100 Foot Wave

Following a massive win at a competition at Mauis world-famous Jaws surf break in 2003, professional surfer Garrett McNamara comes out of retirement to pursue his lifelong dream of riding a 100-foot wave. In 2010, Garrett and his wife Nicole invite fellow big wave surfers to Nazare, Portugal, where the monstrous, untapped waves just might help McNamara achieve the impossible.

A few days after his historic ride, Garrett is visited by his mother, whose presence prompts an exploration into his highly unconventional and turbulent childhood. In 2013, a group of Brazilians arrive in Nazare, but their failure to heed Garretts safety advice results in a near-fatal accident. In 2017, Garretts appearance at a big wave competition takes a devastating turn.

As the worlds top surfers arrive in Nazaré for the WSL’s Tow Surfing Challenge, Garrett grows concerned over proposed safety measures.​

After months of lockdown and global uncertainty, the 2020-21 big wave surfing season in Nazaré gets off to a roaring start with an unprecedented massive swell from Hurricane Epsilon. For the surfers, the stakes have never been higher as they battle to break the world record.

Justine Dupont chases a swell in the Pacific at Mavericks, and then at Jaws in Hawaii, where three years earlier she suffered the biggest injury of her career. Returning to Maui, Dupont faces her fears and surprises even herself. Garrett McNamara’s brother-in-law C.J. Macias and superstar Kai Lenny also have successful runs at Jaws, while McNamara is not so lucky.

The huge swells at Nazaré continue to challenge and confound the best surfers in the world, and several dramatic rescues take place close to the perilous rocks. At the Gigantes De Nazaré event in January 2022, several wipeouts and close calls threaten lives, as danger is narrowly averted by acts of heroism and strength. Nicole McNamara’s brother, C.J. Macias, catches an enormous wave, but then disaster strikes.

As Garrett grapples with his health, Nazaré prepares for its first big swell – and nothing goes as planned.

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.

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.