100 Foot Wave: HBO’s Groundbreaking Docuseries on Big Wave Surfing and the Quest for the Mythical 100-Foot Wave

HBO aired the finale of its third season of 100 Foot Wave in May, marking an impressive journey for a series that was initially planned as a two-hour documentary film. Executive producer Joe Lewis shared with Gold Derby that the project evolved unexpectedly. Originally focused on Garrett McNamara’s attempt to surf a legendary 100-foot wave, the series expanded to cover McNamara’s family, the Portuguese town of Nazaré, and the global surfing culture surrounding giant waves.

Lewis, primarily known for producing narrative shows like Fleabag, which earned him an Emmy, entered the world of documentary filmmaking with this project. The connection was personal—Lewis’s wife’s second cousins are married to McNamara’s wife and brother-in-law, who appear throughout the series. This family link inspired Lewis to collaborate with acclaimed documentarian Chris Smith, known for American Movie and Fyre, to develop 100 Foot Wave in 2019.

Initially, the production team planned to film until the wave was surfed, but it became clear that the story was more complex. Filming took place during the surf season from July 2019 to March 2020, resulting in over five hours of captivating footage. After reviewing the material, the creators decided to transform the film into a six-episode series to better tell the story.

Although no one surfed the 100-foot wave by the end of Season 1, this pursuit became the central narrative. Lewis noted that the chase itself was more engaging than the actual achievement. As the series progressed, it revealed the deep community bonds and rich personal stories within Nazaré and the wider world of big wave surfing.

Season 3 expanded the scope beyond Nazaré due to a less active Atlantic surf season. Surfers traveled to locations such as Ireland, Morocco, Hawaii, and Cortez Bank, making the season a global exploration of the big wave community. This evolution added new excitement and beauty to the series, reflecting the passion and thrill that surfers experience.

The show continues to spotlight Garrett McNamara’s relentless quest, describing him as determined, fascinating, and authentic. Alongside McNamara, the series highlights his family and the broader community of big wave surfers who dedicate their lives to the sport.

100 Foot Wave has received significant recognition, winning back-to-back Emmy awards for cinematography and earning nominations for writing, editing, and sound categories. Lewis emphasizes the tremendous effort involved, revealing that the crew films six months per year with up to 15 cameras daily, capturing thousands of hours of footage that are carefully edited into compelling storytelling.

Over time, the series has gained trust within the surfing community, allowing the filmmakers deeper access and more intimate portrayals. As the show prepares for its fourth season, Lewis expresses excitement about new characters and stories that will continue to engage audiences worldwide.

100 Foot Wave is available for streaming on Max, offering an immersive look into the world of big wave surfing and the relentless human spirit behind the pursuit of the impossible.