Liam O'Brien is not your average CT surfer.

Quiet on land, loud in the lineup. And Friction of Perception, the new film by Darcy Ward and Vissla, peels back the layers of one of surfing’s most unassuming competitors, Liam O'Brien. It’s part character study, part high-performance surf flick, and 100% worth your time.

On Wednesday, July 31st, we’re rolling out the (figurative) red carpet for the West Coast Premiere of Friction of Perception at the iconic Rivian South Coast Theater in Laguna Beach. Entry is free with RSVP—so yeah, no excuses.

👉 Lock in your spot now

A Surf Film That Actually Says Something

Shot in Australia, Fiji, Hawaii and beyond, Friction goes deeper than your typical highlight reel. It’s an immersive look at Liam’s life in and out of the jersey, with cameos from friends, family, and fellow tour warriors like Matthew McGillivray.

As Stab Mag put it:

"A non-reductive portrait that breaks the athlete stereotype. This isn’t about stats—it’s about soul."

Post-Film Panel with the Team

After the film, Liam O’Brien and Matthew McGillivray will join us for a live panel and Q&A—moderated by people who know good surfing and good stories. Ask a question, shake a hand, maybe even score some insight into what really goes down behind the scenes on tour.

The Details:

📍 Where: Rivian South Coast Theater, Laguna Beach
📅 When: Wednesday, July 31st
⏰ Doors: 6:30 PM | Film: 7:00 PM | Q&A to follow
💵 Cost: Free (but RSVP is required)
🎟️ RSVP here

Surf Community & Surf Cinema

We’re keeping this one open to the public because good surf films are meant to be experienced together. With popcorn. With cold drinks. With that weird guy from the lineup who always backpaddles but still somehow gets a laugh out of you.

So come through. Bring a friend. Bring your grandma. Just don’t forget to RSVP.

See you there.