The Ultimate Surfer

Watch The Ultimate Surfer

  • 2021
  • 1 Season
  • 6.3  (125)

The Ultimate Surfer is a reality TV competition that premiered on ABC on August 23, 2021. The show takes place in a luxurious beachfront paradise in Southern California, where 14 of the world's best up-and-coming surfers are competing for the title of The Ultimate Surfer and the chance to win a spot on the U.S.A. Surfing Team, which will be competing in the Tokyo Olympics.

The show features former professional surfer and 11-time world champion Kelly Slater as the lead consultant and on-air commentator, alongside former NFL quarterback and television personality Jesse Palmer as the show's host. Actress and television presenter Erin Coscarelli serves as the show's sideline reporter.

The Ultimate Surfer is produced by 11-time Emmy Award-winning producer David Leepson, who also produced the popular reality TV show The Bachelor. The show is also executive produced by Slater, as well as by Michael Antinoro, who served as an executive producer on Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.

The show follows a compelling format, where the 14 surfers are divided into two teams led by Kelly Slater and World Champion surfer, Lakey Peterson. Each episode features a series of surfing competitions, with individual and team challenges that test each surfer's skills, including endurance, balance, and agility.

Unlike any other reality competition show, The Ultimate Surfer is uniquely positioned to showcase the beauty and agility of surfing. Cameras capture the stunning ocean vistas in Southern California, as well as the athleticism of the surfers as they ride the waves. Each episode features interesting camera angles and drone shots that provide a unique view of the surfers as they compete.

The surfers are put through a series of grueling challenges, including a "surf-off" in which two surfers are pitted against each other, with the loser eliminated from the competition. Other challenges include wave pools, where the surfers must navigate man-made waves while also performing stunts, and "wipeout" challenges, where the surfers are challenged to stay on the board while being blasted by 30 mph winds and water cannons.

The judges' panel is composed of a group of well-known names in the surfing world, including six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore, surfing instructor and personality Brett Simpson, and events producer and judge 'Strider' Wasilewski. The judges evaluate the surfers on their technical skills, style, and overall performance.

Throughout the show, the 14 surfers are living together in a luxurious beachfront paradise, creating rivalry, friendship, and romance that adds to the drama of the show. The show's intense competition and harmonious living arrangement make for a unique blend of entertainment in a reality competition TV format.

The Ultimate Surfer has been praised for providing a platform for some of the world's best young surfers to showcase their skills in front of a global audience. The show has also drawn attention for its efforts to promote environmental conservation and ocean preservation through a partnership with the Surfrider Foundation.

In conclusion, The Ultimate Surfer is a thrilling reality TV competition that combines surfing with intense physical and mental challenges. The show's picturesque setting in Southern California, along with the exceptional vocal talent of the show's commentators, make it a must-see for fans of surfing and reality TV. The show's unique blend of competition and harmony make it an entertaining watch for anyone.

The Ultimate Surfer
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Seasons
The Ultimate Surfers
8. The Ultimate Surfers
September 21, 2021
Friendships and alliances built along the way are pushed to the sand as two men and two women meet in the final showdown. Eleven-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater surprises the finalists with a once-in-a-lifetime coaching session, sharing real-time feedback on the wave he created. After a neck-and-neck race at the Final Surf Off, one man and one woman are crowned The Ultimate Surfers, winning $100,000 and the opportunity to compete on the WSL Championship Tour.
Poke the Bear
7. Poke the Bear
September 14, 2021
It's a dog-eat-dog world as the six remaining surfers face off in a ruthless Surf Combine Beach Battle. Later, famed aerial master and 2021 Surf Ranch Pro winner Felipe Toledo coaches the surfers on how to score in the Best Maneuver Wave Challenge. After an epic showdown in the Surf Off, the final four have secured their spot in the finals.
Will You Accept This Wave?
6. Will You Accept This Wave?
September 7, 2021
The eight remaining surfers share their stoke and give surfing lessons to Bachelor Nation fan favorites Hannah Ann Sluss and Mike Johnson. Later, the surfers light up the night with a beach party and groovy nighttime surf session under the moonlight. In the Floaters Wave Challenge, surfers with the longest hang time and creativity will avoid the Surf Off and ultimately, elimination.
A Little Game of This
5. A Little Game of This
September 6, 2021
In a surprising twist, the surfers are greeted by some old friends who force them to up their game. New teams get a second chance at redemption, but old alliances could hinder their progress. Four teams enter the Wildcard Wave Challenge in hopes of keeping their Championship Tour dreams alive.
Party Wave: Risk It for the Biscuit
4. Party Wave: Risk It for the Biscuit
August 31, 2021
Resident commentators Joe Turpel and Erin Coscarelli are on hand to announce this week's Beach Battle - The Paddle Battle. The remaining eight surfers hop on their boards for a tug-of-war, surfer style, to earn extra time on the wave and earn a SUP-er sweet prize. As the teams choreograph synchronized runs for the Crossovers Wave Challenge, it's clear that some have never even attempted the trick before. In the end, two more surfers are eliminated from the competition.
Nama-Stay off My Barrel
3. Nama-Stay off My Barrel
August 30, 2021
The surfers roll out of bed for an early morning Beach Battle - The Barrel Roll. The remaining five men and five women use their strength, balance and stamina to stay ON the barrel, not IN it. Heading into the Barrel Wave Challenge, the teams discuss new strategies to take out the frontrunners and focus on winning. This ruthless mindset worked for some, better than others, and eventually two surfers who were sent home.
Caught Up in Chick Drama
2. Caught Up in Chick Drama
August 24, 2021
Alliances and friendships are put to the test as the 12 remaining contestants vie for the title of The Ultimate Surfer. With the help of big wave surfer Billy Kemper, the surfers compete in a Breathhold Buoy Race and show off their backside in this week's Wave Challenge.
Welcome to the Surf Ranch
1. Welcome to the Surf Ranch
August 23, 2021
Fourteen up-and-coming surfers train and live together at the World Surf League's (WSL) state-of-the-art Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California, powered by Kelly Slater's human-made wave technology, in the hope of winning $100,000 and the opportunity to compete on the WSL Championship Tour.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    August 23, 2021
  • IMDB Rating
    6.3  (125)