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Blue Water High
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| Blue Water High | |
|---|---|
 Opening title card (season 1) | |
| Written by | Shelly Birse Charlie Richardson Jennifer Mellet Kristen Dunphy Michael Miller John Armstrong Marissa Cooke Noel Price Chris Phillips David Ogilvy |
| Directed by | Marcus Cole Ralph Strasser Ian Watson Chris Martin-Jones |
| Starring | Season 1 Sophie Luck (series 1 & 2) Tahyna Tozzi Kate Bell (series 1 & 3) Mara Scherzinger Khan Chittenden Adam Saunders (Series 1 & 2) Christopher Foy Season 2 Gabrielle Scollay Lesley Anne Mitchell Taryn Marler James Sorensen Ryan Corr Trent Dalzell Martin Lynes Liz Burch Season 3 Cariba Heine Kain O'Keeffe Lachlan Buchanan Eka Darville Amy Beckwith Rebecca Breeds Craig Horner Don Halbert (series 1–3) Nell Mitchell |
| Theme music composer | Liam Finn |
| Opening theme | "Aiming for Your Head" by Betchadupa |
| Ending theme | "Aiming for Your Head" |
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 78 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | Noel Price Claire Henderson (series 1 & 2) Matt Bruce (series 1) Tim Brooke-Hunt (series 3) |
| Producers | Dennis Kiely Noel Price |
| Cinematography | Russell Bacon Brendan Lavelle |
| Editors | Simon Martin Patrick Stewart Michael J. Hagan |
| Running time | 25-26 minutes |
| Production company | Southern Star Entertainment |
| Original release | |
| Network | ABC1 Nickelodeon |
| Release | 11 May 2005 – 25 September 2008 |
Blue Water High is an Australian television drama series, broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on ABC1 and on Austar/Foxtel Nickelodeon channel in Australia and on various channels in many other countries. Each season follows the lives of a young group of students at Solar Blue, a high-performance surf academy where several lucky 16-year-olds are selected for a 12-month-long surfing program at Bilgola Beach, Sydney.[1]
There are three seasons in Blue Water High. The first two seasons aired in 2005 and 2006 and the producers did not intend to create a third and final season. However, due to popular demand by fans, they relented and made one more season with only Kate Bell returning in a main role. Season 3 ended with the closure of Solar Blue because of a lack of funding, indicating that the show would most likely not continue.
Plot summary
[edit]Season 1
[edit]The first season consisted of twenty-six episodes. It starred Adam Saunders as Heath, Tahyna Tozzi as Perri, Sophie Luck as Fly, Kate Bell as Bec, Khan Chittenden as Edge, Chris Foy as Matt and Mara Scherzinger as Anna. At the end of the year, two of them (one girl and one boy) get a wild card spot on the pro-circuit tour. The winners for season 1 were Fly and Edge. The first season was released on DVD in 4 volumes. Sophie Luck won the 2005 Australian Film Institute Award for Best Young Actor for her role in the series.
Season 2
[edit]Filming of a second season began in early January 2006 in Sydney, with a revised cast, which included Sophie Luck (who was back as Fly), Adam Saunders as Heath (who leaves in episode six), Trent Dalzell as Corey, Ryan Corr as Eric, Lesley Anne Mitchell as Brooke, Taryn Marler as Rachel, Gabrielle Scollay as Amy, and James Sorensen as Mike.[2] It premiered on 28 June 2006.[2] Luck, Saunders, Kate Bell, Chris Foy, Tahyna Tozzi, Nadine Garner and Khan Chittenden all reappeared in the second season in various episodes. The winners of season 2 were Brooke and Eric.
The complete second season was released on DVD in Australia on 1 October 2007.[1][permanent dead link]
Season 3
[edit]The third and final season began filming in October 2007. Kate Bell returns as Bec for season 3 and is joined by Craig Horner as Garry.[3] The new Solar Blue pupils are Guy (Kain O'Keeffe), Charley (Lachlan Buchanan), Adam (Eka Darville), Bridget (Cariba Heine), Loren (Amy Beckwith) and Cassie (Rebecca Breeds).[3] Season 3 began screening on Rollercoaster on 3 April 2008.
The winners are Bridget and Adam, but Bridget decides to go to university instead of joining the Pro Circuit, so Loren gets the wild card after Cassie literally 'draws the short straw' (as they both have the same number of points in the final surf-off, so they decide who gets the wild card this way). In the last episode, Simmo makes a surprise return as one of the three judges in what is described as "one of the best finals Solar Blue has seen", saving the day as he pulls "not a rabbit out of a hat, but an elephant", ensuring that the winners of the final surf-off still get a wild card invitation.[4]
Cast
[edit]Season one
[edit]
- Kate Bell as Rebecca 'Bec' Sanderson
- Khan Chittenden as Dean 'Edge' Edgely
- Chris Foy – Matthew 'Matt' Leyland
- Sophie Luck as Fiona 'Fly' Watson
- Adam Saunders as Heath Carroll
- Mara Scherzinger – Anna Peterson
- Tahyna Tozzi as Perri Lawe
- Martin Lynes as Craig 'Simmo' Simmonds
- Nadine Garner as Deborah 'Deb' Callum
- Liz Burch as Jilly
- Matt Rudduck as Joe Sanderson
- Clae Whitelaw as Simon Heart
- Don Halbert as Mr. Savin
Season two
[edit]
- Ryan Corr as Eric Tanner
- Gabrielle Scollay as Amy Reed
- James Sorensen as Michael 'Mike' Kruze
- Lesley Anne Mitchell as Brooke Solomon
- Trent Dalzell as Corey Petrie
- Taryn Marler as Rachael Samuels
- Adam Saunders as Heath Carroll
- Sophie Luck as Fiona 'Fly' Watson
- Kate Bell as Rebecca 'Bec' Sanderson
- Martin Lynes as Craig 'Simmo' Simmonds
- Joe Ireland as Dave Jones
- Liz Burch as Jilly
- Natasha Sitkowski as Greta
- Don Halbert as Mr. Savin
Season three
[edit]
- Kain O'Keeffe as Guy Spender
- Lachlan Buchanan as Charley Prince
- Eka Darville as Adam Bridge
- Cariba Heine as Bridget Sanchez
- Amy Beckwith as Lauren 'Loren' Power
- Rebecca Breeds as Cassandra 'Cassie' Cometti
- Craig Horner as Garry Miller
- Kate Bell as Rebecca 'Bec' Sanderson
- Tom Fisher as James Cassidy
- Erol Cimen as Michael De Santa
- Don Halbert as Mr. Savin
List of episodes
[edit]Season 1 (2005)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Featured character | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "The Contenders" | Ralph Strasser | Shelley Birse | Heath | 11 May 2005 | |
|
6 teenagers have been selected for the 1 year long training at Solar Blue academy, Rebecca "Bec" Sanderson, Dean "Edge" Edgely, Matthew "Matt" Leyland, Fiona "Fly" Watson, Perri Lawe and Heath Carroll. The seventh and last is supposed to go to a male contender, but at the last minute Solar Blue decides to pick their own candidate who happens a German girl named Anna Peterson. Bec is upset because her brother, Joe, was supposed to compete for the last spot. | |||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Winners and Losers" | Ralph Strasser | Shelley Birse | Anna and Bec | 18 May 2005 | |
|
Anna feels pressure as Bec continues to be upset at Solar Blue deciding to pick Anna. So much as that Anna decides to have in a surf competition with Joe to decide who get to stay at Solar Blue. | |||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Trouble in Paradise" | Ralph Strasser | Charlie Richardson | Matt | 25 May 2005 | |
|
The group has their first day in school where they find themselves in representing the School's surf team. When They found out that their competition happens at same time as a contract party organized by Solar Blue, they have to decide where their priorities lie. | |||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Fly Takes a Dive" | Ian Watson | Jennifer Mellet | Fly | 1 June 2005 | |
|
Fly is feeling homesick and inadequate, being the youngest in her family and the contesters. | |||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Anna Loses Her Way" | Ralph Strasser | Shelley Birse | Anna | 8 June 2005 | |
|
The teens discover where Simmo keeps the coaching files and that their weakness are written in them. They debate if they should there individual files to make their training easier. | |||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Edge Wipes Out" | Tony Tilse | John Armstrong | Edge | 15 June 2005 | |
|
Edge has been losing competitions and gets in a dangerous situation after overestimating his abilities. | |||||||
| 7 | 7 | "Friends in Need" | Tony Tilse | Shelley Birse | Heath | 22 June 2005 | |
|
Heath copies Matt's homework project after falling behind in school, causing them to both lose points in school and in the surf competition. | |||||||
| 8 | 8 | "Brothers and Sisters" | Ian Watson | John Armstrong | Bec | 29 June 2005 | |
|
Bec is struggling with her relationship with Joe when he starts hanging out a group of people pestering the Solar Blue team. | |||||||
| 9 | 9 | "Sharks in the Mind" | Ian Watson | Shelley Birse | Matt | 6 July 2005 | |
|
Matt's father wants Matt to join him in the crayfishing businesses. | |||||||
| 10 | 10 | "Timing Is Everything" | Tony Tilse | Noel Price | Perri | 13 July 2005 | |
|
Perri is low on money when she gets offered a modeling contract. | |||||||
| 11 | 11 | "Out of Control" | Ralph Strasser | Jennifer Mellet | Matt and Edge | 20 July 2005 | |
|
Matt and Edge's rivalry for the top of Academy scoreboard escalates when they accidentally put Bec's little brother, Ben, in danger. | |||||||
| 12 | 12 | "Dreams and Dramas" | Tony Tilse | Shelley Birse | Fly | 27 July 2005 | |
|
Fly is nervous as she realizes she has feelings for Heath. | |||||||
| 13 | 13 | "Life on the Line" | Ian Watson | Shelley Birse | Perri | 3 August 2005 | |
|
Perri bonds with a surfer she saves from drowning. | |||||||
| 14 | 14 | "Bad Boy Heath" | Ralph Strasser | Noel Price | Heath | 10 August 2005 | |
|
Heath falls for a girl, making Fly jealous. | |||||||
| 15 | 15 | "Joker's Wild" | Marcus Cole | Michael Miller | Fly | 17 August 2005 | |
| 16 | 16 | "It's Hard to Be Normal" | Ian Watson | Shelley Birse | Anna | 24 August 2005 | |
|
Anna decides to focus on having fun instead of constantly training. | |||||||
| 17 | 17 | "Perri Lies Low" | Ian Watson | Michael Miller | Perri | 31 August 2005 | |
|
Perri faints due to her diabetes, which she has been hiding to not get disqualified | |||||||
| 18 | 18 | "Winning Isn't Everything" | Ralph Strasser | Shelley Birse | Edge | 7 September 2005 | |
|
Edge races in an endurance test alone. | |||||||
| 19 | 19 | "Right Dance, Wrong Partner" | Marcus Cole | Kristen Dunphy | Matt | 14 September 2005 | |
| 20 | 20 | "Big Wave Fears" | Ralph Strasser | Kristen Dunphy | Bec | 21 September 2005 | |
| 21 | 21 | "The Kiss" | Marcus Cole | Shelley Birse | Perri | 28 September 2005 | |
| 22 | 22 | "Behind the Scenes" | Marcus Cole | Nole Price | Heath | 5 October 2005 | |
| 23 | 23 | "Tough Choices" | Marcus Cole | Kristen Dunphy | Anna | 12 October 2005 | |
| 24 | 24 | "The Band Plays On" | Ian Watson | Kristen Dunphy | Bec | 19 October 2005 | |
| 25 | 25 | "Suspicious Minds" | Ralph Strasser | Merilyn Slade | Heath | 26 October 2005 | |
| 26 | 26 | "And the Winner Is..." | Ralph Strasser | Noel Price | TBA | 2 November 2005 | |
Season 2 (2006)
[edit]Episodes of season 2 were not named but were numbered from 1 to 26.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Featured character | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 1 | "Episode 1" | Ralph Strasser | Shelley Birse, Noel Price | Fly | 28 June 2006 |
| 28 | 2 | "Episode 2" | Ralph Strasser | John Armstrong | Amy | 5 July 2006 |
| 29 | 3 | "Episode 3" | Chris Martin-Jones | Noel Price | Amy | 12 July 2006 |
| 30 | 4 | "Episode 4" | Chris Martin-Jones | Noel Price | Corey | 19 July 2006 |
| 31 | 5 | "Episode 5" | Marcus Cole | John Armstrong | Eric | 26 July 2006 |
| 32 | 6 | "Episode 6" | Marcus Cole | Shelley Birse | Fly | 2 August 2006 |
| 33 | 7 | "Episode 7" | Marcus Cole | Shelley Birse | Rachael | 9 August 2006 |
| 34 | 8 | "Episode 8" | Marcus Cole | John Armstrong | Eric | 16 August 2006 |
| 35 | 9 | "Episode 9" | Ralph Strasser | Noel Price | Rachael and Corey | 23 August 2006 |
| 36 | 10 | "Episode 10" | Ralph Strasser | John Armstrong | Brooke | 30 August 2006 |
| 37 | 11 | "Episode 11" | Chris Martin-Jones | Chris Hawkshaw | Amy and Eric | 6 September 2006 |
| 38 | 12 | "Episode 12" | Chris Martin-Jones | Ellie Beaumont | Brooke | 13 September 2006 |
| 39 | 13 | "Episode 13" | Chris Martin-Jones | Kristen Dunphy | Eric | 20 September 2006 |
| 40 | 14 | "Episode 14" | Marcus Cole | Ellie Beaumont | Amy | 27 September 2006 |
| 41 | 15 | "Episode 15" | Ralph Strasser | John Armstrong | Amy | 4 October 2006 |
| 42 | 16 | "Episode 16" | Marcus Cole | John Armstromg | Amy | 11 October 2006 |
| 43 | 17 | "Episode 17" | Chris Martin-Jones | Chris Hawkshaw | Edge | 18 October 2006 |
| 44 | 18 | "Episode 18" | Ralph Strasser | Sarah Smith | Brooke | 25 October 2006 |
| 45 | 19 | "Episode 19" | Ralph Strasser | Ellie Beaumont | Mike | 1 November 2006 |
| 46 | 20 | "Episode 20" | Marcus Cole | John Armstrong | Rachel | 8 November 2006 |
| 47 | 21 | "Episode 21" | Marcus Cole | Shelley Birse | Eric | 15 November 2006 |
| 48 | 22 | "Episode 22" | Ralph Strasser | Sarah Smith | Brooke | 22 November 2006 |
| 49 | 23 | "Episode 23" | Chris Martin-Jones | Kristen Dunphy, Kym Goldsworthy | Corey | 29 November 2006 |
| 50 | 24 | "Episode 24" | Chris Martin-Jones | John Armstromg | Amy | 6 December 2006 |
| 51 | 25 | "Episode 25" | Marcus Cole | Shelley Birse | Fly | 13 December 2006 |
| 52 | 26 | "Episode 26" | Marcus Cole | John Armstrong | TBA | 13 December 2006 |
Season 3 (2008)
[edit]Episodes of season 3 were also not named, but were numbered from 1 to 26.
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Featured character | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 1 | "Episode 1" | Ralph Strasser | Noel Price | Cassie | 3 April 2008 | |
|
This episode focused on the beginning of the year in Solar Blue for the new 6 intakes for the year, introducing them all: Bridget and Charley (known as "The King") both very seriously intense and engaged to learn and train; Guy, a laid back "surfing machine" that is clumsy the second he steps out of the water; Loren, an extremely friendly yet overly anxious girl with low self-confidence; and Cassie and Adam, two "wildcards" that Simmo had found on offshore beaches that he thought has potential. Despite Cassie's excitement to being in Solar Blue for the year, the day didn't start off well. Solar Blue gets bought by a large corporation, which is mostly represented by "Mr. Lee". Mr. Simmonnds, the renowned coach, decides to leave Solar Blue, and Bec gets offered a job as an administrator for running Solar Blue due to her experience. Cassie and Adam arrive early at Solar Blue to find it wrapped up at the same time; hence finding themselves at the police station for the night after failing to contact those in charge at Solar Blue. The following day, the other 4 arrive and the two do so too, and after careful thinking, Bec decides to take the job in running the academy. | |||||||
| 54 | 2 | "Episode 2" | Ralph Strasser | Noel Price | Charley | 10 April 2008 | |
|
In this episode, Charley openly talks about his generally cold manner towards the others due to his determined strive to do well. In choosing an appropriate surfing coach for the students, Bec decides to leave it to be chosen via voting by the students themselves at Solar Blue, causing heat and rivalry. They meet the two shortlisted candidates - Dave Stretin and Garry Miller; both ex-pros of the Pro Circuit of 10 and 4 years respectively. After the interviews, they find that Dave has a more fun-filled approach, talking about fun stories of his time in the Circuit whereas Garry is brief and almost curt about his past, encouraging good discipline and a boundary-set relationship between the coach and the students. Adam, Cassie, Loren, Guy, and Bridget all vote for Dave, but Charley researches and despite backlash, decides on Garry. In the end, after explaining his reasoning behind his choice, they all go for Garry, and his attitude opens up, and he attempts to be more friendlier to the other intakes. | |||||||
| 55 | 3 | "Episode 3" | Marcus Cole | Noel Price | Loren | 17 April 2008 | |
|
Despite the kickoff and thrill to be at Solar Blue, Loren begins to look around her at her competitors and is completely overwhelmed. Comparing herself with Bridget and Cassie, she finds herself out of place and realizes that she should drop out. After talking with Bec about it, she decides to wait until the competition that was coming the next day, but in her final heat, she rode a beautiful wave, wanting to finish off her time here and making the most of it. An inexperienced competitor, however, drops in on her wave, making her unable to perform at her level best, intent that she should leave Solar Blue. Just as she was about to give up, Bec gives her the score sheet of the judges' marks in the previous heats and she finds that she got a 9 before the final heat, higher than Bridget and Cassie both. This boosts her confidence and she decides to stay. | |||||||
| 56 | 4 | "Episode 4" | Marcus Cole | Noel Price | Adam | 24 April 2008 | |
|
In order to make sure the 6 surfers have what it takes, Bec and Garry decide to push the surfers to the hardest, trying to find whether they wanted to be here. Adam gets frustrated after being 2 weeks in at Garry's attitude as it got built up. On a hot day of 35 degrees Celsius, Garry decides to put them all on tracks carrying heavy dead weight for 4 hours, splitting them up in teams of 2 but offering training points in return. Adam lashes out and refuses to partake in the activity, but when Garry puts Cassie's training points on the line, too, he decides to do it anyway. That following evening, he complains loudly to Bec and Garry, and they admit to pushing them to their hardest right before the term started as a test, so Adam understands and decides to stay at Solar Blue. | |||||||
| 57 | 5 | "Episode 5" | Chris Martin-Jones | Noel Price | Bridget | 1 May 2008 | |
|
Similar to Charley's episode (episode 2), this episode is where Bridget talks about her overcompetitiveness - not only in the water but from academic achievements to something as simple as dishwashing. | |||||||
| 58 | 6 | "Episode 6" | Marcus Cole | Noel Price | TBA | 8 May 2008 | |
| 59 | 7 | "Episode 7" | Marcus Cole | Kristen Dunphy | TBA | 15 May 2008 | |
| 60 | 8 | "Episode 8" | Chris Martin-Jones | Noel Price | TBA | 22 May 2008 | |
| 61 | 9 | "Episode 9" | Chris Martin-Jones | Noel Price | TBA | 29 May 2008 | |
| 62 | 10 | "Episode 10" | Chris Martin-Jones | Chris Phillips | TBA | 5 June 2008 | |
| 63 | 11 | "Episode 11" | Ralph Strasser | Noel Price | TBA | 12 June 2008 | |
| 64 | 12 | "Episode 12" | Ralph Strasser | Noel Price | TBA | 19 June 2008 | |
| 65 | 13 | "Episode 13" | Ralph Strasser | Noel Price | TBA | 26 June 2008 | |
| 66 | 14 | "Episode 14" | Chris Martin-Jones | Noel Price, David Ogilvy | TBA | 3 July 2008 | |
| 67 | 15 | "Episode 15" | Marcus Cole | Noel Price | TBA | 10 July 2008 | |
| 68 | 16 | "Episode 16" | Chris Martin-Jones | Noel Price | TBA | 17 July 2008 | |
| 69 | 17 | "Episode 17" | Chris Martin-Jones | Noel Price | TBA | 24 July 2008 | |
| 70 | 18 | "Episode 18" | Marcus Cole | John Armstrong | TBA | 31 July 2008 | |
| 71 | 19 | "Episode 19" | Marcus Cole | Noel Price | TBA | 7 August 2008 | |
| 72 | 20 | "Episode 20" | Marcus Cole | Noel Price | TBA | 14 August 2008 | |
| 73 | 21 | "Episode 21" | Ralph Strasser | Noel Price | TBA | 21 August 2008 | |
| 74 | 22 | "Episode 22" | Ralph Strasser | John Armstrong | TBA | 28 August 2008 | |
| 75 | 23 | "Episode 23" | Chris Martin-Jones | Noel Price | TBA | 4 September 2008 | |
| 76 | 24 | "Episode 24" | Ralph Strasser | John Armstrong | TBA | 11 September 2008 | |
| 77 | 25 | "Episode 25" | Marcus Cole | Noel Price | TBA | 18 September 2008 | |
| 78 | 26 | "Episode 26" | Marcus Cole | Noel Price | TBA | 25 September 2008 | |
International broadcasts
[edit]| Country | Channel | Year |
|---|---|---|
 Italy |
Nickelodeon (Italy), Italia 1 and Boing (Italy) | 2006–2010 |
 Mexico |
Boomerang | 2005–2008 |
 New Zealand |
TV2 | 2007–2012 |
 Australia |
ABC TV | 2005–2010 |
| Australia Network | 2014– | |
 Sweden |
SVT1, Barnkanalen[5] | 2007–2011 |
 Poland |
ZigZap, TVP1 and Filmy+ | 2007–2010 |
 Germany |
KI.KA | 2007–2010 |
 Ireland |
RTÉ Two | 2007–2010 |
 Spain |
La 2, Neox and Clan TVE | 2007–2010 |
 France |
Filles TV/June | 2007–2010 |
| France Ô | 2012–2015 | |
 Norway |
TV2 Zebra | 2007–2011 |
 Portugal |
SIC and SIC K | 2009–2019 |
 Netherlands |
RTL 8 | 2009–2013 |
 Brazil |
Boomerang Brazil and TV Brasil | 2006–2014 |
 British Virgin Islands |
Falkland Islands Television Service | 2009–2013 |
 South Africa |
Go | 2009 |
| Magic World 112 | 2010–2013 | |
 Great Britain |
Boomerang and Pop Girl | 2006–2012 |
 Belgium |
Ketnet | 2010s |
 Russia |
Teen TV | 2011 |
 Romania |
Megamax | 2010s |
Africa
[edit]In South Africa, Blue Water High was aired twice a week on Go on the local satellite system, DSTV. After DSTV added more MNET channels, Blue Water High started airing every weekday at 19:30 on Magic World 112 from 1 July 2010.
Europe
[edit]In Germany, the series is called Blue Water High, die Surf-Akademie (which means "Blue Water High, the Surf Academy") and is broadcast on KI.KA (a children's channel). In Ireland Blue Water High was broadcast on RTÉ Two as part of The Den and, in Spain, the show was broadcast on La 2, Clan TVE and Neox. In France, it was broadcast on Filles TV as Blue Water High: Surf Academy in 2007 and France Ô has started re-airing the series on 12 November 2012. In Norway the show aired on TV 2 Zebra. In Portugal, SIC also bought the first season, and it aired in the country from Monday to Friday at 5pm in Summer 2009; the show was named Mar Azul ("Blue Sea"). It also started again on SIC K in December of that year, where it has, since, been airing, on and off. The series also began airing on RTL 8 in the Netherlands from 2009 onwards. In the United Kingdom, the show was originally broadcast on Toonami.[6] Once the channel closed, it was moved over to Boomerang. It later aired on Pop Girl.
North America
[edit]Blue Water High was broadcast online in USA through the former The WB Television Network, which was resurrected by the Warner Bros. television arm as a website in 2008.[7] Currently, the series is now streaming on Tubi.
Oceania
[edit]In Australia, the country of its origin, Blue Water High aired once every week on ABC3. In New Zealand, Blue Water High currently airs every Saturday afternoon on TV2
South America
[edit]In the Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America, the show is titled Blue Water High, Escuela del Surf, which translates as "Blue Water High, Surf Academy", and is broadcast on Boomerang Latin America. In Brazil, it is broadcast by Boomerang Brazil and TV Brasil under the title Galera do Surfe (The Surf Crowd). In Falkland Islands, Blue Water High was aired on Falkland Islands Television Service Tuesdays to Friday at 15:00 and Saturday at 11:30.
Home media
[edit]DVD releases
[edit]Blue Water High has been released in its entirety on DVD. Originally distributed by Roadshow Entertainment, the first series was made available over four individual volumes in 2005 (omitting "Life on the Line" due to licensing rights), before a complete first series set was released in 2007, followed by a complete second series set in the same year. The third and final series remained unreleased, until 2020, when Via Vision and Madman Entertainment acquired the rights for home distribution of the series, releasing the complete series on DVD.
| Title | Release date | Ep # | Discs # | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Region 2 (Germany) |
Region 4 | |||
| Volume 1 (Series 1, episodes 1–6) | N/a | 23 September 2005[8] | 6
|
1
|
| Volume 2 (Series 1, episodes 7–12) | N/a | 23 September 2005[9] | 6
|
1
|
| Volume 3 (Series 1, episodes 14–19) | N/a | 11 November 2005[10] | 6
|
1
|
| Volume 4 (Series 1, episodes 20–26) | N/a | 11 November 2005[11] | 7
|
1
|
| The Complete First Series (as "Staffel 1" in Germany) | 9 September 2016[12] | 7 February 2007[13] | 26
|
4
|
| The Complete Second Series | N/a | 7 February 2007[14] | 26
|
4
|
| Seasons 1–3 | N/a | 7 October 2020[15] | 78
|
12
|
Online streaming
[edit]All Seasons of Blue Water High are currently streaming for release on 7plus.
| Title | Format | Ep # | Release date | Distributors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Water High: Season 01 | Streaming | 26 | 2019 | 7plus |
| Blue Water High: Season 02 | Streaming | 26 | 2019 | 7plus |
| Blue Water High: Season 03 | Streaming | 26 | 2019 | 7plus |
References
[edit]- ^ Molitorisz, Sacha (11 May 2005). "Roller coasters". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ a b Campbell, Jill (24–30 June 2006). "Endless Summer". TV Week. No. 26. pp. 18–19.
- ^ a b Stewart, Carolyn (29 March – 4 April 2008). "Search for a surf star". TV Week. No. 13. pp. 18–19.
- ^ "Gallery: Blue Water High". 10 March 2008.
- ^ "Svensk mediedatabas (SMDB)". smdb.kb.se. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20081204090745/http://www.media247.co.uk/skydigital/newsarchive/2006/02/toonami_rejigs.php
- ^ "Warner Bros". thewb.com.
- ^ "Blue Water High-Volume 1 (Episodes 1-6) (2005)". michaeldvd.com.au. Archived from the original on 12 September 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- ^ "Blue Water High-Volume 2 (Episodes 7-13) (2005)". michaeldvd.com.au. Archived from the original on 10 September 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- ^ "Blue Water High-Volume 3 (Episodes 14-19) (2005)". michaeldvd.com.au. Archived from the original on 24 December 2005. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- ^ "Blue Water High-Volume 4 (Episodes 20-26) (2005)". michaeldvd.com.au. Archived from the original on 10 September 2006. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- ^ "Blue Water High: Staffel 1 [DVD]". Amazon. Retrieved 9 June 2026.
- ^ "Blue Water High: Series 1 - [Region 4]". fishpond.com.au. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- ^ "Blue Water High [Region - Free] The Complete Series 2". fishpond.com.au. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
- ^ "Blue Water High: Seasons 1 - 3 [Region 4]". fishpond.com.au. Retrieved 6 June 2026.
External links
[edit]- Blue Water High Archived 8 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine at the Australian Television Information Archive
- Blue Water High at IMDb
- Blue Water High at the National Film and Sound Archive
- Blue Water High - "Winners and Losers" at Australian Screen Online
Blue Water High
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Premise and format
Setting and concept
Blue Water High is set at Solar Blue, a fictional elite surf academy attached to a high school located in Sydney's Northern Beaches.[1] The academy serves as a high-performance training facility where promising young surfers reside and study while honing their skills.[2] The core concept revolves around each season following a new group of seven 15- to 16-year-old surfers selected for a rigorous, year-long program. These participants balance academic coursework with intensive surf training and competitions, all aimed at securing professional sponsorships and spots on the pro circuit.[3] The narrative explores their daily challenges, from mastering advanced techniques to navigating interpersonal dynamics within the shared living environment.[4] Central themes include friendship and rivalry among the teens, as they form close bonds yet compete fiercely for limited opportunities. Personal growth is emphasized through their maturation amid triumphs and setbacks, while the series highlights the broader surfing culture.[4] The show adopts a unique format of 26 episodes per season, each approximately 25 to 30 minutes long, blending dramatic storytelling, authentic surf action sequences, and elements of teen romance.[1]Seasons overview
Blue Water High consists of three seasons, each comprising 26 episodes with an average runtime of approximately 25 minutes per episode.[5][6] The series maintains a consistent format centered on a new cohort of seven teenage surfers selected annually for the Solar Blue Surf Academy's intensive 12-month residential program, blending high-stakes surfing training with academic and personal development.[6] Across the seasons, the narrative evolves from foundational group integration to broader explorations of professional aspirations and institutional challenges, while adhering to the core premise of competing for sponsorship and wildcard entries to professional circuits.[6][7][8] Season 1, aired in 2005, introduces the academy through the experiences of its inaugural group of seven surfers, emphasizing initial dynamics of friendship, rivalry, and adaptation as they navigate daily training, school obligations, and introductory competitions.[6] The season builds toward a climactic wildcard surf-off for Solar Blue sponsorship, highlighting the pressures of performance and team cohesion in establishing the academy's rigorous environment.[6] Season 2, broadcast in 2006, features a fresh cohort of recruits, shifting focus to international-level competitions such as surf-offs and specialized events like surf ski races, alongside personal hurdles including injuries and relational tensions.[7] This installment introduces more mature thematic elements, such as individual growth and the pursuit of pro-circuit spots, while incorporating returning staff to provide continuity amid the new group's distinct personalities and ambitions.[7] Season 3, which premiered in 2008, centers on another new group facing heightened external pressures, including threats to the academy's funding and potential closure, which amplify the drama surrounding their training and competitions.[8] The narrative delves into themes of legacy, resilience, and post-academy transitions, culminating in a high-stakes finals event that tests the cohort's futures against the institution's uncertain survival.[8] Later seasons notably expand on off-season personal arcs, integrating more interpersonal and life-balance storylines beyond competition days.[7][8]Production
Development and production team
Blue Water High was developed as a co-production between the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and Southern Star Entertainment, with the first season also involving the German broadcaster Norddeutscher Rundfunk, to create a teen drama highlighting Australian surfing culture through the story of young surfers training at an elite academy.[9][1] The core production team included executive producers Noel Price and Claire Henderson for seasons 1 and 2, with Tim Brooke-Hunt taking over as executive producer for season 3; Noel Price also served as a producer alongside Dennis Kiely.[10] Directors on the series featured Ralph Strasser, who helmed multiple episodes across all seasons, and Marcus Cole, who directed key installments in seasons 2 and 3.[10][11] Commissioned by ABC in the mid-2000s, the first season entered production in 2005 and premiered on May 11 of that year with 26 episodes, followed by a second season in 2006 due to strong viewer reception; a third season was greenlit and aired in 2008.[1][10] The series targeted a young teenage audience aged around 12-15, blending high-stakes surfing competitions with everyday academic and personal challenges to appeal to this demographic.[9]Casting process
The casting process for Blue Water High emphasized selecting young Australian actors capable of portraying athletic teenagers in a surfing academy setting, with a complete recast of the core student ensemble each season to mirror the show's premise of annual new intakes. Casting director Tim Littleton oversaw the process for seasons 2 and 3.[12] Auditions were conducted nationwide, including regional locations to broaden talent access; for instance, in season 3, actor Eka Darville auditioned at the Gilchrist Casting office in Lismore, where local agents Charmaine Gilchrist and Leigh Morris recorded and forwarded his tape to producers in Sydney, leading to his selection as a lead within a week.[13] This approach allowed for discoveries from various areas, prioritizing authenticity in youthful energy and screen presence over extensive prior experience. To maintain narrative continuity amid the student recasts, select adult roles returned across seasons, such as Kate Bell reprising Bec Sanderson as an instructor and director figure in seasons 1 and 3.[14] The process also incorporated diverse backgrounds, evident in season 3 selections like Eka Darville and Cariba Heine, reflecting a push for representation in Australian youth television. Although surfing proficiency was desirable for realism, it was not a strict requirement, as stunt doubles handled most advanced wave-riding sequences; actors underwent basic training to perform simpler beach and board scenes convincingly.[14] Challenges included coordinating filming schedules with the teen cast's schooling obligations, and some performers, like Adam Saunders who joined at age 18 for season 1, aged out of student roles between seasons, necessitating further recasts.[15]Filming and locations
The filming of Blue Water High took place primarily on Sydney's Northern Beaches, capturing the natural surf environment to enhance the series' authenticity. Key locations included Bilgola Beach, where many outdoor and beach scenes were shot, as well as Avalon Beach and Manly for additional surf and coastal sequences.[1][16][17] Each season was produced over a period of approximately six to eight months to align with real surfing conditions and seasonal weather. For the first season, principal photography occurred from early 2005 through November, allowing the cast and crew to utilize winter and spring swells. The second season followed a similar timeline in 2006, while the third began filming in October 2007 and wrapped in early 2008.[1][18] To ensure safety and realism in the water scenes, production employed professional surfers as stunt doubles for the more demanding riding sequences, with actors handling paddling and pop-up maneuvers before cutting to the doubles. This approach minimized risks in variable ocean conditions, as highlighted by actress Sophie Luck, who recounted a tense incident during filming involving a boat engine failure near heavy waves and a nearby shark sighting, from which the crew was rescued by nearby surfers. No new footage was shot after the 2008 completion of the third season, though archival material has appeared in later retrospectives and compilations.[19]Cast and characters
Season 1 cast
The first season of Blue Water High features a core ensemble of seven teenage surfers selected for the Solar Blue Academy, portrayed by a mix of emerging Australian actors, many of whom underwent intensive surf training for authenticity. The cast includes Tahyna Tozzi as the rebellious Perri Lawe, Kate Bell as the responsible team leader Bec Sanderson, Sophie Luck as the optimistic newcomer Fiona "Fly" Watson, Mara Scherzinger as the determined German exchange student Anna Petersen, Khan Chittenden as the cocky Dean "Edge" Edgely, Chris Foy as the musically inclined Matt Leyland, and Adam Saunders as the laid-back jokester Heath Carroll. Supporting roles are filled by Martin Lynes as the surf coach Craig "Simmo" Simmonds and Liz Burch as the school principal Jilly, providing guidance amid the students' challenges.[20][21][22]| Actor | Character | Description and Background |
|---|---|---|
| Tahyna Tozzi | Perri Lawe | A rebellious and talented surfer who struggles with authority but grows through team dynamics in her academy debut; Tozzi, in her early acting role, had prior athletic experience and underwent two weeks of surf training for the production.[21][23] |
| Kate Bell | Bec Sanderson | The natural team leader focused on balancing surfing ambitions with academics; Bell, drawing from her established TV background in shows like Home and Away, participated in the cast's surf training to portray the role convincingly.[21][22][23] |
| Sophie Luck | Fiona "Fly" Watson | An enthusiastic newcomer eager to prove herself among seasoned peers; Luck, making her TV debut at age 18, learned basic surfing skills during production, with most wave scenes handled by stunt doubles.[21][24] |
| Mara Scherzinger | Anna Petersen | A skilled but homesick German surfer adapting to Australian life and competition pressures; Scherzinger's background includes minor roles prior to this, with the cast's collective training aiding her portrayal.[21][23] |
| Khan Chittenden | Dean "Edge" Edgely | A confident, competitive surfer often clashing with teammates over strategy; Chittenden, building on early career credits, joined the surf training regimen to capture the character's bold style.[21][22][23] |
| Chris Foy | Matt Leyland | A laid-back surfer passionate about music who navigates personal insecurities; Foy's debut highlighted his transition from modeling, supported by the production's surf instruction.[21][22] |
| Adam Saunders | Heath Carroll | The humorous group member grappling with academic demands alongside surfing; Saunders, at 18 for his acting debut, benefited from the two-week surf boot camp to embody the carefree vibe.[21][23] |
Season 2 cast
The second season of Blue Water High introduced a new cohort of teenage surfers at the Solar Blue academy, portraying a diverse group of aspiring athletes navigating the demands of high-performance training and personal growth. The main cast consisted of returning academy staff and a fresh ensemble of student characters, each bringing unique backgrounds and dynamics to the series.[20][26] The principal cast members and their roles are listed below:| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Corr | Eric Tanner | Confident and competitive surfer from Victoria, often taking a leadership role among the group.[20] |
| Gabrielle Scollay | Amy Reed | Ambitious and driven athlete from Western Australia, focused on proving her skills in a male-dominated sport.[20] |
| James Sorensen | Mike Kruze | Easygoing and skilled New South Welshman with a relaxed approach to training.[20] |
| Lesley Anne Mitchell | Brooke Solomon | Talented but initially reserved Queenslander who grows in confidence through the season.[20] |
| Trent Dalzell | Corey Petrie | Fun-loving and social South Australian known for his party spirit and team camaraderie.[20] |
| Taryn Marler | Rachel Samuels | Serious and studious competitor from Tasmania, balancing academics with surfing goals.[20] |
| Ariu Lang-Siu | Matt "Matto" Tasi | Laid-back surfer of Polynesian descent from New Zealand, bringing cultural diversity and a chill vibe to the academy.[20] |
| James Sweeny | Dean "Dinny" Healy | Enthusiastic and optimistic Irish-Australian newcomer eager to make his mark.[20] |
Season 3 cast
The third and final season of Blue Water High introduces a fresh cohort of young surfers selected for the Solar Blue academy, emphasizing themes of culmination and transition as the characters confront their last year of training. Returning from season 1, Kate Bell reprises her role as Bec Sanderson, now serving as a mentor and instructor, while Craig Horner joins as the new head coach Garry Miller. The main student cast consists of emerging Australian actors portraying ambitious teens balancing rigorous surf competitions with personal growth and future uncertainties.| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kate Bell | Bec Sanderson | Returning mentor and instructor at Solar Blue, providing guidance amid academy challenges.[26] |
| Craig Horner | Garry Miller | New head coach, overseeing training and enforcing discipline for the final-year pupils.[20] |
| Kain O'Keeffe | Guy Spender | Confident but impulsive surfer navigating team dynamics and personal setbacks.[20] |
| Lachlan Buchanan | Charley Prince | Laid-back competitor focused on skill improvement and forming bonds within the group.[20] |
| Eka Darville | Adam Bridge | Determined athlete excelling in competitions, culminating in a co-win at season's end.[20] |
| Cariba Heine | Bridget Sanchez | Ambitious and academically inclined surfer who co-wins the final competition but prioritizes university over professional surfing.[20] |
| Amy Beckwith | Loren Power | Resilient newcomer adapting to high-pressure environment and seizing late opportunities in the program.[20] |
| Rebecca Breeds | Cassie Cometti | Enthusiastic participant facing eliminations and team pressures in the race for sponsorships.[20] |
Episodes
Season 1 episodes
Season 1 of Blue Water High consists of 26 episodes, which aired weekly on ABC from May 11, 2005, to November 2, 2005, following the seven selected teenagers—Fly, Bec, Matt, Heath, Edge, Perri, and Anna—as they navigate intense training, school, friendships, and rivalries at the Solar Blue Surf Academy, culminating in the season finale where they compete for a wildcard spot in the World Junior Surfing Titles.[6] The narrative arc builds progressively through team-building exercises, personal crises, and escalating competitions, emphasizing themes of perseverance and camaraderie leading to the high-stakes national titles event.[6]| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Contenders | Ralph Strasser | Shelley Birse | May 11, 2005 | Seven teens join the Blue Water High surf academy, but controversy erupts when a German kiteboarder, Anna, takes the final spot over local favorite Joe Sanderson.[6] |
| 2 | Winners and Losers | Ralph Strasser | Shelley Birse | May 18, 2005 | Anna challenges Bec's brother Joe to a surf-off at a treacherous break to prove her worth, ultimately earning the team's respect despite the dangerous conditions.[6] |
| 3 | Trouble in Paradise | Ralph Strasser | Charlie Richardson | May 25, 2005 | On the first day of school, Matt juggles a high school surf competition with the Solar Blue contract signing ceremony, defending his ability to balance both commitments.[6] |
| 4 | Fly Takes a Dive | Ian Watson | Jennifer Mellet | June 1, 2005 | Homesick Fly racks up a massive mobile phone bill calling home and takes a job at a car wash to pay it off, but the team rallies to help her while the group begins mandatory community service.[6] |
| 5 | Anna Loses Her Way | Ralph Strasser | Shelley Birse | June 8, 2005 | Struggling with the academy's demands, Anna considers returning to Germany until Perri shows her a discouraging rejection letter from a German surf school, prompting extra coaching to keep her on board.[6] |
| 6 | Edge Wipes Out | Tony Tilse | John Armstrong | June 15, 2005 | Edge's aggressive kiteboarding pushes him into a near-drowning incident that Bec rescues him from, fostering a budding connection and forcing him to reassess his win-at-all-costs mentality.[6] |
| 7 | Friends in Need | Tony Tilse | Shelley Birse | June 22, 2005 | Heath borrows Matt's school project notes and submits them as his own, leading to cheating accusations, but he redeems himself by creating an original fish-themed presentation, mending their friendship.[6] |
| 8 | Brothers and Sisters | Ian Watson | John Armstrong | June 29, 2005 | Bec's loyalty is tested when her brother Joe falls in with a rough crowd of surfers who steal Matt's prized classic surfboard, forcing her to choose between family and friends.[6] |
| 9 | Sharks in the Mind | Ian Watson | Shelley Birse | July 6, 2005 | A shark sighting during practice shakes the group, while Matt grapples with telling his father about a marine biology scholarship opportunity amid pressure to join the family fishing business.[6] |
| 10 | Timing Is Everything | Tony Tilse | Noel Price | July 13, 2005 | Facing family financial woes, Perri is tempted by a lucrative modeling offer that conflicts with her surfing dreams, but the deal falls apart, allowing her to recommit to Solar Blue.[6] |
| 11 | Out of Control | Ralph Strasser | Jennifer Mellet | July 20, 2005 | Rivalry between Matt and Edge escalates into dangerous antics that endanger Bec's brother Ben during a beach outing, teaching the pair about the limits of competitive risk-taking.[6] |
| 12 | Dreams and Dramas | Tony Tilse | Shelley Birse | July 27, 2005 | Fly keeps her crush on Heath hidden as the group plans a surprise birthday party for her, but the event forces her to confront her emotions and desire for independence from the "kid sister" label.[6] |
| 13 | A Life on the Line | Ian Watson | Shelley Birse | August 3, 2005 | Perri nearly drowns while rescuing a reckless beginner surfer and loses her confidence, but Matt helps rebuild it through self-defense training, while the team designs custom surfboards revealing hidden crushes like Bec's for Edge.[6] |
| 14 | Bad Boy Heath | Ralph Strasser | Noel Price | August 10, 2005 | Heath skips training to pursue a new girl at school, lying to the team, which disrupts their peer-grading plan when Fly, harboring feelings for him, deducts points from his score.[6] |
| 15 | Joker's Wild | Marcus Cole | Michael Miller | August 17, 2005 | At an all-girls surf competition, Fly gains confidence and clashes with Bec over waves, while the boys' escalating pranks accidentally lead to Perri's disqualification.[6] |
| 16 | It's Hard to Be Normal | Ian Watson | Shelley Birse | August 24, 2005 | Anna ditches her rigorous training for a taste of normal teen life on a date with Joe, missing a crucial sponsorship video deadline that jeopardizes the team's opportunities.[6] |
| 17 | Perri Lies Low | Ian Watson | Michael Miller | August 31, 2005 | Perri collapses from undisclosed diabetes during training, hiding her condition from sponsors; Matt fights to keep her in the program despite the health risks.[6] |
| 18 | Winning Isn't Everything | Ralph Strasser | Shelley Birse | September 7, 2005 | Edge's ruthless drive to win an endurance triathlon backfires when Heath sabotages him in retaliation, forcing Edge to learn that true success involves teamwork over individual glory.[6] |
| 19 | Right Dance – Wrong Partner | Marcus Cole | Kristen Dunphy | September 14, 2005 | Tensions rise at the school formal when Bec chooses to dance with Heath instead of Edge, prompting Edge to sabotage Heath's jet ski and sparking a confrontation that leaves Bec torn.[6] |
| 20 | Big Wave Fears | Ralph Strasser | Kristen Dunphy | September 21, 2005 | Bec is invited to a prestigious big-wave competition in Tahiti, but accusations of favoritism from her family strain her relationship with Edge and test her fear of injury.[6] |
| 21 | The Kiss | Marcus Cole | Shelley Birse | September 28, 2005 | A vulnerable moment leads Perri to impulsively kiss Edge, igniting jealousy and drama among the group, while the team undergoes grueling clothed pool training to build endurance.[6] |
| 22 | Behind the Scenes | Marcus Cole | Noel Price | October 5, 2005 | Heath secretly photographs romantic moments among the group for a magazine spread, prompting coaches Deb and Simmo to ramp up training to discourage distractions from the upcoming titles.[6] |
| 23 | Tough Choices | Ian Watson | Kristen Dunphy | October 12, 2005 | Anna and Heath enter a kite-surfing competition where she excels and receives a professional offer, forcing her to decide between her original passion and loyalty to the surf academy.[6] |
| 24 | The Band Plays On | Ian Watson | Kristen Dunphy | October 19, 2005 | Bec organizes the team into a band to perform at a major surf club competition's after-party, but egos and Fly's lack of musical talent threaten their friendships and the event.[6] |
| 25 | Suspicious Minds | Ralph Strasser | Merilyn Slade | October 26, 2005 | Heath's chronic tardiness risks his spot in the final surf-off and a key exam, leading the team to help him catch up despite his paranoia that the coaches have predetermined the winners.[6] |
| 26 | And the Winner Is... | Ralph Strasser | Noel Price | November 2, 2005 | In the season finale, the Solar Blue team competes fiercely for the World Junior Surfing Titles wildcard and academy sponsorship renewal, reflecting on their growth as Bec and Edge prioritize victory while Heath awaits exam results.[6] |
Season 2 episodes
The second season of Blue Water High comprises 26 untitled episodes, which aired weekly on Wednesdays from 28 June 2006 to 20 December 2006 on ABC in Australia.[7][27] This season centers on a fresh intake of teenage surfers at the Solar Blue Surfing Academy, including recruits with diverse backgrounds that introduce international perspectives to team dynamics and competitions.[7] The overarching narrative tracks their training, interpersonal conflicts, and skill development, culminating in a high-stakes wildcard surf-off for professional circuit sponsorships.[28] The episodes are detailed in the following table, including production credits and synopses that emphasize key plot points and global influences where relevant.[7]| No. in season | Director | Air date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ralph Strasser | 28 June 2006 | A new year at Solar Blue introduces fresh recruits, including international hopeful Amy; Eric and Mike compete intensely for the final team spot amid orientation challenges. |
| 2 | Ralph Strasser | 5 July 2006 | Amy organizes a boat trip for bonding, but Mike's romantic surprise for Brooke leads to near-disaster; Bec's departure creates an opening, drawing attention from global surfing scouts. |
| 3 | Chris Martin-Jones | 12 July 2006 | The Solar Blue girls attract unwanted attention from local boys, while a team blog exposes personal secrets; Fly questions Heath's commitment, highlighting cultural clashes in relationships. |
| 4 | Chris Martin-Jones | 19 July 2006 | Rachel and Corey's opposing views on science versus nature cause friction; Corey's reckless mistake endangers the group, prompting Heath to impose strict chores. |
| 5 | Marcus Cole | 26 July 2006 | Brooke enters a bodyboarding contest in secret to prove her versatility; Amy coaches Eric on social skills with girls, while Heath faces job insecurity from academy pressures. |
| 6 | Marcus Cole | 2 August 2006 | Fly steps into a leadership role during a team crisis; Heath secures a side job, and former mentor Jilly returns, bringing insights from international surfing circuits. |
| 7 | Marcus Cole | 9 August 2006 | Flat surf conditions force the team into abseiling training; Rachel's unresolved family issues impact her focus, as Fly makes her professional debut against overseas competitors. |
| 8 | Marcus Cole | 16 August 2006 | Eric lands a lucrative photo deal with an international surfing magazine but loses his board in a mishap, straining his budding romance with Amy. |
| 9 | Ralph Strasser | 23 August 2006 | A school beauty contest ignites debates on superficiality; Corey enters reluctantly to avoid embarrassment, exposing tensions with the team's diverse beauty standards. |
| 10 | Ralph Strasser | 30 August 2006 | Mike learns dancing for a school assignment while the team tackles a surf ski competition; Simmo's challenges test their adaptability to non-surfing skills. |
| 11 | Chris Martin-Jones | 6 September 2006 | A plumbing outage prompts a surfing safari trip, where Amy visits Eric's family, uncovering his hidden vulnerabilities and international family ties. |
| 12 | Chris Martin-Jones | 13 September 2006 | Brooke's preoccupation with Mike hampers her training; a young admirer shadows Amy, complicating the team's preparation for global-style events. |
| 13 | Chris Martin-Jones | 20 September 2006 | Local boys harass the Solar Blue team during sessions; Eric and Amy mentor a promising young surfer from an international exchange program. |
| 14 | Marcus Cole | 27 September 2006 | Eric and Amy's relationship faces strain; a magazine photoshoot for an upcoming surf club dance incorporates international fashion influences. |
| 15 | Ralph Strasser | 4 October 2006 | Eric's complacency prompts a stern warning from Simmo; Amy worries he might abandon Solar Blue for overseas opportunities. |
| 16 | Marcus Cole | 11 October 2006 | Amy's affluent parents arrive unexpectedly from abroad; Eric's birthday plans are disrupted by travel delays, testing family-team balances. |
| 17 | Chris Martin-Jones | 18 October 2006 | Former pro Edge returns in distress, having vanished from a major international competition, forcing the team to confront career risks. |
| 18 | Ralph Strasser | 25 October 2006 | Brooke's jealousy flares during a doubles surfing event involving Mike and Rachel, amplified by rumors of international team invites. |
| 19 | Ralph Strasser | 1 November 2006 | Mike seeks personal space amid pressures; Simmo's team-building excursion fails to resolve Corey and Mike's rivalry. |
| 20 | Marcus Cole | 8 November 2006 | Rachel grapples with a choice between family obligations and Solar Blue commitments; a reporter shadows the team, drawing global media interest. |
| 21 | Marcus Cole | 15 November 2006 | Eric doubts his edge in the wildcard race; a local surf-off against international visitors restores his confidence. |
| 22 | Ralph Strasser | 22 November 2006 | Brooke conceals a back injury from a wipeout, jeopardizing her wildcard chances as the competition intensifies. |
| 23 | Chris Martin-Jones | 29 November 2006 | Corey's school suspension endangers his surf-off eligibility; teammates rally to overturn it, emphasizing unity. |
| 24 | Chris Martin-Jones | 6 December 2006 | The arrival of elite international surfer Connor Davies creates tension, particularly in Amy and Eric's relationship. |
| 25 | Marcus Cole | 13 December 2006 | Brooke frets over post-surf-off friendships; Fly facilitates a reunion between alumni Perri and Matt, reflecting on global surfing networks. |
| 26 | Marcus Cole | 20 December 2006 | The climactic wildcard surf-off decides the male and female winners for professional circuit entry, resolving the season's arcs. |
Season 3 episodes
Season 3 of Blue Water High comprises 26 episodes broadcast on ABC in Australia from April 3, 2008, to September 25, 2008, introducing a new cohort of aspiring surfers at the Solar Blue academy while weaving in interpersonal dramas, intense training, and a season-long arc involving a funding crisis that endangers the program's future.[8] The narrative culminates in the national surfing finals, where the students' performances and unity play a pivotal role in resolving the academy's fate, emphasizing themes of perseverance and teamwork.[29] Below is the episode list with air dates and synopses.| Episode | Air date | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|
| 3.01 | April 3, 2008 | Cassie arrives at Blue Water Beach with high hopes but struggles with logistics and meets Adam, a fellow academy student; they face a misunderstanding with a policeman after surfing, while new head Angus Li recruits Bec Sanderson to manage the academy.[8] |
| 3.02 | April 10, 2008 | The students settle into the Solar Blue house, choosing beds and debating surf coach candidates; Bec tasks them with selecting between options, with Charley pushing for an unconventional choice to foster team spirit.[8] |
| 3.03 | April 17, 2008 | Loren grapples with insecurities, comparing herself to confident teammates amid Coach Garry's rigorous training; Bec enters her in a surfing competition to build skills, but a daring wave risks her progress.[8] |
| 3.04 | April 24, 2008 | Adam buckles under Garry's demanding regime during a tough bush walk, snapping but pushing through to protect Cassie's points; the coaches reveal it as a mental endurance test for pro-circuit readiness.[8] |
| 3.05 | May 1, 2008 | Bridget's perfectionism excels at school but strains peer relations, while the boys confront bullies over lockers; her overcommitment leads to backlash, leaving her isolated.[8] |
| 3.06 | May 8, 2008 | Guy is framed for shoplifting by a spiteful girl planting jewelry in his bag, upending his life; with Bridget's support, he uncovers the setup and clears his name.[8] |
| 3.07 | May 15, 2008 | Cassie's crush on Adam distracts her from training and studies; a bird-watching picnic turns perilous when her fixation on a rare bird causes a fall, underscoring her divided attention.[8] |
| 3.08 | May 22, 2008 | Charley dominates a surf competition, attracting fans but collapsing from fatigue; diagnosed with glandular fever, he faces potential expulsion from Solar Blue, testing his determination.[8] |
| 3.09 | May 29, 2008 | Loren's father arrives, disparaging her training and urging her to leave for better coaching; she weighs family obligations against her Solar Blue commitment, reaching a defining choice.[8] |
| 3.10 | June 5, 2008 | Adam's shark phobia reemerges at a new surf spot; Cassie aids him in facing it via a scuba dive, with Bec and Garry's guidance helping him recommit to the academy.[8] |
| 3.11 | June 12, 2008 | Depressed post-illness, Charley quits Solar Blue; Loren recruits Fly to sway him back with a restorative picnic experience that reignites his passion.[8] |
| 3.12 | June 19, 2008 | Bridget doubts Guy as her ideal partner amid jealousy and a wipeout; she confronts him directly, clarifying her emotions and their budding romance.[8] |
| 3.13 | June 26, 2008 | Midway through the season, Angus unveils an experimental surfboard for a promotional comp; initial failures prompt a switch to personal boards, raising doubts about the academy's sponsorship and viability.[8] |
| 3.14 | July 3, 2008 | Guy clings to routine, resisting innovative dance training; after isolation and setbacks, private sessions improve his form and mend team bonds.[8] |
| 3.15 | July 10, 2008 | Loren and Charley's romance isolates them from the group during a beach outing; recognizing the rift, they reconcile, balancing love with friendship.[8] |
| 3.16 | July 17, 2008 | Charley spots an elderly man, Bernie, observing their surfs and agrees to scatter "Rosie's" ashes; confusion ensues until it's clarified as a pet's remains, not a person's.[8] |
| 3.17 | July 24, 2008 | Bridget's brother James enlists her for a longboarding stand-in; the boys' skate stunt backfires, but a family birthday cover-up brings resolution.[8] |
| 3.18 | July 31, 2008 | Cassie mistakes Charley's companion for a romantic rival to Loren; it turns out to be his runaway sister Ellie, easing suspicions and strengthening group trust.[8] |
| 3.19 | August 7, 2008 | Overconfident at Swordfish Bay, Cassie injures herself and misses a comp; Adam motivates her for an ocean swim to recover points and rebuild self-assurance.[8] |
| 3.20 | August 14, 2008 | Guy's infatuation with Natalie derails training, jeopardizing a sponsorship; a heroic photo from her campaign saves it, though her boyfriend's presence refocuses Guy on surfing.[8] |
| 3.21 | August 21, 2008 | Local surfers harass Solar Blue, including racist taunts toward Adam; he documents the incidents and demands accountability, with Bec facilitating reconciliation.[8] |
| 3.22 | August 28, 2008 | Jealousy flares at adventure camp as Adam resents instructor Dan's bond with Cassie; a training rescue forces Adam to conquer his doubts and back her.[8] |
| 3.23 | September 4, 2008 | Charley's win-at-all-costs attitude alienates Loren, who prioritizes academy entry over victory; their clash highlights differing values as finals approach.[29] |
| 3.24 | September 11, 2008 | Rivalry escalates pre-finals, with the boys pushing boundaries in training; extreme tactics strain the team, forcing reflection on fair competition.[29] |
| 3.25 | September 18, 2008 | Finals anxiety breeds envy and conflicts; the group navigates interpersonal strains while preparing for the decisive event amid the academy's uncertain funding.[29] |
| 3.26 | September 25, 2008 | On finals day, the students compete fiercely, but a funding shortfall crisis threatens to shut down Solar Blue; their collective efforts and standout performances secure last-minute sponsorship, saving the academy and concluding the series.[8][29] |
Broadcast and distribution
Original Australian broadcast
Blue Water High premiered on ABC1 (now ABC TV) on 11 May 2005, airing on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. The first season consisted of 26 episodes, broadcast weekly until 2 November 2005.[6][30] The series achieved solid ratings in its timeslot, particularly among younger audiences, which contributed to its renewal for additional seasons. The second season premiered on 28 June 2006, also on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm, with 26 episodes. The third and final season began on 3 April 2008, maintaining the same schedule and episode count. No new episodes have been produced since 2008.[30][31][32] Following its original run, the series has seen occasional reruns on ABC Kids, including repeats on ABC2 in 2009, and has been available for streaming on 7plus since around 2019.[33][34]International broadcasts
Blue Water High was distributed internationally following its Australian premiere, with broadcasts beginning in various regions shortly after the first season aired in 2005. The series was sold to multiple European countries including Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, as well as New Zealand and South Africa by mid-2005.[23] In Europe, the show premiered in the United Kingdom in January 2006. It was also broadcast on Nickelodeon channels across the European Union during the same period. In Sweden, SVT aired the series starting in 2006, with episodes available on SVT Play in subsequent years.[35] The series was broadcast in North America starting in 2007. In Oceania, beyond Australia, the show aired on TV2 in New Zealand starting in 2006 and on Foxtel Nickelodeon.[23] For Africa, the series was sold to South Africa by mid-2005 and later aired on DStv channels.[23] In South America, the series aired on Boomerang beginning in 2007.[36] The series became available on global streaming platforms, including Netflix starting in 2015.Home media and streaming
The first season of Blue Water High was released on DVD in Australia by Roadshow Entertainment in early volumes starting in 2005, with the complete season issued as a four-disc set on February 7, 2007.[37][38] The second season followed with its complete four-disc DVD set released by Roadshow Entertainment on February 6, 2007.[39] Season 3 was not released individually on DVD at the time of its original broadcast, leading to fan petitions for a home video edition as early as 2009.[40] A complete series box set encompassing all 78 episodes across three seasons was released on DVD in Australia on October 7, 2020, distributed by Via Vision Entertainment in a 12-disc Region 4 set.[41] These releases are primarily available in PAL format for Region 4 (Australia and New Zealand), with limited international distribution through imports, such as non-USA PAL sets on Amazon.[42] No Blu-ray or 4K UHD editions have been produced.[43] For streaming, Blue Water High became available globally on Netflix starting in 2015, though availability varies by region and has been removed in some countries; as of November 2025, it remains accessible in many territories.[44] In Australia, all seasons have streamed on 7plus since at least 2019, offering free access to full episodes.[34] The series is accessible for free with ads on Tubi in the United States as of November 2025.[45] Internationally, episodes can be purchased or rented on Apple TV (formerly iTunes) in regions including the US and Australia as of November 2025.[4] Additionally, official full episodes have been uploaded to YouTube by ABC's Totes Amaze channel since September 2017, providing free access to select content.[46] It is also available to stream on Amazon Prime Video in various territories, including with ads via Freevee, as of November 2025.[47]Reception and legacy
Awards and nominations
Blue Water High received several nominations and wins from major Australian television awards bodies, particularly in the children's programming category, reflecting its strong debut reception for the first season.[1] The series' initial buzz around its 2005 premiere led to the majority of its accolades, including a win for its third season in 2008.[48] At the Australian Film Institute (AFI) Awards, Blue Water High was nominated for Best Children's Television Drama in 2005 for its first season, produced by Noel Price and Dennis Kiely.[49] It received another nomination in the same category in 2006.[50] The series won Best Children's Television Drama in 2008 for its third season.[48] The series fared better at the TV Week Logie Awards, winning Most Outstanding Children's Program in 2006 for the first season.[51] In the Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards, Blue Water High won Fave TV Show in 2006, voted by children for its engaging portrayal of teen surfers.[52]| Award | Year | Category | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Film Institute Awards | 2005 | Best Children's Television Drama | Nominated | For Season 1 |
| Australian Film Institute Awards | 2006 | Best Children's Television Drama | Nominated | For Season 2 |
| Australian Film Institute Awards | 2008 | Best Children's Television Drama | Won | For Season 3 |
| TV Week Logie Awards | 2006 | Most Outstanding Children's Program | Won | For Season 1 |
| Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards | 2006 | Fave TV Show | Won | Audience-voted |