German Big Wave Surfer Sebastian Steudtner surfed possibly the biggest wave ever during the XXL swell at premier big-wave destination Nazaré, Portugal, this 2024 season. Steudtner surfed a monster wave that was measured at 28.57m (93.73ft) leveraging state-of-the-art drone technology.

The current world record, also held by Steudtner, is 26.21m (86.4ft), which was achieved at Nazaré in 2020. During the XXL swell, the drone prototype was used for quick and precise wave measurement for the first time. Helping to surf the biggest waves possible, Steudtner developed a new surfboard technology with his partners to significantly optimize his surfboard over the past three years. Using the latest simulation methods and wind tunnel validations, the water and air resistances were successfully reduced. As a result, with the new board, Steudtner can now reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, compared to the previous 80 km/h, which now enabled Steudtner to ride the potential next record wave.

Late at night, locals whisper through smoke about the Onza. They share stories of brothers, cousins, friends whose friends, cousins, brothers have seen it. The mythical big cat, prowling alone under the moon, leaving just enough of a trace to stoke the lore. This film follows the tracks of another cat in Mexico. Mikey February.

Surfing Mikey February.
Film and edit Kevin Jansen.

Music
“Kulani Kulani”
Written by Eric Gezani Kobane
Performed by Penny Penny

Around the world we’re celebrating Earth Day today. Our planet is such a beautiful place but with enormous problems facing the it, such as climate crisis, it can feel overwhelming. So if you want to make positive change, where do you start?

It may not feel like it as individuals but social change happens when we change and help to change the minds of those around us. “Small acts multiplied by millions of people can change the world,” said American historian Howard Zinn. We need to believe this is true, because the alternative is that things feel so bad that it leads to inactivity.

Educate, learn and grow. As individuals we can make a difference as part of a bigger movement. From growing veg, to shopping local, reducing our impact, getting involved with environmental groups, how we live and the decisions we make, all have an impact. So let’s help to make positive change on Earth Day, one step at a time and take care of this beautiful world we share.

Here are a selection of films which evoke change to inspire you on Earth Day and every day for the future of our planet.

A Plastic Wave
A surf photographer, business owner and father of two Dave Muir, is seeing more and more plastic wash ashore his beloved home beach at Gwenver in Cornwall. In a bid to discover the route of this problem he embarks on a journey of discovery to educate himself and understand more about the problem. Along the way, he discovers some alarming issues. Plastic Pollution is a very real threat to the future of our planet, the animals that inhabit our oceans and ultimately the human race. The problem is far worse than it seems on the surface and we need to act now to ensure we protect the future for ourselves and our planet.

Water Warriors
Water Warriors is the story of a community’s successful resistance against the oil and gas industry. When an energy company begins searching for natural gas in New Brunswick, Canada, indigenous and white families unite to drive out the company in a campaign to protect their water and way of life.

Water Warriors is a short film and exhibit by Storyline. Directed and Produced by Michael Premo.

Kin
All of life – each breath, every sip – is an inheritance from those who came before. Lauren Hill and Dave Rastovich travel to one of Australia’s most protected marine playgrounds to discover what it looks like when we get things right.

The Custodians
Patagonia are at the forefront of environmental activism. Watch this series of films which focusses on the awareness of the harm that bottom trawling is doing to coastal waters and to highlight the groups who are working hard to fight the trawlers and/or restoring the seabed.

Before The Flood
Also check out mainstream environmental films such as An Inconvenient Truth, The Day After Tomorrow or Before the Flood – Leo Dicaprio’s documentary about the negative effects of climate change and he also discusses the possible solutions.
Watch Before The Flood here

The dust has settled in Australia’s Wild West with Gabriela Bryan and Jack Robinson claiming monumental wins in pumping Main Break conditions to conclude competition. Bryan etched her name into Western Australia legend with her maiden CT win against Sawyer Lindblad alongside Robinson notching a near-perfect 9.10 in the Final for his second event title after putting on yet another masterclass against John John Florence once again. The Mid-season Cut is now in the rearview with heartbreak and exaltation unfolding to determine the Top 22 men and Top 10 women who now turn their eyes toward a proper World Title race. Next stop, the breathtaking ultimate wave of consequence of Teahupoo for the Shishiedo Tahiti Pro beginning May 22 through 31.

This winter the Portuguese coast has been relentless and the continuing quest for the ultimate ride never stops. Here is a little recap of a perfect dark winter day on a slab known only to a few. The atmosphere was electric, and the barrels were simply mind-blowing – These are the days we live for. – @nicvonrupp