Julia Garner’s Stunt Double: Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four
# From Surf Coach to Superhero Trainer: How a Cornish Pro Helped Julia Garner Become the Silver surfer
*Tehillah McGuinness, a surf and fitness coach based in Cornwall, UK, trained Julia Garner for her role as Silver Surfer in *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*. Image via Instagram @tee_surf_fit*
tehillah, or “Tee,” is a former professional surfer originally from South Africa, now making waves in the UK’s surf capital, Cornwall. For over a decade, she’s honed her skills as a surf and fitness coach. Then, about a year ago, a call from her agent launched her into the world of Hollywood blockbusters - tasked with preparing Julia Garner (known for her role in *Ozark*) to embody the Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal, in the 2025 film, *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*.
## Surfing’s Newest Hollywood Connection
Speaking with CornwallLive, the 37-year-old coach shared her perspective on working with celebrities. “I feel equally committed to both normal people and celebrities when I am their surf coach. There is this untouchable aspect of celebrities. But when you spend time with them it’s a real learning experience.You realise how normal they are. I learned so much from them. I hope I managed to bring a sense of normality to the crazy world around them and ground them.”
Tee’s approach wasn’t just about teaching Garner to *look* like a surfer; it was about authenticity. She focused on ”bringing real surf technique into a cinematic context.” The coaching encompassed everything from detailed technical instruction to doubling for Julia on set during key surfing movements and action sequences. The goal? To make Garner’s portrayal of the Silver Surfer feel natural and believable.
### The Importance of authentic Surf Technique in Film
Hollywood’s track record with realistically portraying surfing is…spotty,to say the least. Many films prioritize spectacle over accuracy, resulting in scenes that look unnatural to experienced surfers. The 2015 remake of *Point Break* is a frequent example cited by those in the surf community. Tee’s involvement signals a shift towards a more genuine representation of the sport.
“It’s been an exciting ride – not just professionally, but in seeing surf culture intersect with mainstream superhero cinema in a really meaningful way,” Tee explained. “I have worked as a celebrity personal trainer for the past 10 years training cast members on various productions but this was a very special production for me.”
She even offered to take Julia Garner surfing in real-world conditions, hoping to accelerate her learning and connection to the sport. Unluckily, scheduling didn’t allow for it. ”That would have been an amazing tick to get,” Tee admitted.
Related: Nicolas Cage Goes Rat Sh*t Crazy in ‘The Surfer’ (Review)
## Beyond the Waves: A Growing Trend
Tee’s story highlights a growing trend: Hollywood increasingly recognizing the value of expert consultants to ensure authenticity in action sequences and specialized skills. This isn’t just about looking good on screen; it’s about respecting the culture and nuances of the activities being portrayed.
The demand for skilled surf coaches and doubles is rising as filmmakers seek to capture the thrill and technicality of surfing with greater accuracy. This benefits not only the quality of the films but also the surfing community,offering increased visibility and a more respectful representation of the sport.
Related: Matt Archbold Talks Stunt-Doubling for ‘Point Break’ (Video)
*The Fantastic Four: First Steps* is currently in theaters, and while it remains to be