the big swell

Reportage and documentary 2019

Nazaré is a beautiful resort town of Portugal, situated on a wide bay of golden sand and dominated by the gigantic promontory Sítio overlooking the ocean.
A destination for holidays in the summer months, but winter is completely different, daring professional surfers from all over the world come to challenge the giant waves that break on the beach of Praia do Norte with their small tables.
Praia do Norte de Nazaré is the end point of the largest submarine canyon in Europe. 230 kilometers long and about three thousand meters deep, it runs out one kilometer from the beach, at the height of the promontory overlooking the small town of Portugal. The winter winds that lash the Atlantic generate these waves on the surface, which instead of slowing down as they approach the lower waters near the shore accelerate because the canyon creates a funnel effect that makes them soar to heights never recorded elsewhere. And those who watch them are still there wondering if these surfers are heroes or madmen.
A note of merit goes to the drivers of the water scooters, who with their courage and evolution guarantee safety for surfers.