Sand Dancers: An Adaptive Surfing Documentary

Sand Dancers is a powerful documentary film from Red Stamp Productions, telling the story of Jimmy Simpson, a quadriplegic surfer with cerebral palsy, and the community of carers, instructors, and innovators who enable him to pursue his passion for surfing.

The film follows Jimmy and his carer Lauryn, whose relationship is at the heart of the story. We also meet:

• Nick managing director of South Shields Surf School, Jimmy’s surf instructor, who trains with him in the water.

• Steve Turnbull from Beach Access North East, who builds and paints wheelchairs designed for the beach.

• Nico Nelson from Buried Surf an Alaskan carpenter turned board shaper now based in Wallsend, who designs a custom surfboard for Jimmy.

• Russ Field from Surf Dek in South Shields, who creates adaptive surfing equipment.

Shot on the Blackmagic 12K URSA, the film captures both the challenges and triumphs of adaptive surfing. All post-production was completed at Red Stamp Post, with editing in Premiere Pro and a full sound mix in Pro Tools.

The documentary also highlights broader efforts to make the ocean accessible, with support from partners including Finisterre, dedicated to inclusive surf culture. We filmed at the Adaptive Surf National Championships at The Wave in Bristol, hosted by Surfing England, where Jimmy competed alongside other adaptive athletes.

Collaborators & Supporters

This production was made possible with the help of many partners, including:

• Focus Canning (kit hire)

• South Tyneside Council (filming permissions)

• The Sand Dancer, Newcastle Aviation Academy, Cineworld, The Customs House, and the University of Sunderland for filming and screenings

• Newcastle Design Week for hosting the film

Screenings & Recognition

Sand Dancers took over a year to make and is now on the international festival circuit. It has already been officially selected for Sunderland Shorts Film Festival and the New York Sport Film Festival, and has been featured by the BBC.

The next screening will take place at the South Shields Seafront Amphitheatre as part of the South Shields Beach Festival in September 2025, where the film will be shown free to the public.

Be Part of the Journey

We’re incredibly proud of the response to Sand Dancers. Follow Red Stamp Productions for updates on upcoming screenings, festival appearances, and future distribution opportunities. If you’re a festival programmer, broadcaster, or brand interested in partnering with us, we’d love to hear from you.