Johnny and Rugburn’s Surf Antics is a coming-of-age animated TV series that follows the adventures of two surfers as they grow up in Southern California in a small coastal town where surfing is a way of life.  Centered around Newport and Huntington Beach these two best friends share a passion for surfing and spend most of their time riding or searching for waves.  They are both between 16 and 20 years old and are in the midst of figuring out who they are and what they want to do with their lives.  In the surfing world, there is a serious pecking order and these two are reminded of where they stand at every given moment.  Which by the way is nowhere near the top. Johnny and Rugburn are always trying to do the right thing, but their love for surfing and catching waves just seem to get in the way.  This series follows their hilarious and mischievous antics as they try to make sense of the world around them.

 

Rugburn inherits a vintage type 2 VW bus from his uncle, which becomes their primary mode of transportation. This bus is more than just a means of getting around; it is like a character in this series and plays a vital role in shaping who the characters are, what they do, and where they go.

 

Johnny is an endearing and humorous character who provides a stark contrast to Rugburn in almost every way and is pretty much liked by nearly everyone.  Johnny sees himself as a nice guy but the constant jabs and the occasional right hook to Rugburn’s psyche might lead you to think otherwise.  Johnny with his trademark awkwardness and self-deprecating witty cutting humor shines through in every scene.  He is generally more reserved and cautious than his friend but is still willing to go along with Rugburn’s wild and crazy schemes.  Johnny digs the girls, but they rarely return the affection, and he is always on a steadfast quest for love.

 

Rugburn on the other hand is a bull in a China shop.  Though he hates his nickname, it fits him like a glove. Rugburn is never wrong or so he thinks!  There in which lies the problem...  Rugburn is known for his foul-mouthed, crass humor. A selfish individual with a tendency to lie and manipulate situations to his advantage.  He is also shown to be extremely awkward around girls and struggles to express his feelings toward the opposite sex. Rugburn is a hilarious and relatable character, as many viewers can identify with the insecurities and social struggles that he experiences.

 

Surf Antics boasts a cast of notable recurring characters, including Casey (better known as Dingus), who always seems to have just returned from yet another epic surf adventure.  Johnny and Rugburn are constantly regaled with stories of Bali, Mexico, and Australia, learning about life beyond "The OC." Additionally, Stephanie, Johnny's down-to-earth and exceptionally skilled surfer sister, attracts the attention of every boy in town, except for her boyfriend Bruce.  Bruce, a pretentious semi-pro surfer, believes himself superior to others but is only liked by Stephanie.  Despite his arrogance, he takes a liking to Johnny, and their relationship seems amicable.  They see this friendship and Bruce’s surfing career as their golden ticket to the most important events (contests, bands, and the best parties) that they would never be invited to otherwise…

 

This TV series will also feature a variety of animals, both domestic and wild, including seagulls, pelicans, dolphins, seals, stingrays, sharks, dogs, and cats.  These animals are often used for comedic effect, showcasing their interesting personalities and animal instincts.  While the audience and other animals can understand each other, the characters cannot. For instance, a seagull is frequently seen delivering messages to the characters, but its delivery is often delayed or misunderstood, resulting in humorous misunderstandings or a dolphin stealing a surfer’s wave while laughing and mocking them.  These animals in this show are constantly using satire and sarcasm to poke fun at the characters' shortcomings.  They add a significant comedic element to the story, reminiscent of shows like The Flintstones with a touch of Animatics.

 

Johnny and Rugburn’s Surf Antics is a fun and lighthearted animated TV series that captures the essence of growing up as surfers in Southern California.  With its mix of humor, heart, and surfing, this series is sure to appeal to young adults as well as a more mature audience.  Overall, Surf Antics targets a wide range audience of people who enjoy smart, edgy comedy mixed with thrilling action and adventure.