The 12 Feb 1964 DV announced that the working title, Surfing Wild, was officially changed to Ride the Wild Surf. Filming was scheduled to begin later that month in Hawaii. The next day’s issue reported that writer-director-producer Art Napoleon and lead actor Fabian were already on location in Hawaii. According to the 21 Feb 1964 DV, five more cast members were leaving the next day for Honolulu, HI, to begin rehearsals. Principal photography commenced on 28 Feb 1964, as stated in the 4 Mar 1964 Var. Principal cast members had their hair tinted blond, as reported in the 3 Mar 1964 DV. The one exception was Susan Hart, who played a character of mixed heritage.
       The 28 Feb 1964 DV noted that Jan and Dean, the vocal duo who recorded the title song, were unable to appear onscreen, as they were defense witnesses in the trial of Barry Keenan at the time of production. Keenan was ultimately convicted of kidnapping singer Frank Sinatra, Jr.
       While filming was in progress, the 18 Mar 1964 DV stated that the cabin occupied by Susan Hart, Barbara Eden, and Shelley Fabares was struck by lightning. The 31 Mar 1964 issue reported that the entire company cooperated in moving equipment to higher ground as a tidal wave approached. No injuries were sustained in either case, and losses were minimal. Ten days later, the company returned to the mainland and resumed filming at Columbia Studios in Los Angeles, CA, as noted in the 9 Apr 1964 DV. Don Taylor replaced Art Napoleon as director, reportedly because the latter was stricken with an unidentified illness. In the 2 Apr 1964 LAT, columnist Hedda Hopper claimed that Taylor re-shot every scene filmed by Napoleon. According to Hopper ’s 21 Apr 1964 LAT column, Taylor took a three-day hiatus to attend his mother’s funeral, during which Phil Karlson assumed directorial duties.
       Additional cast members included John Craig (2 Mar 1964 DV); Jim Davidson (9 Mar 1964 DV); Olympic swimming champion Murray Rose (13 Mar 1964 LAT); Bob Shepherd, Fred Van Dyke, and Greg Abbott (17 Mar 1964 DV). A news item in the 30 Mar 1964 DV stated that 450 background actors were required during location shooting. The 19 Jun 1964 edition indicated that the production had recently been completed.
       As reported in the 24 Jul 1964 DV, athlete and sports commentator Frank Gifford was contracted to narrate television and radio advertising for the film.
       The 29 Jul 1964 Var announced the world premiere that day at the Princess Theatre in Honolulu. To attract an adolescent clientele, the theater offered a stage show featuring teenaged performers, and held a “‘swim’ dance” contest. Admission was one dollar. The 29 Jul 1964 DV reported that Honolulu mayor Neal S. Blaisdell declared the date “Ride the Wild Surf Day.” Openings followed in Los Angeles on 26 Aug 1964, and on 23 Dec 1964 in New York City. Although reviews were generally positive, critics emphasized the surfing sequences while dismissing the romantic sub-plot as clichéd.
       Fabian later told the 17 Mar 1965 DV that the $500,000 production earned over $1 million.