Lista episodi

Episode 1 of the surfing documentary BEATING THE BIG WAVE primarily deals with big wave surfing as a type of sport. Narrating the story of Germany's most successful big wave surfer, Sebastian Steudtner, and using visually stunning footage, we accompany him on his mission to surf the biggest wave ever conquered by man. This is his quest and everything else plays a subordinate role. Professional surfers Carlos Burle, Maya Gabeira, Hugo Vau as well as members of Sebastian Steudtner's team explain the fascination about the ever-lasting hunt for these waves.

Episode 2 of the surfing documentary BEATING THE BIG WAVE focuses on the mostly unknown sideshow of this sport which goes on beyond the limelight. At a former Olympic center in Slovenia we take a look at the methods of sports diagnostician Dr. Djukic . Taking professional surfer Sebastian Steutdner as an example we get an in-depth insight as to how an effective, scientifically-driven training schedule is undertaken in a decompression chamber at an altitude of 1500 meters. For a training unit of a different kind we dive with Sebastian Steudtner into a water depth of 20 meters below surface where we examine the difference between free diving and big wave surfing. When meteorologists in Nazaré, Portugal, forecast a storm with waves up to 18 meters high, we monitor the precise preparations Sebastian's team has to make for that particular day.

Episode 3 of the surfing documentary BEATING THE BIG WAVE takes us to the most famous surfing spots of Hawaii. Locals such as Nelson Armitage Sr. tell us about the extremely fast and highly dangerously breaking wave of 'Jaws' and about the location where big wave surfing came to life. Spectacular footage shot from a helicopter shows with impressive images just how aggressive and fast this wave is. In Huntington Beach, California, at the WSL Big Wave Awards we get to mingle with the big shots of the surfing circuit. Sebastian Steudtner is nominated for the most important award of big wave surfing, the WSL XXL Big Wave Award 2015.

Episode 4 of the surfing documentary BEATING THE BIG WAVE primarily deals with the difference between the surfing styles paddle-in and tow-in. Not every spot is suitable for both types: Tom Butler, a charming professional surfer checks out spots around the world regarding their geographic specifics and their impacts on the wave. These distinctions also play a part in the construction of surf boards. At the surf board workshop of Australian shaper Bert Burger we watch him developing so-called high-tech boards. In Nazaré world record holder in big wave surfing, Garrett McNamara, explains to us why this location in particular is seen as the "Mecca" of the big wave surfing circuit. Sebastian Steudtner demonstrates just how important and indispensable it is, being an extreme surfer, to promote himself in TV shows and the media.

Episode 5 of the surfing documentary BEATING THE BIG WAVE highlights the danger and security issues related to the very big waves. These are vital, but also tricky subjects. Brazilian professional surfers Maya Gabeira and Carlos Burle give us an insight from their own experience which dangers may be encountered in case of emergency. While in Nazaré the biggest swell of the season is being anticipated in Praia do Norte, we have a chance to watch charismatic marine physician Axel Haber who is part of Sebastian Steudtner's team, chairing his security meeting on the day before the big waves hit Nazaré. Then we accompany Sebastian to a skating place where he is volunteering for one of his numerous charity projects.

Episode 6 of the surfing documentary BEATING THE BIG WAVE features the BIG DAY, the day with the biggest waves of the 2016/2017 season in Nazaré, Portugal, seen from the perspective of big wave surfer Sebastian Steudtner. At the crack of dawn we are with Sebastian and his spotter on the cliffs of Nazaré's lighthouse, watching the first big breaking waves hit the rocks beneath the cliffs, as the swell is getting bigger. Eric Ribiere, Sebastian's jetski pilot, is in position at Huntington Beach and monitors the ocean in front of him. He shares his opinion on this year's WSL XXL Big Wave Awards in California. Sebastian Steudtner is one of the favourites for the renowned XXL Biggest Wave Award. Celebrity surfers are featured with their quotes. Will Sebastian break the record?