and maybe even your packing list: don’t forget your hat and that comfy IPD T-shirt for the next dawn patrol.
2. Snapt 4 – Logan Dulien
Looking for something that’s fast, raw, and dripping with power surfing? Snapt 4 brings together some of the heaviest hitters in the game—like Mason Ho, Jack Robinson, and Barron Mamiya—throwing down in every condition imaginable. This is the kind of film that’ll make you want to run out the door, wax up, and paddle out with fire in your chest. Pair it with some performance-ready board shorts and a don’t-mess-with-me hat, and you’re set.
3. Thank You Mother – Torren Martyn & Ishka Folkwell
Yes, it’s artsy. Yes, it’s mellow. And yes—it’s completely worth your time. Torren and filmmaker Ishka Folkwell take you deep into the connection between surfer, shaper, and wave, highlighting Simon Jones of Morning of the Earth Surfboards. This is a great one to watch barefoot in the backyard with some good friends, a cool drink, and your most relaxed board shorts on.
4. Pentacoastal – Wade Goodall & Shane Fletcher
One word: art. Pentacoastal isn’t your average surf film—it’s a visually rich, experimental piece with otherworldly editing and jaw-dropping surfing. This one’s for the creative surfers, the ones who express themselves in every line they draw and every piece they wear. You’ll want to wear something that speaks the same language—maybe a throwback T-shirt from our latest collection or some statement hats that turn heads at the beach.
5. Smooch – The 2 Percent Crew
Pure chaos, high-octane surfing, and no shortage of personality. Smooch is what happens when a tight crew of underground chargers decides to throw the rulebook out the window and just go surf hard. With sketchy drops, sketchier landings, and a heavy dose of DIY energy, this film feels like your favorite surf trip with your gnarliest friends. Watch it in your rattiest board shorts, throw on a backwards hat, and let the madness take over.
From soulful storytellers to off-the-wall slab hunters, today’s surf films are as diverse as the lineups we love. At IPD Surf, we’re about living this life full tilt—whether you're out in the water, on the road, or kicking back with your crew. Just make sure your T-shirts, board shorts, and hats are dialed in before you press play. Because even when you’re couch-locked, you can still look like you’re chasing swell.
– The IPD Surf Crew
