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Image: Robin Corvest
Whomper: Ritchie Evans

Logline

The crazy-brave surf subculture of whomping is revealed in a joyful 30-minute film that weaves true tales of bodysurfing triumph, disaster and redemption, with sparkling vision from some of the world’s finest ocean cinematographers.

Events

Where can I see WHOMP on a big screen?​

 

WHOMP has been submitted to a selection of Australian and International film festivals in 2025. 

 

For updates follow @yes_and_films on Instagram.

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Synopsis

Hit the surf with only a tiny hand-held board and ‘whomp’ is a sound you’ll get to know well, along with a warm community who’ll welcome you into the waves.

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Whomping is having an adrenaline-fuelled revival on surf beaches around Australia and the world. Ignoring the grumbles of territorial surfboard riders, WHOMP dives into the culture, characters and stories of bodysurfing, set against the endless summer of the Australian surf coast.

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WHOMP reveals the thrill of tackling treacherous Southern Ocean waves, and the quest to quieten inner demons. It shows a First Nations man’s connection to country, and the bond between a mother and daughter. Across disparate stories, this film is about shared passion for the ocean and the art of not taking yourself too seriously.

 

WHOMP is about being in full contact with the wave. It’s about the sound as the water curls around you and you’re sucked into a barrel. It’s that moment you’re held under tossing and turning, before you come up for air. It’s knowing and accepting that the ocean always wins. ​And it wouldn’t be complete without a shark.

Directors Statement

The journey of creating this film has been nothing short of magical. An all-women production team came together, each bringing unique energy and passion. What began as a small, tentative project grew into an act of co-creation with 22 surf cinematographers and hundreds of bodysurfers from all over Australia. From Perth to Tasmania to the Sunshine Coast, we collected stunning footage and personal stories, collaborating with the beloved bodysurfer "Belly Slater" who narrates the film.

 

A key part of our vision was inclusivity—bodysurfers in WHOMP range in age from 15 to 83, and we made sure to highlight women's voices and diverse experiences. We also honoured the spiritual connection that First Nations man Jarrod Bridges has with the ocean, acknowledging the 60,000 cultural context of the beaches we filmed at. With the help of an incredible team of cinematographers and sound designers, we’ve crafted a visual and auditory experience that immerses the viewer in the jaw-dropping beauty of the ocean.

 

While the film’s production was full of unexpected challenges—including mentor Bob Connelly's early feedback that sent us back to the drawing board—we found gold in the process. Every setback taught us something, and each lesson has shaped me as a storyteller.  I hope WHOMP inspires audiences to step outside, connect with nature, and maybe even get whomped themselves.

Gallery

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