‘Princes of Surf’ Explores How Hawaiian Teens Brought Surfing to the Mainland: A New Documentary Spotlights a Cultural Revolution
Los Angeles, CA – August 31, 2025
Imagine a group of daring Hawaiian teenagers, armed with nothing but their surfboards and unbreakable spirit, paddling into uncharted waters to introduce the world to the thrill of wave-riding. That’s the electrifying story at the heart of the new documentary Princes of Surf, which premiered at the Hawaii International Film Festival earlier this year and is now streaming on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker David Lisecki, the film delves into the 1960s adventures of the “Princes of Surf”—a crew of young Native Hawaiian surfers who crossed the Pacific to bring their island sport to the American mainland, forever changing beach culture and igniting a global phenomenon. Through archival footage, personal interviews, and stunning reenactments, the documentary not only celebrates their pioneering spirit but also examines the cultural and social barriers they overcame, offering a fresh perspective on surfing’s roots and its enduring legacy.
Key Details of the Documentary and the Historical Events
Princes of Surf chronicles the journey of key figures like Eddie Aikau, Fred Hemmings, and the “Bushman” crew, who in 1965 organized the first major surfing exhibition on the U.S. mainland at Huntington Beach, California. These teens, hailing from Oahu’s North Shore and other Hawaiian islands, were part of a wave of young athletes who viewed surfing not just as a pastime but as a way to showcase Hawaiian heritage amid growing tourism and cultural dilution in the post-statehood era. The film highlights their 1964-1965 tour, where they performed demonstrations up and down the California coast, drawing crowds of thousands and earning media buzz in outlets like Life magazine.
Verified historical facts underscore the documentary’s authenticity: In 1965, the group—sponsored by brands like Hobie Surfboards—competed in the United States Surfing Championships at Huntington Beach, marking the first time mainland audiences saw professional Hawaiian surfing up close. Eddie Aikau, then just 19, became a standout, riding massive waves with grace that captivated spectators and helped legitimize surfing as a competitive sport. The film uses rare 16mm footage from the era, interviews with surviving princes like Hemmings (now 80), and animations to recreate pivotal moments, such as the group’s paddle-out demonstrations and clashes with conservative beachgoers who viewed surfing as a “Hawaiian oddity.”
Running 90 minutes, Princes of Surf also addresses darker undertones, including racial tensions faced by the Native Hawaiian surfers in a predominantly white mainland scene, and how their efforts paved the way for the sport’s commercialization. The documentary features contributions from surf historians like Matt Warshaw and modern pros such as Kelly Slater, who credit the princes for bridging island traditions with global appeal. It premiered on June 15, 2025, at the Hawaii International Film Festival, receiving a standing ovation and the Audience Award for Best Documentary.
Quotes from Filmmakers, Historians, and Subjects
Director David Lisecki emphasized the film’s cultural significance in a post-premiere interview: “These young Hawaiian men weren’t just surfers; they were ambassadors of aloha, bringing joy and skill to a mainland that barely knew the ocean’s power. Their story is about resilience, innovation, and the pure thrill of riding a wave—lessons that resonate today as surfing heads to the Olympics.”
Surfing legend Fred Hemmings, one of the original princes featured in the film, shared his reflections: “We were kids from the islands, full of fire and no fear. Going to the mainland felt like taking our backyard playground to the world. It wasn’t easy—people stared, some jeered—but we showed them surfing’s soul, and it changed everything.”
Historian Matt Warshaw, author of The Encyclopedia of Surfing, praised the documentary’s depth: ” Princes of Surf fills a crucial gap in surf history, highlighting how these teens transformed a niche Hawaiian pursuit into America’s favorite pastime. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s a reminder of the cultural exchange that made surfing what it is today.”
Background: Surfing’s Hawaiian Origins and Mainland Migration
Surfing, or he’e nalu in Hawaiian, dates back to ancient Polynesian culture, with roots in Hawaii where kings like Kamehameha I rode massive boards for sport and status. By the early 20th century, missionaries and colonial influences nearly eradicated the practice, but figures like Duke Kahanamoku revived it in the 1910s, introducing it to California during Olympic swims. However, it was the 1960s “princes”—a loose collective of talented teens from Waikiki and the North Shore—who professionalized and popularized it on the mainland.
The era was marked by Hawaii’s 1959 statehood, which boosted tourism but diluted Native traditions. These young surfers, often from working-class families, saw exhibitions as a way to preserve their identity while gaining opportunities. Their 1965 tour, amid the Vietnam War and civil rights movement, faced skepticism but ultimately inspired the surf boom, leading to brands like Quiksilver and events like the Vans World Cup of Surfing. The documentary contextualizes this against broader Hawaiian history, including the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893, showing surfing as a form of cultural resistance and pride.
Potential Impacts and Next Steps
Princes of Surf arrives at a timely moment, with surfing’s Olympic debut in 2020 (delayed to 2021) elevating its global profile and renewed interest in indigenous sports. The film could inspire educational programs in Hawaiian schools, boost tourism to Oahu’s surf spots, and influence Hollywood—rumors swirl of a feature adaptation starring young Native actors. It also prompts discussions on equity in surfing, where Native Hawaiians remain underrepresented despite their foundational role.
Next steps include a limited theatrical run starting October 2025, followed by international streaming expansions. The production team plans a companion book with archival photos and a youth surf clinic in Hawaii to honor the princes’ legacy. As climate change threatens reefs and waves, the documentary advocates for ocean conservation, potentially partnering with groups like Surfrider Foundation.
In conclusion, Princes of Surf vividly revives the tale of Hawaiian teens who paddled surfing from paradise to the mainland, sparking a cultural wave that still crashes today. The key takeaway? True innovation often comes from bold youth bridging worlds—encouraging viewers to embrace their heritage and ride the waves of change with the same fearless aloha spirit.