"I started working with in water flash setups a number of years ago on a trip to the Maldives. The results were never anything special, kind of immature, with no real look or feel that held any weight."

Meet the folk behind each of the shortlisted films at the Sydney Surf Film Festival. This time 'round it's an improbable but enthusiastic crew of Austrian filmmakers.

A much anticipated swell bursts the summer drought with a deluge of waves. Sydney was right in the firing line.