What is Storm Riders?
Storm Riders (1980) is a feature‑length Australian surf documentary that captures the era’s top wave riders—including Mark Richards, Gerry Lopez, Simon Anderson, and Wayne Lynch—riding iconic breaks. The film pairs their performances with a vibrant 1980s rock soundtrack featuring tracks by The Doors, Australian Crawl, Split Enz, The Church, Sunnyboys and others, and the DVD release includes the cult short surf film K
- Type
- Film
- Year
- 1980
- Release date
- Jan 1, 1980
- Genres
- Documentary
- Updated
Trailer
No official trailer is available for this title yet.
Find the trailer on YouTube ↗Overview
Storm Riders (1980) is a feature‑length Australian surf documentary that captures the era’s top wave riders—including Mark Richards, Gerry Lopez, Simon Anderson, and Wayne Lynch—riding iconic breaks. The film pairs their performances with a vibrant 1980s rock soundtrack featuring tracks by The Doors, Australian Crawl, Split Enz, The Church, Sunnyboys and others, and the DVD release includes the cult short surf film KONG's ISLAND as a special feature.
Regarded by TMDB as one of the slickest and best Australian surf films of the eighties, Storm Riders holds cultural significance as a visual record of surf legends and the period’s music scene. Its tone remains upbeat and energetic, with brisk pacing that keeps the action flowing, making it an engaging single‑sitting experience for fans of surf history and retro rock music.
Should you watch it?
“A sleek 1980 surf documentary starring the era’s legendary wave riders.”
- Features iconic surfers Mark Richards, Gerry Lopez, Simon Anderson, and Wayne Lynch.
- Showcases a high‑energy soundtrack from The Doors, Australian Crawl, Split Enz, The Church and Sunnyboys.
- Praised for its slick, professional surf cinematography and production values.
- Its documentary style offers limited narrative, which may not satisfy viewers seeking a conventional plot.
Watch it if you crave authentic 80s surf culture paired with a rocking soundtrack.
The tone is upbeat and energetic, pacing brisk, and it suits surf enthusiasts and music fans.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I stream Storm Riders (1980)?
The film is not widely listed on major streaming platforms; it is best accessed via specialty surf‑film collections or the DVD release.
Is Storm Riders worth watching if I'm not a surf fan?
Yes, its vibrant 80s soundtrack and high‑quality cinematography offer appeal beyond surf enthusiasts.
How long does the film run?
Storm Riders is a feature‑length documentary, typically watchable in a single sitting.
What are the essential highlights to look for?
Key highlights include the performances of the legendary surfers and the film’s iconic rock‑driven soundtrack.