Ep 1. Chapter I - Sea Monsters

In the first episode of 100 Foot Wave, Chapter I - Sea Monsters, we are introduced to Garrett McNamara, a legendary big wave surfer who has dedicated his life to chasing and conquering the world's largest waves. McNamara grew up in Hawaii and began surfing at a young age, eventually making a name for himself in the surfing community as an expert in tackling big waves.

As McNamara recounts his experiences surfing some of the most dangerous and massive waves in the world, we are also introduced to the town of Nazaré, Portugal. Nazaré is home to some of the biggest waves on the planet, with a unique underwater canyon creating the perfect conditions for monster-sized swells. The locals in Nazaré have a deep respect and admiration for the power of the ocean, and surfing there is not for the faint of heart.

McNamara first traveled to Nazaré in 2010, when he heard rumors of a wave so big that no one had ever surfed it before. With a team of fellow surfers and his wife Nicole by his side, he embarked on a mission to find and ride this massive wave.

Along the way, McNamara introduces us to some of the other surfers who call Nazaré home, including Andrew Cotton, a British surfer who has suffered multiple injuries attempting to surf the giant waves, and Lucas Chumbo, a young Brazilian surfer who idolizes McNamara and dreams of one day conquering the biggest waves in the world himself.

The episode also explores the science behind the massive waves in Nazaré. NOAA scientist Dr. Greg Dusek explains how the unique topography of the ocean floor in the area creates the ideal conditions for such large waves to form. He also discusses the dangers associated with surfing these waves, including the risk of serious injury or even death.

As McNamara and his team search for the massive wave, we are treated to stunning footage of the Nazaré coastline and the powerful waves that crash against it. Finally, after days of waiting and searching, McNamara catches a glimpse of the enormous swell he has been waiting for.

Chapter I - Sea Monsters sets the stage for the rest of the season, introducing us to the incredible world of big wave surfing and the unique challenges and risks associated with it. With gorgeous cinematography, fascinating interviews with surfers and scientists alike, and heart-stopping surfing footage, this episode is the perfect introduction to the world of 100 Foot Wave.