Surfers often mention the search for the perfect wave. This quest is sometimes misunderstood by those not immersed in surf culture. Created for IMAX® screens, The Ultimate Wave Tahiti, aims to change that—bringing the science and magic of waves and wave riding to the Giant Screen. The most iconic surfer of modern times, Kelly Slater and famed Tahitian waterman, Raimana Van Bastolaer, engage with each other and the wave known as Teahupo’o in an epic visual experience that brings the quest for the perfect wave to life.

Speaking about his film, Stephen Low said, “The film explores the idea that no two waves are the same. Yet, all waves share common traits. Like Kelly Slater himself – the epitome of what the best surfer in the world should be in terms of athletic prowess, intelligence and courage – to many the wave at Teahupo’o is indeed the ‘ultimate wave.’ Its speed, structure, volume, mass, architecture and delivery of millions of pounds of ocean water in thundering cadence is unparalleled. To Slater and others, Teahupo’o is truly a unique ocean wave, and the perfect classroom to discuss the mystery that is a wave.”

Born in the southern ocean, Teahupo’o swells range thousands of miles towards the idyllic island of Tahiti and the archipelagos of French Polynesia. Some of the waves come violently ashore; others lap into the lagoon as docile as the evening breeze. Their brethren careen on towards Hawaii and some reach the distant shores of North or South America – but few of these compare to the majesty of Teahupo’o when in full force. “This is a truly remarkable wave, capable of continual reef engineering and replenishment. Its power and enriching abilities are critical to the island and culture of Tahiti. It is obvious why Tahitians have such great respect for the ocean and this particular wave,” Low added.

The film and its title are invitations to explore the critical relationships between people and the ocean. The film is not a big wave surf movie, depicting the world’s best surfer challenging hazardous conditions and prevailing. Rather, it is a big movie about surf. Surf is the term most usually applied to the final stages of any wave’s maturation - when built-up energy and gravity combine to topple the wave crest resulting in chaotic foam.

“Kelly, Raimana and myself did not set out to make another surfing movie. Instead, we took the IMAX canvas and the desire to educate others about the ocean and weaved our perspectives amidst historical Tahitian lore and modern science. With National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) input and the contributions of other experts, Kelly and Raimana demonstrate how rich and magical our interaction with the ocean can be, above and below the seas.” Low added.

For his part, Slater – surfing’s leading statesman – sets aside his arsenal of skills as he and Raimana playfully enjoy Teahupo’o during a lull. Together they surf, paddle outrigger canoes and flirt with the milder Teahupo’o on stand-up boards. And when the thunder sets in, Slater alone paddles out and tames this infamous reef break with the ease of a man at one with his environment. “We did not come looking for the ultimate surf experience – meaning finding the gnarliest, biggest wave; our film is about finding what might be the ultimate wave – that wave that has been for so long identified as the perfect wave – but is in many ways much more than that. Who knows, we may never find the ultimate wave, but we’ll continue to enjoy the search,” Slater concluded.

Stephen Low, who is the son of the pioneering filmmaker Colin Low, has been responsible for more than a dozen giant screen films and his innovative approach to filmmaking has resulted in more than 50 awards worldwide. These include the Grierson Award for achievement in documentary film and the Kodak Vision Award for Lifetime Achievement, presented by the Giant Screen Cinema Association.

All images courtesy of Getty Images - Used with permission.