This Short Film Explores Human, Life-or-Death Stories Behind Innovative Surf Helmet

Stept Studios has partnered with Oakley on A Rush of Calm to the Head, a powerful short film highlighting Oakley’s pioneering efforts in advancing the technology and adoption of surf helmets. The six-minute film delves into the deeply human, life-or-death stories that have driven this generational shift in surfing innovation. 

Since the earliest days of surfing, the sport has been a stage for those who seek to push boundaries and embrace new ways of thinking. A Rush of Calm to the Head brings these stories to life, examining how Oakley’s cutting-edge helmet technology is continuing to revolutionize the sport. The film explores not only the technical innovations but also the human impact they’ve had on surfers, reshaping perceptions of safety and performance in a traditionally helmet-free culture. 

The new helmet from Oakley, which is called WTR Icon, made its formal debut during the 2024 Summer Olympics, at Teahupo’o in Tahiti. Alongside this milestone, Stept Studios developed brand assets for Oakley’s activation in Paris showcasing the WTR Icon. 

Stept Studios concepted and produced the film, blending breath taking visuals, intimate storytelling, and archival footage to reveal the personal stakes behind this technological leap. Directed by Ben Lalande and edited by Lucas Raimondo, the film underscores the harmony of innovation, safety, and the raw, untamed power of the ocean. 

“For years, Oakley has been at the forefront of sports performance innovation, and when they made this foray into protection equipment in surfing and put the full power of their product team behind developing something ground-breaking in the space, we saw an opportunity to go a bit deeper in telling the story of how the brand and the sport got to this place ” said Sarah Stewart, Stept’s sr. director, Nonfiction. 

Ben and the team at Stept worked closely to craft a narrative that’s as visually arresting as it is emotionally impactful. 

“We knew we had something special with this helmet, it was something the industry wanted and needed and was far superior to anything out there – but rather than shouting its superiority through our usual product-led content, we wanted to find a different angle to showcase its place and purpose in surfing and surf culture,” said Chasen Marshall, brand activations director - NA Sports for Oakley. “By working with Stept on this documentary-type approach, we were able to use story to infuse purpose and value in a way that should hopefully connect in a more meaningful way to the audience and our intended consumers. And the team at Stept, in partnership with a core group at Oakley, really pulled together something we feel is quite special.