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SportsOceania

Holy Surf! - Once Upon a Wave

July 25, 2025

The documentary tells the fascinating story of surfing. With breathtaking footage, the film provides insights into a sport that has its origins in Polynesian culture.

Holy Surf! - Once Upon a Wave
Image: Cineteve

It was filmed on the coasts of Tahiti, Hawaii and California.

Surfing is a sport that’s far more than just a game: It’s also the expression of a culture.

Image: Cineteve

In this case, it is the culture of a people who live with and on the water - the Polynesians. The art of riding the waves is their ancient heritage.

Image: Cineteve

Surfing was on the verge of extinction almost a century ago - a thorn in the side of Christian missionaries.

Image: Cineteve

It owes its resurrection to a handful of young runaways, businessmen and rebellious young men and women from all over the world. Their stories are told here. Surfing grew in popularity around the world, and eventually became a competitive sport, earning a place in the Olympics.

 

Broadcasting Hours: 

DW English

SAT 16.08.2025 – 11:03 UTC
SAT 16.08.2025 – 22:03 UTC
SUN 17.08.2025 – 05:03 UTC

Lagos UTC +1 | Cape Town UTC +2 | Nairobi UTC +3
Delhi UTC +5,5 | Bangkok UTC +7 | Hong Kong UTC +8
London UTC +1 | Berlin UTC +2 | Moscow UTC +3
San Francisco UTC -7 | Edmonton UTC -6 | New York UTC -4

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