Peter Drouyn is one of surfing’s most dynamic figures. He was a champion surfer and contest visionary who is credited with pioneering the man-on-man format. He also trained as an actor, made films, played music, helped pioneer surfing in China and foresaw a future where wave pools would become an entrenched part of pro surfing. In his hey-day Drouyn was well-known for working his charms with women, but at some point Peter decided he wanted to live his life as a woman and became Westerly Windina. Now a new documentary, ‘The Life and Death of Westerly Windina’ by Jamie Brisick and Alan White explores the intriguing story of Peter Drouyn. According to the official press release, the film invites audiences to “witness intimate interviews, rare archival footage, and the untold story of a surf legend’s remarkable, real-life metamorphosis.”
Tracks spoke briefly to the co-directors about the film, which premieres at The Byron Bay film festival on October 19.
Long before Peter Drouyn contemplated transgender surgery he was a formidable figure? Champion surfer, Man on man surfing pioneer, wave pool visionary and actor. Does the film delve into Drouyn’s early life?
Jamie Brisick: Very much so. I think Alan and I were as fascinated by Peter’s visionary thinking and formidable achievements as we were by Westerly. The invention of man-on-man surfing in the 1977 Stubbies; the Superchallenge in 1984, which has the same gladiatorial tone the recent Trestles WSL showdowns have had; introducing surfing to China; seriously exploring wave pools long before they were a thing — Peter Drouyn was way ahead of his time. His mind was as advanced as his brilliant surfing.
Alan White: Absolutely, we dive deep into Peter’s early years. The film showcases a treasure trove of great Drouyn surfing footage – from Bob Evan’s High on a Cool Wave, Paul Witzig’s Hot Generation through to the eponymous Drouyn – Peter was the first surfer to have a feature length film entirely dedicated to him. And it wasn’t just surfing he excelled at – Peter went to NIDA with Mel Gibson! But beneath that macho persona, there was so much more going on. The film sheds light on the challenges he faced, especially in such a hypermasculine surf culture. That’s what we explore – how this larger-than-life surf icon began to question everything and eventually transitioned into Westerly Windina.
People see documentaries for a range of reasons. Entertainment, education, revelation or a shift in consciousness. Why might they see this film?
JB: TLADOWW is above all else about identity, and one person’s deep search for and investigating of their truest self. The film asks big questions. Or rather, our subject asks big questions. We didn’t start the project thinking: ‘transgender – let’s explore!’ We started thinking: here’s one of most interesting people we’ve ever met, who mirrors back at us questions about identity – is it something we dig to the depths of ourselves to find, or something we invent, or both? – and that’s what held our fascination. Entertaining? Hopefully.
AW: Some will come for the story of Peter Drouyn, this larger-than-life surfing legend, and his incredible transition into Westerly Windina. It’s such a powerful tale of identity and transformation—something that’s deeply human. For surfers, it’s a deep dive into the history of surfing itself. Peter wasn’t just a surfer; he changed the sport. We’ve got all this incredible archival footage that captures the golden era of surfing. But then, the film turns, and it becomes about something so much more both for surfers and everyone else. It’s about Westerly’s quest for acceptance, not just from the surf community, but from herself.
On one hand it’s easy to pat Peter on the back and say ‘Good on you for being so brave’ and becoming a woman but does the film look at the complexity of that decision? There are undeniably legitimate transgender scenarios but does the film dare to ask if people can in fact be too hasty in making the decision to go all the way with surgery?
JB: Given the 12 years we spent with our fascinating, self-interrogating subject, we’d like to think so. But that’s going to be up to the viewer to decide. It’s a totally valid question you’re asking. But there’s only so much that can happen in 90 mins. And in many ways, that thing we’re talking about is still playing out. But, but: very important to say that this is a portrait of a vibrant, creative, complex person – not a commentary on a trans person’s choices.
AW: The film definitely gets into the complexity of Westerly’s decision. Brave as it is, it goes way beyond simply being courageous. We really wanted to explore the layers of that journey. Westerly talks about how it just “kicked in one night,” but we leave room for people to wonder— did it evolve or was it an epiphany? We don’t shy away from the fact that surgery is a monumental, irreversible decision. The film lets that sit with the viewer without pushing an agenda or making judgments. It’s about showing Westerly’s story in all its raw, real emotion—letting people see both the courage and the struggle, the peace Peter’s searching for, and the weight of the choices Westerly’s made. It’s about two people in one, it’s complex, and we didn’t want to simplify any of it.
Does surf culture need to be cautious of falling victim to a narrow outlook or overly conservative views. By dismissing certain voices and opinions do we risk losing the colour, dynamism and individuality that was celebrated in surfing and often gave rise to some of surfing’s most visionary ideas?
JB: Yes, I believe so. The surf world I was drawn to as a teen seemed to be a tribe of misfits, outcasts, weirdos. That was half the allure for me. As it professionalized/commercialized it, in my humble opinion, homogenized. My late 1980s/early 90s surf heyday was macho and homophobic. I always felt at odds with that. I felt on the outside again when I started getting serious about writing. In the water, on a wave, surfing is wildly creative. But the attitudes were narrow, rigid, xenophobic at times. It seems a lot better today – the new generation more inclusive. But still, the complexity and singularity of the human experience: it’s a tough ride for all of us. The kind of pure self-expression that PD/WW brought to surfing – I humbly think it should be encouraged, celebrated.
AW: In the beginning surfers were outlaws, they thrived on breaking rules and making their own. Reinventing what was possible in surfboard design and on a wave but also introducing the idea that you could dedicate your entire life to the simple pursuit of riding waves. That created the very phrase “surf culture” – I’m always suspicious of labels – now surfing is a “mainstream sport” let’s hope the mavericks and dreamers continue to confound the conformists and nay sayers and continue to turn ideas upside down.
