Unveiling the Surprising Surfing Skills of Summer's Actors

Summary

The characters in "Surviving Summer" are heavily involved in surfing, and the show's focus on the sport sets it apart from other teen dramas.

While professionals handle some of the surfing scenes, the majority of the show's cast members take on the task themselves, bringing added credibility to the series.

Lilliana Bowrey, who portrays the character Poppy, is an accomplished surfer in reality and her transition into acting for the Netflix show has been both demanding and fulfilling.

In Shorehaven, surfing is at the heart of everything, but are the actors in Surviving Summer actually skilled surfers in real life? Unlike other teen dramas where the series is just a backdrop for the melodramatic events in the community, surfing takes center stage in this Netflix show. When Summer Torres (portrayed by Sky Katz) arrives in the fictional Australian town and transitions from a tough-skateboarding New Yorker to a promising surfer, the sport becomes just as crucial as her relationships with the talented group of surfers she befriends.

The characters in Surviving Summer fully immerse themselves in the world of surfing, from drawing parallels between catching waves and the challenges of life to participating in competitions. It can be challenging to determine if the actors are genuinely surfing, as the tight editing in close-ups and the use of long shots make them appear as skilled professionals riding the waves. With the assistance of skilled cinematographers and stunt performers, it's easy to create the illusion that they possess the abilities of surfing champions. However, some of them truly have the talent required.

Most Of Surviving Summer's Actors Do Their Own Surfing

In contrast to most surfing movies and TV shows, where the characters merely observe the waves before transitioning to professional surfers, the Netflix show Surviving Summer has ingeniously edited the scenes to create the illusion that the actors themselves are performing all their own water stunts. While professional surfers take over for the challenging competitive surfing that could pose potential injuries to the actors, the transitions are flawlessly seamless.

As reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, Kai Lewins predominantly handles his own surfing scenes, Lilliana Bowrey completely masters her own board work, and Joao Gabriel Marinho represents the remarkable talent of South American surfers who have left their mark on the sport in recent years. The series authentically portrays the surfing culture and lifestyle in various locations, including Fairhaven, Torquay, Anglesea, Bell's Beach, and Airey's Inlet, giving it a sense of genuineness and distinguishing it from other series lacking in attention to detail. Consequently, Surviving Summer stands out as a far more genuine and less gimmicky production, contributing significantly to its success.

Surviving Summer's Poppy Actress Lilliana Bowrey Is A Professional Surfer In Real Life

Few shows can compare to Surviving Summer when it comes to featuring talented actresses like Lilliana Bowrey, a professional surfer in real life. As a five-time Queensland junior surfing champion, Bowrey shares a strong determination with her character Poppy Tetanui to become a surfing World Champion. Making her debut as an actor in the Netflix series, Bowrey effortlessly handles the surfing scenes but admits to feeling nervous about her on-camera performance. In an interview with SURFER Magazine, she even confesses that she was hesitant to watch herself, curious about how others would perceive her acting skills.

This unexpected recognition for her acting abilities has presented Bowrey with a challenging transition. Despite the slight detour from her surfing career, she has no intentions of ditching her board for Hollywood glamour. Bowrey's unwavering commitment, both on and off the water, as well as the exceptional performances by the rest of the young cast, is what sets Surviving Summer apart from other teenage dramas. This authenticity has garnered respect from various demographics, including surfers who would typically prioritize riding waves over watching TV.

Source: The Sydney Morning Harold, SURFER Magazine