Beneath every perfect wave is a formula of wind, swell, and seafloor. But for those who chase them, the ideal ride is part science, part soul. Image: KJELL SUWARDI LINDER / Getty Images ...

Big wave surfing has become a mainstream phenomenon, in large part because of the ground-breaking HBO documentary, 100-Foot Wave.

As a professional big wave surfer, charging down mountains of water that reach the size of an apartment block, Garrett McNamara doesn’t scare easily.

As a professional big wave surfer, charging down mountains of water that reach the size of an apartment block, Garrett McNamara doesn’t scare easily.

100 Foot Wave expands from the cliff tops of Nazaré, Portugal, where McNamara first set a big wave world record in 2011, to exciting new locales such as Cortes Bank in the far reaches of the Pacific ...

Professional surfer, Makai McNamara was placed in a medically induced coma following a brutal accident at Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii. The 29-year-old was surfing ...

Makai McNamara did regain consciousness after he was hit by a huge wave at Banzai Pipeline. He was then transported to the hospital where he was put into a coma for 72 hours.

Makai McNamara was seriously hurt while surfing in Hawaii, family members said. Photo from Landon McNamara's Facebook post A prominent surfer was pulled from the water by lifeguards and friends ...

Makai McNamara was seriously hurt while surfing in Hawaii, family members said. Photo from Landon McNamara's Facebook post A prominent surfer was pulled from the water by lifeguards and friends ...