Life on Waves
Release Date - Summer 2026
Contact us about the film
Watch the Trailer
SYNOPSIS
The watersports world is about to witness an awe-inspiring new chapter as professional waterwoman Sarah Hausertakes center stage in the highly anticipated film, Life on Waves. This powerful documentary serves as a follow-up to the worldwide release of Girl on Wave, continuing the story that captivated audiences worldwide.
Directed by Steven B. Esparza, Life on Waves invites viewers deeper into Sarah Hauser’s extraordinary life as she pushes the boundaries of windsurfing and big-wave performance. The film captures her relentless pursuit of progression, documenting both her breathtaking triumphs in some of the world’s most demanding ocean conditions and the personal challenges she faces beyond the surf.
Recognized as a leading voice for women in extreme watersports, Sarah Hauser has broken barriers and inspired a new generation of female athletes. Her commitment to courage, resilience, and inclusivity continues to reshape perceptions within the sport. Life on Waves highlights not only her athletic excellence but also the mindset and determination that define her journey.
Set for a nationwide release in April 2026, Life on Waves delivers an adrenaline-charged cinematic experience that celebrates the spirit of the ocean and the unstoppable force of a true waterwoman.
Sarah Hauser
Sarah Hauser is a world-class professional windsurfer and respected waterwoman known for pushing the limits of big-wave riding. She built her reputation charging some of the most powerful surf breaks on the planet, combining fearless athleticism with deep ocean knowledge. Sarah made history with a record-breaking performance at Jaws (Peʻahi) in Maui, solidifying her place among the elite big-wave athletes in the sport.
Beyond competition, Sarah is also an accomplished branding manager, blending her experience as a professional athlete with strategic insight in marketing and brand development. She partners with leading global brands to help shape authentic storytelling rooted in performance, adventure, and ocean culture. Whether in the lineup or in the boardroom, Sarah Hauser represents strength, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the sea.
Meet the Team
-
![]()
Steven Esparza
Director,Writer,Producer
Steven Esparza is a Director and Producer best known for his work on Girl on Wave and Pistoleros: Death, Drugs and Rock N Roll, as well as his contributions to major studio films such as Fast & Furious 7 and Point Break (2015). Both Girl on Wave and Pistoleros: Death, Drugs and Rock N Roll were acquired for distribution by The Orchard and 1091 Distribution, further expanding their global reach. His projects showcase a bold visual style and raw, character-driven storytelling, blending cinematic intensity with grounded realism while exploring themes of ambition, rebellion, and redemption. As a creative leader, Steven brings hands-on production expertise and a strong visual sensibility to every project, delivering work that is both emotionally compelling and visually striking.
-
![]()
Jimmy Gadd
Producer
Jimmy Gadd is an award-winning producer and director whose work spans narrative film, documentary, and series development. His award winning short, Bound for Greatness, starring Karen Gillian and Oscar winning actress, Mikey Madison, took him through the festival circuit garnering several prestigious awards, establishing him as a filmmaker to watch. He directed a 90-minute feature in 6 days called, Shark Warning, taking him to San Diego Comic Con to speak to fans, that then premiered in theaters, and now on Amazon Prime and VOD. He served as Head of Development for Original series at Dixon Collective with 180 projects in his slate. Presently, he completed writing and directing an animated feature called, A Winnie-the-Pooh-Christmas.A graduate of the Warner Brothers Directing Program, Gadd is a member of BAFTA, ACE, and the Television Academy (Emmy).
-
![]()
Steve Griffen
Music Direction
A 25+ year veteran of the L.A. music scene who has worked in multiple aspects of the industry. He has produced and engineered both score and main titles for television, as well as vocal content for songs performed by David Spade, Debra Messing, Rebel Wilson and Taika Waititi. He also co-wrote, performed, produced and recorded production songs for Hot TubTime Machine 2 with Craig Robinson. -
![]()
Shaley Brooks
Colorist
Shaley Brooks is a Los Angeles-based colorist and post-production specialist with over two decades of experience across episodic television, feature films, advertising, and music videos. Born in Austin, Texas, his passion for the intersection of film and technology sparked early; he grew up around broadcast engineering and developed a lifelong eye for the visual image. Brooks founded Iris Digital Post, a full-service boutique post company offering concierge-level services from dailies through final delivery. His credits include ABC's Home Economics, the critically acclaimed Now Apocalypse directed by Gregg Araki, and Araki's latest feature, I Want Your Sex, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He is a member of the Editors Guild and brings deep expertise in DaVinci Resolve, HDR, and Dolby Vision pipelines.
Life on Waves Draws Strong Crowd for Phoenix Premiere at Harkins Scottsdale 101
The Phoenix premiere of Life on Waves on May 28, 2026, at Harkins Scottsdale 101 was an unforgettable evening that brought together filmmakers, supporters, and members of Arizona's film community to celebrate the latest documentary from EchoHouse Films.
The evening began with a VIP dinner hosted by Rodizio Grill, located just steps away from the theater. Rodizio generously sponsored the event and provided gift bags for guests, helping create a memorable experience before the screening. Special thanks go to Dan Arndt and the entire Rodizio Grill team for their hospitality, support, and commitment to the local film community.
One of the highlights of the event was the partnership with the Phoenix Film Festival. Through its member screening program, the festival provides opportunities for film enthusiasts to experience select films before their wider release. When the Phoenix Film Festival invited Life on Waves to participate in this special program, the filmmakers were honored to accept.
The screening was met with an enthusiastic response from attendees, many of whom connected deeply with the film's themes of resilience, perseverance, family, and the powerful relationship between people and the ocean. Following the successful world premiere in Maui and the Los Angeles industry screening presented in HDR by Barco, the Phoenix event continued to build momentum for the film and introduced Arizona audiences to the inspiring story of professional waterwoman Sarah Hauser.
EchoHouse Films would like to thank everyone who attended, supported, and helped make the Phoenix premiere such a success. The overwhelming response from audiences continues to reinforce the power of independent filmmaking and meaningful storytelling.
Life on Waves is directed and produced by Steven B. Esparza and follows the remarkable journey of Sarah Hauser, exploring not only the challenge of riding some of the world's largest waves but also the personal strength, family bonds, and resilience required to navigate life's most difficult challenges.
Phoenix Premiere
May 28th 2026
Maui Premiere
March 26th 2026
A sincere thank you to the Maui community for joining us at the premiere of Life on Waves. We’re deeply grateful for the support and to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center for hosting such a special night.
After three years of work across Maui, Phoenix, and Fiji, it’s incredibly rewarding to share this film and witness the impact of Sarah and Casey Hauser’s story.
Captured on RED Digital Cinema cameras and crafted entirely in DaVinci Resolve, the film represents a true labor of passion and precision.
We’re excited to announce our next screening in Los Angeles at the Barco HDR Theater. The official date will be announced soon, along with details for an upcoming screening in Phoenix. Stay tuned for more updates.