Maverick Moments

A swell rises in Nazare, Portugal and big wave surfers Garrett McNamara, Andrew Cotton, and Hugo Vau set out to ride it. Garrett McNamara resides in the north shore of Oahu with his wife Nicole McNamara and their children. Nazare is a small town in Central Portugal that produces some of the most impressive but deadliest waves on the planet. When Garrett and Nicole arrive at the hotel, they discover that swell has reduced to smaller waves, giving Garrett and and his team only 24 hours to prepare. They head to the warehouse to prepare gear and with safety always being at the top of the list, they take extra precautions. Garrett's water team is carefully chosen; it consists of Andrew Cotton and Hugo Vau. In 2014, Andrew Cotton rode one of the biggest waves at Nazare known to man, while Hugo Vau has always been a waterman and is skilled in a range of water-related, recreational activities from fishing to surfing. The team heads out and take turns surfing the massive waves produced by Nazare's canyons. Antonio Silva suffers a shattered knee cap after a wiped out and barely makes it to shore alive. Rodrigo Koxa and Rafael Tapia are in trouble as their jet ski is taken out by a huge wave and both are at the mercy of the North Shore as they are pushed towards the rocks. With the help of Nicole, Garrett is able to successfully rescue his fellow big wave surfers from harm.

One of the biggest swells ever rises in Nazare, Portugal. Big wave surfers Garrett McNamara, Andrew Cotton, Hugo Vau, and Ross Clarke Jones set out to surf on the second day of the swell. They are joined by Ross Clarke Jones and Michele Laurant. Ross Clarke Jones is an Australian big wave surfer and is considered a legend and pioneer in the sport. Despite being worn out from the previous day, the team gears up for the waves. Garrett is excited to use his custom board: a design collaboration between Mercedes Benz, himself, and a local surf shop, S.P.O. The team hopes for safer conditions since the waves are slightly smaller. Garrett spots a solid wave and signals Andrew to tow him in. He executes a few successful rides and so does the rest of his team. After an intense wipeout, they decide to switch it up and paddle into some waves but it goes extremely wrong for Andrew who ends up with a bloody nose. Things get worse as Ross has a terrible wipeout and as Garrett goes to help him, he is also taken out by the whitewash. As they are both being pushed to the rocks, Hugo is in perfect position to rescue them. With a humbling session behind them, Garrett and Nicole enjoy a meal before heading back to Hawaii; they make it back two hours before their daughter's dance recital. Balancing fatherhood with a big wave surfing is something Garrett McNamara has mastered.

With a huge storm heading to the North Pacific, big wave surfers, like Eric Akiskalian, have their eyes set on the waves predicted to hit Nelscott Reef in Oregon. Nelscott Reef is known as one of the most intimidating beach breaks in the entire world. Fifty-five year old Eric Akiskalian holds the record for riding the biggest wave in the Northwest. He also became the oldest surfer to ever be nominated for the prestigious 'Biggest Wave' award at the annual XXL Surfing Awards. When he is not surfing big waves, Eric is a car salesman and father to two boys. With this swell on the horizon, he packs up and heads to Lincoln City, Oregon. After arriving, Eric meets up with friend and tow partner, Keith Galbraith, and learns his long time rival, John Forse, is holding a surf competition during the peak of the swell. After a morning of practicing on smaller waves, Eric aggravates an old knee injury. Later, after hours of phone calls and negotiating, Eric and Keith get word they can participate in the competition but that night, tensions rise and Eric does not sign up for the event. In the morning, Eric and John put their differences aside and Eric volunteers to be safety patrol for the competition. Near the end of the competition, Eric is able to surf some big waves. He heads home where he and his sons prepare for a two week road trip to California for some fun in the sun.

For its next stop, The Big Wave World Tour sets out for massive swells at Nelscott Reef. Local big wave surfers, Eric Akiskalian and Keith Galbraith are invited to compete. One hopeful surfer, Will Skudin, is looking to join the tour for the first time with an invitation. Will Skudin grew up in Long Beach, New York in a family of watermen and women. Him and his brother, Cliff Skudin, started Skudin Surf: a prominent surf school with multiple locations in the New York area. During one of his camps, Will gets the call that the Oregon contest is on and he is invited as a second alternate to the tour. He heads out to Lincoln City to meet up with Eric and Keith to get some knowledge on the waves he will be surfing. They train and surf, getting some practice in before the competition. It is the morning of the competition and after hours of waiting, Will gets the word that he is officially in the competition. Alex Gray is also competing for the first time. The competition is broken down into three rounds with only the top three best advancing. Will makes it all the way to the finals along with Grant Baker, Alex Gray, Anthony Tashnick, Kohl Christensen, and Shawn Dollar. Alex Gray wins the championship. In a physical depiction of the spirit of brotherhood, love and respect within the surfing community, Alex chooses to split the prize purse between the final heat surfers.

With Springtime approaching, big wave surfers are shifting their attention to the Southern hemisphere but Mother Nature decides to send one more Winter swell to the heart of Northern California. Mavericks is located in the infamous red triangle, a Great White shark breeding ground with a deep water reef that comes up and goes down, easily producing fifty-foot waves. Local big wave surfer and businessman, Jeff Denholm, enjoys the downgraded, uncrowded swells that Springtime produces. After being in a tragic work accident, Jeff lost one arm but through resilience and perseverance, has become an inspiration to many in both the paddleboard and surf community as well as in his local community. Every year, Jeff, a handful of big wave surfers, and a number of volunteers participate in the Big Wave Safety Summit to learn life saving drills in and out of the water. One drill Jeff especially favors is extracting a surfer from the water using your own surfboard and body because it covers a situation that occurs frequently in big wave surfing. The Santa Cruz community hosts a benefit paddleboard race but because of previous back injuries, Jeff is unable to participate for the second time. But he supports his peers, especially Savannah Shaughnessy who he is training for the Molokai paddleboard race in Hawaii that he partook in years ago. Contest like these bring like minded people together, showcasing the positive impact individuals can make through shared struggle that might inspire others to do the same.

An immense, low-pressure system is steamrolling its way out of the Aleutian Islands and drawing straight into the swell window of Northern California's most infamous reef, Mavericks. Mavericks is known for its massive waves but is also notorious for the dangers that can occur. Big wave pros, Mark Foo and Sion Milosky, have lost their lives to Mavs. The Mavericks season always begins with a traditional opening ceremony honoring those who surf and have surfed at Mavericks. A circle in prayer forms past the breakers off the beach. A symbol of unity, this time honored tradition is of Hawaiian ancestry dating back to the surf contest between kings. On a 48 hour call, the invited surfers prepare for what the season is set to bring. Much of the big wave endeavor is mental. Conflicts between mind, body, and equipment are overcome by mental discipline and close attention to detail. Garrett McNamara and Francisco Porcella realize they forgot a key component, surf wax, and call on friend Ken Collins who offers to share his. The waves break but the swell direction is producing huge but unrideable waves. The crowded lineup becomes a free for all but surfers pay the price with severe wipeouts. Conditions become ideal as the tide drops, surfers, especially Francisco and Garrett gain their rhythm and ride some solid waves. Thanks to dedication, a respect for the ocean, and an exercise of the human spirit, the surfers are able to experience a Maverick moment.

After a significant stretch of flat waters, a storm in Antarctica sends massive swells to Pico Alto: the next stop on the Big Wave World Tour. Pico Alto, Peru is where one of the world's oldest surfing civilizations began. Currently, its harbors are alive with native fishermen and watermen alike. Santa Cruz native big wave surfer, Anthony Tashnick, receives a call about the swell in Peru. And across town, Ken 'Skindog' Collins gets the same call and they both head to Peru for the competition. Big wave surfer Trevor Carlson, although not invited, heads to Peru as well in hopes of becoming an alternative in the line-up for the competition. As the contest is about to begin, there are no openings and Trevor will not be able to compete. According to the contest rules, each surfer must catch two waves in a 45 minute heat, and surfers who exhibit the most commitment to the largest wave, receive the highest praise. Ken finds out quickly how tricky the waves are. He is unable to catch a second wave, and is instantly eliminated. The competition progresses and various big wave surfers, including Anthony Tashnick, show exactly what it takes to win. After seven hours of surfing in cold water, the Pico Alto competition comes to an end with Makuakai Rothman taking the title and Tashnick coming in second place. The surfers head North to Puerto Escondido, Mexico for the massive swell that is set to hit its shores.

With Hurricane Marie intensifying to a category five, big wave surfers from around the world converge in Puerto Escondido, Mexico in hopes of catching an epic Mexican surf. At daybreak, they head to practice and big wave surfers, Ken Collins and David Langer, tow one another onto some solid waves. Trevor Carlson comes close to drowning as he is taken out by a huge wave and pinned under the multiple waves that follow. The waves in Puerto Escondido are relentless, but this swell is extraordinary and surfers rise to the occasion, matching massive waves with beautiful rides. Ken paddles into a clean right on the biggest wave of the day but gets taken out. Gabriel Villaran places himself in the strong paddle for the barrel of the day and possibly the ride of Gabriel's life. The following morning, the peak of the swell is arriving, bringing more surfers, spectators, and filmmakers from all over the world. The intensity of the swell causes the Mexican government to deploy more safety skies and lifeguards. Professional skimboarder Brad Domke pushes his boundaries and decides to take on the huge waves. After a few solid rides and some failed attempts, Brad has one of the best skimboard rides thus far in his career. Back in California, Anthony Tashnick surfs the huge swell at The Wedge in Newport Beach where David Langer meets him. After a day of successful surfing, they enjoy in a cruise of Newport Beach, making more memories to cherish.

A severe storm developed in the North Pacific and if the weather pattern continues it could produce waves in excess of fifty feet if it hits Pe'ahi. To many, Pe'ahi is considered the best big wave break in the world; no surprise surfers venture from all corners of the globe to surf there. Legendary big wave surfer, Garrett McNamara and wife Nicole, live close and make the short flight to Maui to catch the waves at sunrise. After arriving, he struggles to find his groove and goes through a couple board switches before deciding to go with the jet: a board equipped with a miniature motor that powers two aluminum impellers specifically designed to help surfers to paddle up to four times faster. Garrett pulls the cord, gets an incredible barrel but whitewater washes him out and drags him underwater. After being taken out by another wave, the rescue team reaches him and takes him to safety. That night, they go to native surfer, Rodney Kilborn's house for dinner with Greg Long. The following morning, they head back for another day of surf but the line up is crowded. Pe'ahi is producing massive waves and a boat unsuccessfully outruns a wave and flips over. With quick action and teamwork, they are able to get the boat to safety and flipped back over. After, Grant Baker catches one of the biggest waves of the day. For the rest of the swell, Pe'ahi does not disappoint, leaving everyone in awe.

Pe'ahi, also known as Jaws, is a perfect, symmetrical, triangular ridge. This ridge causes ocean swells moving at speeds up to forty miles per hour to heave up, grind, and barrel along the ridge. Deep, fast moving water bends inward causing a wrapping effect that forces water in and up toward the surface where it transforms into a massive pyramid of water. This massive water peaks upwards of sixty feet high. English big wave surfer, Andrew Cotton, and New York native, Will Skudin, are invited by Garrett McNamara to come surf the swell at Jaws. Both Andrew and Will have never been to Jaws so this will be a great opportunity to advance in technique and skill. After arriving in Maui, Andrew, Garrett, and Will suit up for a session at Jaws. The reef is producing twenty foot waves; a twenty foot wave is considered less than average by Jaws standards, but here on this reef the swell is magnified. The session goes well, allowing Andrew and Will the opportunity to ride medium sized waves, and learn and understand Jaws' mechanics of wave breaking. After battling the ebb and flow of chaos and glory, they enjoy time with loved ones. The next morning, Garrett and Andrew head back out to Pe'ahi on a mission to get some barrels. They have a memorable session and Garrett is stoked he was able to help Andrew accomplish one of his goals, surfing at Jaws, fulfilling a spirit of big wave surfing; friendship.

An enormous storm forms in the South Pacific, sending massive waves toward Tahiti and Southern Mexico. Big wave surfers around the world gather their belongings and pack their boards for the next surf adventure. While getting some practice in using unconventional means, big wave surfer Will Skudin, gets a call for Mexico. Other surfers such as Garrett McNamara and Francisco Porcella, also head to Puerto Escondido. Although the surf is flat upon arrival, as night falls, the swell comes on strong. The unusual high tide brings the surging ocean up onto the streets of Puerto Escondido. A swell this size is so rare that even the locals begin to take precaution. After dinner, Francisco and Garrett set out looking for gear since not all the equipment made it on the Mexico City flight. The surf community takes care of them and they are able to borrow gear. The following morning, eager surfers meet at the beach to see if the waves are ridable. Although the waves likely won't clean up till the afternoon, nobody is willing to miss a chance at a swell like this so the surfers head out to the lineup. Mother nature is not only dishing out extremely difficult weather conditions but also some of the most horrific wipe outs ever experienced; the violent, thrashing underwater is a testament to the raw power of nature. Will is able to catch a wave and ride it out clean but Garrett and Francisco are not so lucky.

Surfers have traveled from all corners of the globe to ride one of the biggest swells to hit Puerto Escondido, Mexico in the last ten years. This notorious beach break is one of the most dangerous and challenging waves to surf. Big wave surfers Garrett McNamara and Francisco Porcella hope the swell will provide cleaner, more organized waves compared to the previous day, for them to get a few strong rides. The streets are still flooded from a combination of high tide and massive surf. With the swell subsided, surfers such as Grant 'Twiggy' Baker, are rising up to the occasion, pulling into a couple barrels. But even they are not immune to the destructive force of the waves. Garrett gets his opportunity for a big barrel but he suffers a vicious wipe out and finds himself at the mercy of the beach break. Luckily, his specialized floatation device, one that is now a requirement in big wave surfing, proves handy and keeps him above water. He is able to float back onto the shore. Francisco faces the same fate and while he ends up with a broken board, one that he borrowed, he has his life. With the wind direction making conditions less than ideal, Garrett heads back to the villa to celebrate his wife, Nicole's birthday, while Francisco, armed with another borrowed board, heads to La Punta with Brad Domke. They ride some decent-sized waves, revelling in the mellow conditions after a day in dangerous waters.

Although the big wave season is coming to a close, the Atlantic ocean is waking up again, sending consistent swells to the European coast. An international crew of big wave watermen begin to look toward the record breaking waves of Praia De Norte, just located off the coast of the seaside town of Nazare, Portugal. Garrett McNamara made the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011 when he successfully surfed a twenty-six meter-high wave there. Since then, big wave surfers flock to the waves of Nazare, knowing a surfer has the highest chance of claiming glory and making history. Andrew Cotton is one of the first surfers that Garrett invites along with him and Hugo Vau. After years of developing his own safety team, Garrett started Red Chargers, an open invitation, free surf event dedicated to big wave surfers that track monster storms and waves around the world. Upon arrival, the swell provides barreling beach break waves and they gear up and head out for a paddle session. That night, Garrett holds a safety meeting for the surfers. The following morning, the surfers head to the lineup and spectators have gathered to witness history. Surfer, Joao de Macedo, joins them; the crew experiences several wipe outs but also some glorious, memorable rides. Each moment on a wave is a challenge and opportunity to find courage in the face of fear, to move against the grain and to continue to move on their chosen path regardless of resistance.