Press & Media kit
Image: Robin Corvest
Whomper: Ritchie Evans
About the film
🎬 Title: WHOMP
⏳ Duration: 30 minutes 47 seconds
📺 Format: Mixed media (live-action, animation)
🗣 Languages: English
📍 Production Year: 2025
🌏 Country of Production: Australia
Movie Trailer
Logline
A visually stunning, joy-filled deep dive into Australia’s underground bodysurfing subculture, WHOMP captures the raw thrill of wave-riding, the humour and humility of wipeouts, and the deep connections forged in and with the ocean.
Short Synopsis
Bodysurfing—raw, rebellious, and ego-free—is having a revival, and WHOMP is here to celebrate it. This 30-minute mixed-media documentary dives into the world of Australian bodysurfers, blending breathtaking ocean cinematography with laugh-out-loud moments and deeply personal stories. From mental health struggles to a First Nations man’s connection to country, from fearless women charging massive waves to the sheer joy of getting whomped, this is a film about passion, resilience, and the universal pull of the sea.
Directors Statement - Wendy John
"I wanted to capture the feeling bodysurfers kept talking about —that moment when the ocean lifts you, spins you, and spits you out onto the shore in a tangle of limbs and grins. The feeling of connection—not just to the water, but to the people who share it with you.
Bodysurfing has long been overshadowed by board riding, but it’s a story that deserves to be told. Through WHOMP, I wanted to bring the voices of this community—and their incredible waves—to the screen in a way that’s never been done before.
This is my debut film, made with an all-women production team spanning Australia, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and Argentina. It’s independent filmmaking at its rawest and most joyful.”
Why bodysurfers (and ocean lovers) will love WHOMP
✔ Bodysurfing’s global resurgence – WHOMP captures the explosive growth of the sport and its dedicated community.
✔ Unbelievable wave-riding action – Featuring big-wave chargers, First Nations watermen, and everyday legendsgetting absolutely whomped.
✔ Filmmaking from the inside – Co-created with the bodysurfing community and shot by 22 surf cinematographers.
✔ The ocean always wins – A film about fun, failure, and the sheer joy of being in the sea.
✔ Pure stoke, no ego – Stand-up surfers might get the glory, but bodysurfers know the real magic happens without a board.
✔ Timed with the biggest event in bodysurfing – The 2025 Bodysurfing World Tour Finals will be held at Coolum Beach, Australia (April 28 – May 7, 2025), bringing together the world's best bodysurfers. WHOMP captures the heart and soul of the sport at the perfect moment.
Press materials
📌 Download Fact Sheet
📢 Download Press Release
🎨 Download Film Poster
To request high-resolution stills, branding assets, and additional media materials, please email yesandfilms@protonmail.com.
These materials are available for media and promotional use only and must be credited appropriately.
Gallery
Image by Justin Spittle
Image by Warren Keelan
Image by Ecto Handplanes/Chris Anderson.
Image by Justin Spittle