Spider Murphy is a Durban-based surfboard shaper whose expansive career has shaped surfing in South Africa for over five decades; this documentary celebrates his life and career.
Durban, South Africa (10 September 2023) – A beautiful documentary directed by Timothy Hay and produced by Mike Frew, looks at the career of proudly South African surfboard shaper Spider Murphy. The short shines a light on the highlights of his work and how he has dedicated his life to promoting surfing in our country.
Spider’s career has spanned over five decades and now, at the age of 76, looking back on all that has been accomplished, we can see what kind of change he made over the years.
The short documentary is a passion project for all those involved and they pulled it off with no budget at all. It serves as a form of media to place Spider Murphy’s name in the history books of surfing.
“This short documentary serves as a tribute to Spider Murphy, an iconic surfboard shaper based in Durban, South Africa.
With over six decades of legacy, he has expertly crafted over 100,000 surfboards, catering to a diverse array of surfers, from casual weekend enthusiasts to multiple world champions and global tour contenders.
Over his remarkable 55-year career, Spider’s pioneering influence and consistent drive to redefine design has played a pivotal role in the evolution of the surfing industry, and he continues to push the limits of surfboard innovation today.
Remarkably, even at 76 years old, Spider exudes unparalleled passion and energy for surfing. Having triumphed over a recent heart attack, he gained a renewed perspective on life, which complements his humble and positive outlook.
His resilient spirit and sense of stoke have become a true source of inspiration for many, and he is often referred to as one of the oldest grommets in the world.”
Take a look at the short documentary below.
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