California Games (1987, C64 version)
The impression of surf on the wave in California Games is convincing, in a cartoony sort of way. The wave is made of tiles that depict different amounts of 'splashiness'. Move them in sequence and the 'wave' breaks realistically, chasing the player and even creating a semi-transparent tube for those 'I am a surfing god' tunnel moments. At the end, the whole wave breaks at once and you get eaten by a shark. Just like real life then.
Above: This is the C64 version of California Games. It's actually not that bad!