Cherished by many and disliked by others, "North Shore" entered the restricted club of elite cult surf movies. Here are some hidden gems from the 1987 action drama film.
Directed by William Phelps, "North Shore" follows Rick Kane (Matt Adler), an ambitious young surfer from Arizona who heads to Oahu's North Shore to prove himself in waves of consequence.
Kane's journey is full of struggles as he clashes with local surf enforcers, befriends free-spirited Turtle (John Philbin), and trains under soul surfer Chandler (Gregory Harrison).
Along the way, he falls for Kiani (Nia Peeples) and faces off against the ruthless pro, Lance Burkhart (Laird Hamilton), in a dramatic surf competition.
One of the most praised things about "North Shore" is that it features real-life surf legends like Shaun Tomson, Gerry Lopez, and Mark Occhilupo, adding authenticity to its depiction of 1980s surf culture.
It was definitely not a box office hit but has since gained cult status and even inspired elements of the 2007 animated film "Surf's Up."
The movie includes a crash course in surf history, featuring ancient koa wood surfboards and discussions about the philosophy of riding waves versus just showing off.
If you put aside the usual Hollywood naivety when portraying surfers and surfing, you'll find some curious and fun facts about the movie.
A Karate-Kid-Inspired Plot
Believe it or not, the film's plot is a surf-themed spin on "The Karate Kid."
Instead of karate, Rick Kane learns the deeper meaning of surfing from an older mentor while facing off against a cocky rival in a major competition.
So, it's no surprise the film's mix of surf culture, summer romance, and breathtaking wave footage gave it a timeless appeal among surfers and the public in general.
It all kicks off with Rick Kane winning the Arizona State Surf Championship at Big Surf, the legendary synthetic wave pool built in the state in 1969.
Soon after, he leaves landlocked Arizona to chase his dream of surfing professionally in Hawaii, only to struggle with the real waves of the North Shore of Oahu's Seven Mile Miracle and tough locals.
Guided by Chandler and Turtle, Rick undergoes a rite of passage that mirrors classic coming-of-age tales.
Rick's surf training mirrors a Jedi apprenticeship, requiring deep introspection, patience, and a mystical connection with nature - making bearded surfboard shaper and mentor Chandler a kind of "surf Yoda," who rejects the commercialization of surfing that was exploding in the 1980s.
However, unlike most sports movies, the hero, Rick, doesn't technically win it all - he loses due to Laird Hamilton's character cheating.
The thing is, in true surfer fashion, respect means more than a trophy.
Cast and (True Surf) Characters
The character of Rick Kane was loosely based on a real-life surfer named Benjamin "Barney" Partyka, a Connecticut-born wave rider.
Gregory Harrison, who played Chandler, was actually a real-life surfer.
His character's love for the ocean and anti-competition mindset mirrored his own beliefs.
The Turtle character was based on a real person.
Actor John Philbin spent three weeks studying the guy, learning Hawaiian surf slang and local dialects and mannerisms to make his performance authentic.
Laird Hamilton's real-life father, Bill Hamilton, was a surfboard shaper and glasser on Oahu's North Shore in the 1960s and 1970s - just like Chandler in the movie.
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, the legendary Hawaiian musician, briefly appears in the film. He later became famous worldwide for his song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World."
The role of Kiani was originally played by a different actress.
When she didn't work out, the filmmakers recast the part with Nia Peeples and re-shot all her scenes. The original footage and alternate ending can be seen on the DVD's special features.
Peeples had a strong background in TV and soap operas, and despite the rushed timeline, she seamlessly blended into the production.
Some of Turtle's lines - like "Stay loose, haole" and "Shaka-til-ya-fradda-cos-your-nothin-but-a-bradda" - are still quoted by fans decades later.
Also, never forget Burkart's "I don't ride waves going straight... you still have a single-fin mentality," Chandler's "I only make boards one way - the right way," and Occy's "I've seen bigger waves in a toilet."
Gregory Harrison actually still gets asked to quote Chandler's lines - even on surf trips, where some surfers will trade wave priority if he recites them. Lovely.
Matt Adler and Gregory Harrison did their own surfing in the movie; John Philbin had to prove he could play the role.
He flew to Hawaii months before filming to train, learn to surf, and master the local pidgin accent. He got so hooked on surfing that he still surfs today and runs a surf school.
Also, several cast members were real-life pro surfers, including Laird Hamilton (Lance Burkhart), Gerry Lopez (Vince Moaloka), Mark Occhilupo (Occy), and Robbie Page (Alex Rogers).
Other surf legends like Shaun Tomson, Corky Carroll, Shaun Tomson, Derek Ho, Mark Foo, Ken Bradshaw, Michael Ho, and Christian Fletcher also made appearances.
Pro surfers only stepped in for the most difficult stunts.
Production and Connections
The film was shot in just five weeks, from March 9 to April 19, 1987.
It was filmed in Oahu, at famous surf spots like Sunset Beach, Waimea Bay, and Banzai Pipeline.
Some scenes were also shot in Honolulu's historic Chinatown district and the now-closed Club Hubba Hubba strip club.
When filming in Hawaii, the surf gang Da Hui helped clear the lineups, making it easier for the cast and crew to shoot in the waves.
The movie was co-written and directed by William Phelps, who had gained recognition for his surfing documentary "Wave Warriors."
His experience filming from inside the water helped make "North Shore" one of the most visually stunning surf films of its time.
The idea for the movie came from Randal Kleiser, the director of "Grease"; Phelps' Hollywood connections helped bring the film to life.
When he and Kleiser pitched the surf movie to studios, both Universal and Disney were interested within hours.
Inspired by filmmaker Blake Edwards' small-scale production style, Kleiser wanted to make a surfing film using his home and his contacts in the surfing world.
The casting prioritized actors who could actually surf.
Matt Adler surfed 2-3 times a week, and Gregory Harrison grew up surfing in Catalina.
John Philbin was initially rejected for the role, but he moved to Hawaii for months to train, learn the culture, and master the local accent - securing his place in the film.
The Ultimate 1980s Soundtrack
The movie's soundtrack is packed with 1980s gems, including songs from Chris Isaak, Journey, Pseudo Echo, and Killing Joke.
The tunes helped define the film's summer vibe. Songs like Chris Isaak's "Blue Hotel" and Gary Wright's "Am I the One?" perfectly captured the 1980s surf atmosphere.
Even Nia Peeples contributed a song, "Be My Lover," heard when Rick first arrives in Hawaii.
Here's the full "North Shore" soundtrack:
- "Living in a Dream": Psuedo Echo
- "This is Australia" (Sounds of then): GANGgajang
- "Be My Lover": Nia Peebles
- "Blue Hotel": Chris Isaak
- "M Style": Lords of the New Church
- "Party Next Door": Black Uluru
- "Body and the Beat": Dragon / Mark Hunter
- "Shine": Kids in the Kitchen
- "Am I The One": Gary Wright
- "Feel the Spirit": Wailing Souls
- "Chessboards": Killing Joke
- "Nature of the Beast": Angel City
- "Listening": Pseudo Echo
- "Stonewall": The Angels
- "Happy to Give": Journey
- "Funky Town": by Pseudo Echo
- "North Shore Roar": Paul Delph
Box Office Flop
The film flopped at the box office ($3.8M worldwide), and Universal was disappointed it didn't appeal to middle America.
But over time, it became a cult classic thanks to VHS and cable television, with fans dressing up as the characters for screenings.
In countries like the US, Japan, Australia, and Brazil, it became a favorite among surf culture enthusiasts.
A surfing-themed local hit, "Menino do Rio" (1982), and the popular TV show "Armação Ilimitada" (1985-1988) primed Brazilian audiences for the "North Shore" arrival.
The film's legacy endures.
Director William Phelps and Randal Kleiser have considered making a sequel, possibly featuring Rick and Turtle mentoring a new generation of surfers.
Notes from Gerry Lopez, the Anti-Hero
In 2008, Gerry Lopez shared his firsthand account of how "North Shore" came together, from casting decisions to on-set experiences and the film's lasting legacy.
Mr. Pipeline received a surprise call from producer Randal Kleiser, who had been introduced to him by "Big Wednesday" director John Milius.
Kleiser wanted him in the 1987 movie.
After reading the script, Lopez found it a bit "corny" but still authentic and believable, with some needed tweaks to the Hawaiian dialogue and surfing details.
Originally, the Hawaiian wanted to play Chandler, the wise surf guru, but Kleiser and director William Phelps cast him as Vince, the head of Da Hui.
When asked to recommend an actor for the role of Lance Burkhart, the arrogant pro surfer, Lopez immediately thought of Laird Hamilton.
So, he convinced Hamilton to fly over from Maui, telling him to take off his shirt before meeting Kleiser and Phelps.
Their reaction? "He's perfect." No audition needed.
Embracing the Hui O He'e Nalu
Since the script prominently featured Da Hui (Black Shorts), Lopez knew that consulting real-life Da Hui leader Eddie Rothman was crucial to avoid trouble.
Kleiser and Phelps met with Rothman and Tony "Squiddy" Sanchez, presenting the script and discussing their portrayal.
The film depicted Da Hui fairly, showing them as protectors of order in the chaotic North Shore surf scene.
The first actress cast as Kiani, Rick Kane's love interest, didn't quite fit the role of a 16-year-old Hawaiian girl.
Eddie Rothman, always blunt, humorously grilled Lopez about her suitability.
After a few days of shooting, the studio replaced her with Nia Peeples, who went on to define the role.
North Shore was filmed in just six weeks, a fast-paced schedule designed to minimize costs and guarantee financial success through cable TV and video sales.
The waves didn't cooperate during shooting, and they never got the iconic big Pipeline surf they hoped for.
However, one lucky backlit shot of Lopez surfing at Pipeline ended up being one of the most visually striking moments in the final contest scene.
John Philbin became a lifelong surfer after the movie, even traveling to G-Land with Gerry Lopez.
The Pipe Master stays in touch with Gregory Harrison and occasionally crosses paths with Nia Peeples, who still embodies Kiani's spirit.
Lopez acknowledges Hollywood's changing attitude toward surfing, as seen in later films like "Blue Crush."
He still owns his black Da Hui shorts and surfboard from the movie, despite his wife's attempts to throw them out.
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com
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