Surf Cinema Tour Makes Waves from Cornwall to Edinburgh

A new UK tour is set to bring stories of surf, resilience and community to audiences across the country this autumn, with screenings at more than 17 cinemas from Cornwall and Swansea up to Edinburgh.

From Bristol to the Big Screen

What began as a small surf-film night in Bristol has grown into a nationwide celebration of surfing culture. UK Surf Cinema, founded by filmmaker and surfer Theo Cockrean, has launched its first-ever national tour, bringing three acclaimed surf films to the silver screen.

“The films have heart that connect people, not just for the thrill of watching people catch epic waves, but for the shared love of the ocean, kinship, and culture with each exploring the personal connections, challenges, and triumphs found in and around the sea,” said Theo.

Three Films, One Ocean

On the line-up are three powerful surf stories:

Riptide, featuring Mark ‘Jock’ Jones, follows a Welsh surfer through cancer recovery, lockdown and his enduring relationship with the ocean. Filmed by Kristian Kane and Lewis Carter of Welsh-based Fine Rolling Media, it documents Jock’s five-year journey of healing and rediscovery.

“This documentary has been 5 years in the making since we heard about Jock’s ‘virtual paddle’ for charity. It was filmed in incredible locations across Wales from Llantwit, to Freshwater West, to Skrinkle Haven, and Monknash – all through Jock’s ups and downs. As filmmakers we’ve had several family members taken from us too early by cancer and we’d say this film will bring home to audiences that outside of your family, friends, and doing what you love in life… everything else can take a backseat,” said Lewis and Kristian.

Salt, from pioneering Irish filmmaker Alice Ward, tells the story of her journey as the first woman in Ireland to film surfing from the water. Living with Cystic Fibrosis, Alice shares how her connection to the ocean transformed her health and outlook.

“Stepping in front of the camera and sharing my story was daunting, but my journey into surf filmmaking was propelled by the lack of female representation in the surf scene. As someone who has grappled with serious illness I also wanted to demonstrate how we can possess capabilities beyond doctors’ prognoses and how immersing myself in the ocean has a hugely positive impact on my health. My hope is to enrich the portrayal of ocean-based communities through a new lens,” said Alice.

Finding San Nicolas, by Cornwall-based Martin Dorey, founder of The 2 Minute Beach Clean, revisits the golden era of surf travel through the eyes of Bude surfboard craftsman Roger Tout and Plymouth surf legend John Cutts.

“I knew the first time filmmaker Lea Judge and I saw them – we just had to do something with the rolls of Super 8. What started as an unfinished film project by two passionate surfers surviving on a shoestring – has become a glimpse of what surf and community can be; transcending borders, language barriers and cultures – because of a passion for the ocean and the thrill of the waves. And for John and Roger, the fact this eye-opening trip from 50 years ago could inspire a whole new generation of surfers – is the icing on the cake,” said Martin.

Celebrating Surf Culture

According to Wavelength Magazine, the timing couldn’t be better. “There are more surfers in the water than ever before, and more surfers of varying ability levels and bringing people together under one roof like this to celebrate surf filmmaking feels like the antithesis to the doom scroll. Surf films are important to inspire surfers all over the world and there’s nothing better than seeing these films play out on a big screen,” said Jason Lock from publisher DYSUJO.

After a sold-out run in Bristol, Theo decided to take the event on the road to share these stories with wider audiences. Growing up in Buckinghamshire, Theo discovered surfing at age nine on a family holiday to St Ives Bay and later studied film at the School of Film and Television in Falmouth. He now works across major productions including Antiques Roadshow, Bake Off, and international events like the Olympics and FIFA Club World Cup.

Giving Back to the Ocean

Each event will donate £1 from every ticket to The Wave Project, a surf therapy charity supporting young people through the power of the ocean.

“Theo, who started UK Surf Cinema, was originally a volunteer with The Wave Project in West Cornwall, so it feels really special to see that connection grow. For us, this partnership is about people coming together around a shared love of the sea. We work with NHS services, schools and families to offer a safe, supportive space at the beach and every ticket sold and story shared will support young people so they can build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging through surfing. What’s special is that it’s not about performance or being ‘good’ at surfing, it’s about connection, joy and self-belief,” said Tim Trythall from The Wave Project.

Theo added, “UK Surf Cinema is for anyone who has ever felt the draw of the sea. Whether you’re a die-hard surfer, a weekend wave catcher, or simply someone inspired by the ocean. We hope that audiences leave feeling inspired by the outdoors and connected to the ocean, no matter how often they step into it.”

UK Surf Cinema is backed by Wavelength Surf Magazine, Surfing England and the Welsh Surfing Federation.

Tour Dates and Tickets

The tour runs from 3rd November to 3rd December 2025, with stops across the UK including Plymouth, Falmouth, Newquay, St Ives, Cardiff, Swansea, Ilfracombe, Edinburgh and more.

Full listings and tickets are available at uksurfcinema.com.

About The Wave Project

The Wave Project helps children and young people who are struggling with their mental health. Working with NHS services, schools and families, it supports around 2,500 young people each year across the UK. Its data shows that 83% of participants report improved wellbeing and confidence after completing their surf therapy course. On average, wellbeing scores improve by over 21 points after their course — a significant shift towards resilience and thriving.

Find out more about their impact at waveproject.co.uk/our-impact