The decade-long odyssey of surfing pioneer Garrett McNamara, who, after visiting Nazaré, Portugal in hopes of conquering a 100-foot wave, pushed the sport to ever-greater heights and alongside locals helped transform the small fishing village into the world’s preeminent big-wave surfing destination.
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As Garrett grapples with his health, Nazaré prepares for its first big swell – and nothing goes as planned.
Garrett’s wipeout leaves him seriously injured, with his neurological health at risk. His brother-in-law, CJ Macias, meanwhile, gets back on a board after recovering from his own significant accident, while Chumbo reflects on his surfing priorities now that he’s a father. Just after Justine and Tony make a difficult decision about their partnership, a tragedy of the highest magnitude strikes Nazaré.
Garrett, Nicole, Cotty, Justine, Chumbo and Nic set out on an overnight boat to Cortes Bank, an unusual and legendary surf spot in the open ocean 100 miles off the coast of San Diego, when a rare swell appears. For the big wave surfers, the opportunity represents a chance to get the waves of their lives. For Garrett, he must also contend with painful memories from his previous trip to the mythic – and dangerous – destination.
Top surfers from around the world flock to O’ahu for the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational when the event is called for the first time in seven years. Justine Dupont, Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca, Kai Lenny, Nic von Rupp, and Landon McNamara are among those invited to compete. Garrett does not receive an invitation to participate, which ultimately causes him to reflect deeply on his life and surfing. Everyone celebrates the unexpected winner.
Following the Eddie, the McNamara’s move to Montaldo, Italy for a fresh start. But just as Garrett begins to slow down in his new life away from the ocean, he hears of a perfect swell off the coast of Morocco and can’t resist. Cotty and Chumbo join Garrett and his son Titus in Safi to chase the waves, while Justine, now pregnant, is unable to do what has long fueled her. When a new swell is forecasted at Mavericks, the decision to chase the ultimate wave is contemplated once more.
