If the opening sequence to this movie doesn't make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, then there is something wrong.
The sight of Mike Parsons calmly sliding into a 60ft+ beast is truly awe inspiring. There's also some lovely 'in the tube' footage - yes we've all seen them before but I doubt they been captured as nicely as this.
We begin with a basic history of big wave surfing and an explanation behind the phenomena of big waves. The search for perfect big waves and the top big wave riders to ride them begins as a crew are assembled from all over the world.
These surfers come alive in waves that most of us can barely watch, let alone surf - the Santa Cruz crew - Flea, Skindog, Josh Loya, as well as Ken Bradshaw, Layne Beachley, Brad Gerlach and Mike 'Snips' Parsons.
It's great to see some nice 80's flashbacks and witness former greats taking surfing to a new level.
Hawaiian surfer, pioneer of wave running (jet-skiing to you and me) and all round legendary waterman - Brian Keahluana is assigned to the mission for ocean survival and jetskis are introduced. "Never depend on a machine, I always depend on myself....If you put youself in a heavy position you've got to make sure you can get yourself out of it" sums up 'tow in' surfing.
We're then treated to Brian Keahlana's training regime and it's not for the faint hearted - free diving and carrying around huge lumps of lava along the ocean bed.
First stop is big wave school. Brian puts the recruits through their paces, teaching rescue techniques on jet skis and the crew hook up with the US Coastguard to see how they do it.
Gerlach and Parsons have been surfing Todos Santos for years and their exploits are well documented but the Santa Cruz boys turn up and show everyone what they're capable of.
Some nice wipeouts ensue and 'skin dog' likens one to "being in a car wreck" We all love wipeout segments.
As with most Billabong movies, the cinematography is amazing, both in and out of the water and this movie focusses on the action, leaving special effects and flash editing behind. The cheesy rock soundtrack a bit monotonous at times but the action sequences more than make up for it.
Next up is the infamous 'Cortes Bank' - we've heard the stories and seen the photos but watching guys actually surf it, adds a whole new dimension to this break.
Parsons and the others pull into some real beasts and the quest for the 100ft wave continues. At the 2003 XXL ceremony, Snips wins the biggest wave award.
Ken Bradshaw has been around for donkey's years and the large Texan is still credited with riding the biggest wave ever surfed during 'Biggest Wednesday', a few years ago in Hawaii but sadly there is no video footage.
As Ken says, "You need passion and desire to make you go over that ledge" and that's an understatement if ever I heard one. Fed up with crowds at Waimea, Ken sees 'tow in' as the new saviour for surfing, where he can score perfect uncrowded waves, whenever he wants to.
According to the 'LOLA' wave models, the Atlantic ocean is getting restless, so Europe is the next destination. With talk of a new spot - an island off Mundaka, Spain being a spossibility, the Odyssey crew are assembled and on their way. "We're the delta force of surfing" declares Gerlach.
Unfortunately for the expedition, the swell is too westerly so they move over to France and surf monstrous Hossegor instead. One thing worth bearing in mind as you watch this, is that it's beach break and not an outer reef breaking in deep water.
'Flea' pulls into one of the biggest beach break barrels ever filmed and gets the wipeout of his life. Jetskis and beachbreaks don't mix and one machine nearly sinks.
The french locals then show how it's done at 'Bell Harre' reef. Unlike the Americans, the French crew are all middle aged and pretty mellow and just go out and do their thing, without the hype and film crew.
The Santa Cruz boys surf stupidly big 'Mavericks'. There have been alot of films featuring this spot since it's discovery, which is probably why it's not focussed on in much detail. "Sixty foot changed our perceptive of big" sums up their surfing. The Santa Cruz pack, famous for their aerial attacks and aggressive surfing have taken a new direction in their old age.
Next stop is 'Teahupoo' known as 'broken skulls' in Tahitian. No big wave movie would be complete without this break being included and it was nice to see the pros admitting that they were scared. Luke Egan sums it up nicely "It's kinda like getting ready to go to war"
Eventually it becomes too big to contest safely, so 'Poto' along with Mike Parsons and Brad Gerlach head on skis. If anyone's seen 'To' by Jack McCoy you'll have seen the 'Laird' footage and this is definitely on a par. It may not be filmed as nicely but the barrels are just as big.
Layne Beachley is leading the charge in womens big wave surfing. There's not really enough of Layne charging in the big stuff but maybe Pro Tour committments meant she missed some of the sessions.
The final montage is at 'Jaws', Hawaii. Only a few years ago, Laird Hamilton discovered this spot but the secret is out. The first 'Tow In World Cup' is underway along with all the media fanfare and the worlds best surfers.
The Brazilians lead the charge and we're treated to some spectacular big wave riding in tricky conditions. Parsons wipes out on an absolute beast and is held under for a long time. Shaken, he decides to ride again after witnessing brazillian, Carlos Brules take on a monstrous wave and make it. 'Skindog' calls it a day after his first wipeout, declaring, "I was done".
The circle is finally completed with the opening sequence to the movie being replayed as Parsons's final wave in the competition. It's probably one of the best views of a big wave being ridden that I've ever seen and surfers and non surfers alike won't be able to stop their jaws dropping.
The film is more of a documentary than anything but a big budget has meant stunning cinematography throughout. It doesn't have the wipeouts of some big wave movies but it's a great introduction to the sport, the spots and the future of big wave surfing.
