This incredible footage was filmed at Teahupo’o (south-west coast of Tahiti and world-famous surf spot) on August 27th, 2011 during the Billabong Pro waiting period. A lot of riders called it the biggest and gnarliest Teahupoo ever ridden. Chris Bryan was there filming for Billabong with a Phantom HD Gold (for epic slow mo).

Apparently the French Navy labelled the day a double code red prohibiting and threatening to arrest anyone that entered the water. Kelly Slater described the day by saying “witnessing this was a draining feeling being terrified for other people’s lives all day long, it’s life or death. Letting go of that rope one time can change your life and not many people will ever experience that in their life.”

Music: Lower Your Eyelids to Die with the Sun’ by M83