ROLLING THUNDER dives into the thrilling and perilous world of big wave surfing, following the elite jet ski safety squad as they risk everything to protect surfers tackling the notorious waves at Jaws.
INTRODUCTION
The Story of the incredible Rescue Safety Team of Big Wave Surfing.
Think ‘Deadliest Catch’ meets ‘Shark Week’ meets ‘Drive to Survive.’ Wipeouts, life-or-death moments, extreme drama, and sharks—what could go wrong?
Enter the world of big wave surfing through the eyes of its unsung heroes: the jet ski safety team. Going ‘into the black’ means plunging beneath the waves to ensure surfer safety.
In this thrilling docu-drama, join Mark, Ola, Kurtis, and Nano as they tackle the intense big wave season in Hawaii. Experience the triumphs and perils of surfing at the infamous break known as JAWS, where the stakes are as high as the waves.
WHAT IS BIG WAVE SURFING
At first glance, big wave surfing seems straightforward: paddle out, catch a wave, repeat. However, it's anything but simple. This intense sport relies on teamwork to conquer each wave. Surfers meticulously study weather forecasts, position themselves precisely, and coordinate with the entire crew—camera operators, jet ski drivers, spotters, and helicopters—ready to act when the big swell arrives.
COMPREHENDING THE WORLD OF BIG WAVE SURFING
For those new to the sport, picture waves towering as high as skyscrapers. Big wave surfing challenges athletes to conquer these massive swells, which can surpass 50 feet. Genuine big wave surfers take on giants that many can only dream about. As the wave size increases, so do the thrills and risks, transforming into a breathtaking spectacle that draws in both surfers and onlookers.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPORT
In the past 70 years, big wave surfing has undergone remarkable evolution. Waves that were once considered monumental at 20 feet are now merely the starting point. Surfers are constantly pushing the limits in pursuit of even larger waves and heightened excitement. This progression has made the sport increasingly perilous and thrilling, demanding extraordinary skill, bravery, and collaboration.
NATURE IS UNPREDICTABLE
Unlike many sports, big wave surfing lacks a fixed schedule. It operates within a seasonal window, usually from November to February, when ideal conditions may arise. However, there’s no certainty about where these waves will form—whether in Hawaii, the mainland U.S., France, Portugal, or other locations. Surfers and their teams must be prepared to relocate on short notice, often with just a few days' notice. When the swell arrives, chaos ensues.
PUSHING THE LIMITS OF HUMAN POTENTIAL
The rivalry in big wave surfing is intense and varied. Surfers compete to ride the largest and most difficult waves, testing the boundaries of human capacity. But what does it take to succeed in such a demanding sport?
BIG WAVES
The surfer who conquers the highest wave earns unparalleled recognition. Events such as the Big Wave Tour and competitions at legendary locations like Mavericks and Jaws honor those brave enough to face the season's most massive swells.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Judges assess the surfer's skills while riding the wave, focusing on their navigation, control, and execution of maneuvers on these giant swells. Key factors include style, technique, and raw courage.
CONSTANT INNOVATION
Surfers who explore new techniques and maneuvers receive significant acclaim. Creativity and innovation are essential components of big wave surfing.
RESPECT
Aside from official competitions, gaining respect from fellow surfers is an important indicator of success. Surfers achieve the admiration of their peers through their excellence, bravery, and dedication to the sport.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WAVE IN THE WORLD
Beneath JAWS lies a rock formation resembling a pyramid or triangle, creating the ideal lift for the wave, which is renowned as the largest "curling" wave in the world. The breathtaking Hawaiian scenery enhances its magnificence. Moreover, this area serves as a nesting ground for tiger sharks, with nine resident sharks adding an element of mystique and danger to the location.
PE‘AHI
aka Jaws Surf Break
What sets Jaws apart is its sheer perfection. As a big wave spot, Jaws is considered one of the best. This exceptional quality stems from the dramatic transition in the seabed from very deep to comparatively shallow waters. Close to shore, a deep trench drops to about 100 feet, then rises sharply to just 20 feet. This steep change in depth creates enormous wave sets that can soar over 60 feet.
However, it's not just the wave size that makes Jaws so perilous; the underwater rocks introduce another layer of danger. The sharp, jagged edges of the reef can be ruthless for anyone who falls. Additionally, the unpredictable way in which the waves break generates powerful, turbulent waters that are challenging to navigate.
Whether they are paddling out or being towed in on a jet ski, athletes like Kai Lenny, Paige Alms, and Ian Walsh depend on the jet ski safety team for support on waves once deemed insurmountable without assistance. Depending on the conditions, surfers may choose to paddle into the waves or be towed in.
There’s a strict rule that prohibits anyone from being towed in if another surfer is paddling into a wave, ensuring both safety and fairness. In particular, the Pe'ahi competition mandates that all entries are paddle-in only.
UNDER THE RADAR HEROES
The primary responsibility of the safety team is to rescue surfers who fall and risk being submerged by successive waves. They must navigate dangerous waters, communicate effectively, and act quickly to guarantee the surfers’ safety. Their tasks involve monitoring surf conditions, coordinating with the surfers, and executing high-stakes rescues.
No other professional athlete depends on their support team as much as big wave surfers do. Picture a boxer stepping into the ring, fully aware they’ll be hit without a referee to intervene. That’s the reality of surfing at Jaws. Positioned hundreds of feet away, the safety team must carefully assess the conditions to ensure that their surfer isn’t caught under successive sets. While enduring one wave is expected, a second wave should be avoided; a third wave can prove fatal.
THE COMMITMENT
MONITORING CONDITIONS: Safety teams consistently analyze weather patterns, swell predictions, and ocean conditions to foresee potential hazards.
JOB POSITIONING AND COORDINATION: They strategically position themselves to facilitate rapid rescues, coordinating efforts with both team members and surfers to ensure comprehensive coverage.
RESCUE OPERATIONS: Their primary duty involves executing high-risk rescues, utilizing jet skis to extract surfers from dangerous situations.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: Many team members are trained in emergency medical procedures, enabling them to provide immediate care to injured surfers.
TOWING INTO THE WAVES: This method allows surfers to utilize different boards, increase their speed, perform various tricks, and navigate deeper into the wave.
Uncompromisable RISKS
High-Stakes Risks: Safety drivers confront considerable dangers, including being thrown off their jet skis or finding themselves in the same perilous waves as the surfers.
Challenging Conditions: They must navigate hazardous reefs, unpredictable surf, and the potential for shark encounters.
Emotional Burden: The relentless responsibility for someone else's life takes a significant toll on their mental and emotional well-being.
Equipment Loss: Waves can swallow up all sorts of gear, including boards, jet skis, boats, and other essential equipment.
BOLD TEAM DYNAMICS
These passionate individuals embody teamwork, selflessness, and heroism as they risk everything to protect surfers, highlighting their essential role in the thrilling world of big wave surfing.
Collaborative Harmony: Their effectiveness hinges on cohesive teamwork, anticipating one another's actions, and sustaining communication in high-pressure environments.
Personal Motivations: Each team member has their own compelling reason for embracing this high-risk role; for instance, Mark is driven by a desire to repay a debt he owes for being saved in his youth, while others are inspired by a community that values courage and altruism.
Professional Bonds: The relationship between the safety team and surfers transcends mere professionalism, rooted in deep mutual trust and respect.
Internal Tensions: The top surfers often hire their own personal safety drivers, leading to internal conflicts; for example, Ola, who collaborates closely with Kai Lenny, must navigate the delicate balance between loyalty and duty within the surfing and safety community.
SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT
AND A TEST OF TRUST
Surfing at Jaws necessitates the presence of a dedicated safety team. It's akin to trying to ingratiate yourself with a local motorcycle gang while simultaneously acting as the Secret Service for the President; not just anyone can paddle out to the Jaws break, despite many attempts.
Every time a surfer falls, it endangers the safety team, who are committed to their vow of never losing a soul to the ocean there. While professional surfers develop strong relationships with the local safety team, random surfers don’t have a designated safety person looking out for them, creating confusion about who is responsible for them at the break. As a result, these surfers may be rescued but could be banned from returning if their entry, skill level, or fall is deemed reckless enough to cause issues. So, connections are key; big wave thrills come with small-town rules. Welcome to Pe‘ahi, Braddah!
UNDERNeath the surface
In addition to the unpredictable surfers dropping in, there is a fascinating interplay of drama and interpersonal dynamics both at the break and among the safety team. Unlike many other sports, the water is a zone of calm professionalism—no one raises their voice, as the focus is on ensuring safety and enjoyment. Any conflicts are set aside onshore to give Mother Nature the respect she requires, as her dangers keep everyone vigilant. Yet, once they return to dry land, those simmering tensions often erupt.
Social media platforms are often abuzz with heated debates about the "true safety guys," as many individuals have come and gone during the evolution of big wave safety.
Groups like "THE PE‘AHI HUI" consider themselves the original pioneers in this field, yet they tend to receive less recognition, visibility, and sponsorship compared to some of the more recognized, "Hawaiian-looking" safety teams.
In reality, pioneering is an ever-evolving journey, and the debate over who was there first is a long-standing one on the islands, where limited waves and space heighten competition. Conflicts can escalate quickly, and in Hawaii, it's not uncommon for disputes to be settled with a traditional beatdown to clarify matters. These dynamics add layers of complexity and intensity to the already high-pressure realm of big wave surfing, exposing the raw realities that often lie beneath the surface.
UNPARALELLED ACCESS
The surfing community is well-known for its territorial nature, making it challenging to integrate into established groups and even more difficult to gain the trust needed for authentic documentation of high-level surfing. However, thanks to our team’s years of relationship-building, we have secured exceptional access and permission to film. Our connection with the big wave safety team allows us to introduce the world of surfing to any network eager to engage.
Historically, this space has been primarily occupied by brands like Red Bull and WSL. Now, with our exclusive access to both the safety drivers and the top surfers in the world, there’s an excellent opportunity for a network or streaming partner to join us.
While there are many jet ski safety drivers, Ola, Nano, Kurtis, and Mark stand out as the true legends of Jaws. They have earned their status as the elite in the field, chosen by the best surfers for their unparalleled skills. However, their dedication goes beyond working with professionals; they often put their own lives on the line to rescue amateurs who venture too far.
Our team has collaborated with the pioneers of big wave surfing in Maui, the sport's birthplace, including icons like Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama. Their incredible stories are yet to be shared.
Partnering with this unofficial team offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of professional surfing, exposing the raw, unfiltered realities that occur behind the scenes—not just on the water. This is a remarkable chance to highlight the passion, spirit, and hidden dynamics of big wave surfing at its highest level.
UNDER THE RADAR SAFETY TEAM
MARK POKINI
A trailblazer in free diving and jet ski rescue, he was among the first to tow into a wave at Pe‘ahi. As a mentor to the entire team, he excels in every aspect of his work. With a background as a former Fire Station Captain, he also holds a Guinness World Record for the largest avocado.
OLA CURNAN
Kai Lenny’s primary safety driver, he has a diverse background that includes being a golden glove boxer and driving telescopes up to Haleakala. A true jack of all trades, he stands out as one of the most captivating individuals you could meet.
KURTIS CHONG KEE
A genuine waterman, he is one of the most recognized safety drivers for surfing legends such as Ian Walsh, John John Florence, and Billy Kemper. As a local Hawaiian sponsored by Sea Doo, he serves as a key spokesperson for the team and acts as the Head of Safety for the WSL Pe’ahi Competition.
FERNANDO “NANO” MASSERA
As the founder of the notorious "SkullBase" jet ski safety team for JAWS, Kai Lenny is not only a dedicated father to two future surf champions in Maui but also a sought-after surfboard painter and tattoo artist. His artwork is prominently displayed on nearly everyone in the jet ski safety team and beyond.
THE FEARLESS SURFERS
KAI LENNY
Kai Lenny is a multifaceted American athlete known for his prowess in big wave surfing, stand-up paddle surfing, and racing. He is also skilled in tow-in surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and wing foiling, making him a prominent figure in the world of watersports. Lenny resides on Maui.
ANDREA MOLLER
Guinness World Record for biggest women's paddle-in wave. Lead medic at the Peahi competition, and CPR trainer for the ski rescue team.
ANNIE REICKERT
A young female big wave surfer set to compete in "The Eddie" this year, she is rapidly on her way to becoming a global icon in the sport.
PAIGE ALMS
Paige Alms is a female Hawaiian big wave surfer. In 2016, she became the first female Big Wave champion. In 2023, she was one of the first women to compete in “The Eddie”.
IAN WALSH
Ian Walsh is a professional surfer and Red Bull athlete hailing from Maui. He has been riding gigantic waves worldwide since his teenage years, and his extensive experience and enduring passion for the sport are evident in his performance on the water.
RIDGE LENNY
Ridge Lenny is a 24-year-old waterman from Maui, who was a rising star in bodyboarding and stand-up paddling before heading off to college on the mainland at the University of San Diego.
BILLIE KEMPER
Billy Kemper epitomizes the core values of T&C surf Designs. He is a premiere big wave charger, overall great surfer and human who excels when the waves get bigger and more powerful.
SKYLAR LICKLE
2022 Red Bull Magnitude winner for big wave surfing, daughter of Brett Lickle, one of the pioneers of Peahi (jaws), making her a second generation legend.
EPISODE STRUCTURE
In every episode, we will immerse ourselves with the jet ski safety team, capturing the essence of their daily lives. Similar to how Formula One: Drive to Survive attracted new fans by exposing the drama and complexities of the racing scene, we will explore the exhilarating and often risky world of big wave surfing. Our viewers will gain insight into the dangers, procedures, and the emotional highs and lows that come with each set of waves. Each installment will focus on a different surfer, their committed team, and the monumental wave they're confronting. Utilizing a narrative arc, the episodes will build on each other, creating a rich and engaging storyline.
IMPORTANT ELEMENTS
COVERED IN EACH EPISODE:
• Exploring the Realm of Big Wave Surfing: We will delve into the raw and unvarnished reality of big wave surfing, giving viewers a glimpse into the immense size and force of these colossal waves.
• Highlighting a Different Surfer and Safety Driver: Each episode will feature a distinct surfer and their safety driver, emphasizing their preparation, strategies, and the dynamic bond between them.
• Safety Team Readiness: Audiences will observe the thorough preparation and teamwork necessary to safeguard surfers, including analyzing weather conditions and strategizing rescue operations.
• Life Beyond the Big Waves: We will explore the personal lives of the safety team members, uncovering their motivations, sacrifices, and the connections that unite them.
