Beyond the Wave: Red Bull’s ‘Now Days’ Signals a New Era for Women’s Surfing
The future of professional surfing hasn’t just arrived—it has crashed onto the shore with overwhelming force. Red Bull has officially released Now Days, a cinematic surf film that serves as a definitive manifesto for the modern era of women’s surfing.
Launched globally on May 1 via YouTube and Red Bull, the 45-minute production is an odyssey of high-stakes performance. The film follows six of the most dominant forces in the sport as they navigate the world’s most punishing reefs and most progressive ramps.
From the heavy barrels of Tahiti and Fiji to the legendary breaks of Mexico and Hawaii, the footage captures a level of surfing that is, by any objective standard, absurd. We are seeing full-rail carves in high-consequence waves and progressive aerial maneuvers that would have been the gold standard in men’s finals only five years ago.
This isn’t merely a highlight reel; it is a statement of intent. Does this shift toward collective progression fundamentally change how we view athletic rivalry?
The ‘Super Six’: Rivalry Reimagined
At the heart of the film is a group dubbed the “Super Six.” This elite circle operates in a high-voltage environment where intense competition and deep friendship coexist.
While these women are fierce rivals eyeing Olympic podiums for Los Angeles 2028, they have chosen a different path to greatness: collaboration. Instead of operating in silos, they are feeding off one another’s energy, accelerating the sport’s evolution in real time.
“It’s kind of weird that you can be friends with your biggest rival,” says Erin Brooks.
That perceived “weirdness” is exactly why it works. By treating progression as a shared goal rather than a guarded secret, they are lifting the entire ceiling of the sport.
Related: New Women’s Surf Film Gets The Hollywood Premiere It Deserves
A Study in Individual Brilliance
Caroline Marks, an Olympic gold medalist, provides the film’s anchor, demonstrating a relentless hunger for growth despite having already reached the pinnacle of the sport.
Molly Picklum injects the project with raw, competitive intensity, while Caity Simmers showcases her trademark fluid style, blending loose movement with surgical intent.
Meanwhile, Brooks and Sierra Kerr are aggressively pushing the boundaries of aerial surfing, venturing into territory previously unexplored in women’s competition.
Then there is Sky Brown. At just 17, Brown operates on a frequency entirely her own, seamlessly bridging the gap between world-class skateboarding and surfing with dual Olympic ambitions.
The resulting film is raw and kinetic, avoiding the pitfalls of over-production. The soundtrack mirrors this honesty, utilizing artists like Jamie xx and Obongjayar to give each surfer’s segment a unique emotional pulse.
Which of the Super Six do you believe is currently redefining the aesthetic of high-performance surfing the most?
Related: “I Did Whatever I Wanted:” Caity Simmers’ On The Offseason That Changed Everything
For generations, female surfers fought uphill battles for recognition and equal resources. Now Days marks the end of that era. This generation isn’t asking for a seat at the table; they are building a new table entirely.
You can experience the full vision of Now Days now on YouTube.
The Evolution of Women’s High-Performance Surfing
The trajectory seen in Now Days is the result of a systemic shift in how surfing is coached, competed, and consumed. The integration of surfing into the Olympic Games has provided a global platform and institutional funding that was previously unavailable to female athletes.
Historically, the “progression” of women’s surfing was often measured against a male benchmark. Today, the “Super Six” are establishing their own metrics of success, focusing on power, risk, and technical innovation that stands on its own merit.
Organizations like the International Surfing Association (ISA) have played a pivotal role in standardizing competition and creating pathways for young talents like Sky Brown to enter the professional circuit at an unprecedented age.
As the world looks toward Los Angeles 2028, the narrative has shifted from “inclusion” to “dominance.” The collective nature of current progression ensures that when one athlete lands a new maneuver, the others don’t just react—they evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Red Bull Now Days surf film about?
- It is a 45-minute cinematic documentary that follows six elite female surfers as they push the limits of high-performance surfing across various global locations.
- Who are the athletes in the Red Bull Now Days surf film?
- The film features Caroline Marks, Molly Picklum, Caity Simmers, Erin Brooks, Sierra Kerr, and Sky Brown.
- Where is the Red Bull Now Days surf film available?
- The film is available for free viewing on YouTube and Red Bull’s digital platforms.
- What makes the surfing in Now Days different from previous films?
- The film showcases a shift toward collective progression, featuring aerials and rail work that rival the technicality of men’s professional surfing.
- What are the Olympic goals mentioned in the Red Bull Now Days surf film?
- The athletes are focusing their training and progression toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Join the Conversation: Do you think the “collective progression” model will become the standard for other professional sports? Share this article with your crew and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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