100 Foot Wave

"Really enjoying this new HBO docuseries about some crazy big wave surfers (reminds me of the doc Free Solo) and how they transformed a small fishing village in Portugal into a major destination in the surf world"

""100 Foot Wave" follows Garrett McNamara and a group of big wave surfers in their quest to surf the elusive 100 foot wave. Most of it takes place at a place in Portugal called Nazare. This docuseries delves deep into their lives both at home and in the water. It filled me with both admiration for their abilities and, at other times, awe at their egotism and selfishness in their lifestyle. For some, surfing seems to be a genuine pleasure, while for others it is adrenaline addiction. There was an episode where a woman had a horrendous wipeout, then, in a rescue attempt, was dragged unconscious through the water to shore. The man who got her to shore then hops on his jet ski and tries to find waves for the rest of his crew while the woman is being resuscitated. Later on that day one of the main surfers of the series hears that most of the people who were filming and photographing the event were so busy paying attention to her that they totally missed a big wave he surfed. He seemed more disappointed about that than concerned for the woman. Apparently in big wave surfing your career and livelihood hinges on those big moments being captured, but it does give us a glimpse into that life. Of course these are also people who genuinely want to conquer their fears, which they must do time and again, and there is a great joy in watching them do that. At heart I do think most of them run to the waves because they are terrified of an ordinary life. That is their 100 foot wave. This show requires non-judgement to truly be appreciated. The footage is breathtaking and we really feel like we are going through the highs and lows with the surfers. Fascinating from beginning to end. The first two seasons alone are worth it, and if there isn't a third that would be okay too. I must say, though many say people love a good wipeout, I found it to be horrible to watch. Like a car wreck. Through and through I felt for these men and women. Great show."

"I could watch surfing movies all day. This was incredible!"

"Awe inspiring…….!!!"

"Very well put together documentary! It was very entertaining and really puts you there with Garrett and the other surfers. Highly recommend"

"This film series is about the force of nature and how we observe it and accurately flow with it. There are many contenders in the World Surfing competitions. Determination, Timing and Resilience are very important. Also please take note that this was an innovation to create a place that brings people together to observe the force of nature and humans place in reckoning with it. Excellent sound track by Phillip Glass. #unitedairlines @jennifer_tucker_1470 "

"Breathtaking! It’s amazing to watch the people that support the obsession and how they are drawn in. "

"It was intense to witness the single focus drive of this big wave surfer"