Surf phenom Caroline Marks has ascended to professional surfing’s next title contender in just a few short years, a span highlighted in Red Bull Media House’s latest documentary release, “That’s Caroline.”
The 21-minute film on Red Bull TV chronicles the Red Bull athlete’s growth from a youth of barrel racing and backyard fun in Florida through competitive moments with her brothers that spurred Marks to become one of the best surfers on the planet. The release of “That’s Caroline” fell on April 14th, coinciding with the 100 days mark from the start of competitions in Tokyo this summer, where Marks will represent America as surfing participates for the first time.
Marks initially qualified in December 2019 by finishing 2nd in the World Surf League standings as one of the top-two Americans, a feat chronicled in the film.
“It was so fun to relive some of my most intense waves and proud winning moments in the film, “ said Marks, who will be surfing alongside the world’s top athletes this summer. “Never did I think I’d have a film crew following me around, sharing my life’s story. I hope after seeing the film my fans wills be cheering me on even more as I compete for gold. It’s all a dream come true.”
Forget peer pressure, Caroline Marks’ three older brothers provided all the drive needed to propel her meteoric rise in surfing. Early on she gave equestrian competition a shot, but soon enough the surfing sibling rivalry won out. Caroline started surfing at 10-years old in her hometown of Melbourne Beach, FL, and with an unrivaled natural ability, won the Under-12 Surfing America Prime — the U.S. top amateur title — just one year later. After turning pro at age 13, she has won 17 titles, including the 2016 ISA Under-16 Championship, and consecutive National Scholastic Surfing Association titles in 2014-2015. In 2018, the Floridian became the youngest surfer to qualify for the World Surf League Championship tour and went on to win the Rookie of the Year award.
This summer illustrates a huge milestone for the sport, and for Caroline personally, who will be competing alongside her lifelong idol, Carissa More. This is just the beginning for the goofy-footed 19-year old named Caroline Marks – a name we’ll be hearing for decades to come as she continues to carve her way to the top of the surfing world.
That’s Caroline” was produced by The Front, an all-female documentary production team and creative think-tank that specializes in story-telling based in Brooklyn, NY.
