An ode to a unique natural phenomenon and to the courageous athletes who seek to conquer it.
In 2000, a new and spectacular wave was discovered, created by an unusual reef break off the coast of Tahiti. Within days, this wave - known as Teahupoo - had become a mecca for surfers from around the world who flocked to Tahiti for competitions and to test their mettle against the most terrifying wave ever ridden. In this one-of-a-kind volume, acclaimed extreme sports photographer Tim McKenna shares with readers a collection of photographs chronicling the beauty, brute force, and unsurpassed surfing opportunities associated with Teahupoo. In the text, the athletes themselves describe the competitions, triumphs and dramas, superhuman exploits and life-threatening risks they have experienced as they try to conquer this most fascinating wave. Taken from boat, helicopter, and beneath the water, these images depict the ruthless beauty of Teahupoo, which, when combined with the lively text, immerse us in an unforgettable encounter with a rare force of nature.
