Biggest, Scariest Teahupoo in Over a Decade

July 13th, 2022 will go down in history at Teahupo'o. Biggest, scariest day in more than a decade, prompting local officials to call a "Code Red" -- no nautical activities for 24 hours -- for the first time since 2011. And it was a session more than a decade in the making as well -- most of the surfers who tackled these beasts were children during the original Code Red swell in 2011. They grew up in the shadow of its legends and this was their chance to make their own. Here’s the entire Surfline Swell Story, documented from all angles and with behind-the-scenes interviews from those who were lucky enough to experience this historic day. Surfers include: Matahi Drollet, Emieo Czermak, Noah Beschen, Lucas Chumbo, Koa Rothman, Tereva David, Justine Dupont and Billy Kemper.
Through the Lens of: Tim McKenna, Anuanua Lucas, Pedro Bala, Tereva David, Lea Hahn, Diego Balestro.
Edited by: Graham Nash
0:01 Intro
0:51 The Swell
3:31 First Wave Ridden
5:00 Matahi Drollet
5:40 Lucas Chumbo
6:04 Billy Kemper
6:36 Kala Grace
7:24 Noah Beschen
8:26 Code Red 2 Swell Recap
Watch the Teahupoo live cam: surfl.in/2XG6sPh
Become a Surfline Premium Member: surfl.in/2Cd36tF

[@SensemakingNL]

Noah’s wave was soo deep and so powerful. Can’t believe he came out.

[@Surfline]

His first tow wave ever as well!

[@RA-zu8zj]

@@Surfline Sheer perfection.

[@livebaitlarry5783]

yea. it was so powerful that to this day they still cant find his ark.

[@Honehail]

heyyyy good for him :)

[@stopthethreat]

He straight up teleported out of that one.

[@PlaySA]

That Noah Beschen wave was the clear standout. Absolutely incredible. Kudos to everyone who took a wave or participated in water rescue, glad everyone's safe and some absolute monsters were ridden.

[@natedouglas9521]

His dad Shane would be so proud. What an iconic surfing family.

[@YourTikPage21]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@rhcpalex93]

Can't believe Noah made that wave at 07:50. Insanity!

[@Therealeliberengut]

INSANE!!!!!!

[@OIP_1]

i had to rewind it a few times!

[@XiD0]

he got spat out so fast!

[@YourTikPage21]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@nikolaush3414]

It looked completely impossible. Like 1 in a million - that was pure flow.

[@tellavist]

Noah's wave is a wave of the year contender for sure. That was so gnarly.

[@YourTikPage21]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@TheJunglecrab]

Of all the extreme sports, this seems like it requires the most skill and the most courage… imo. So terrifying yet so intriguingly compelling.

[@dojahman]

The drone footage is really interesting. There are no lines coming in, but you literally see the whole ocean fold over on the reef. That's like flat in hawaiian measurements.

[@richardjones2006]

I have sat and watched Puerto do the same, not a discernible bump in the ocean and then....boom! A week and 25 years ago, I can still "feel" the moment when it all went wrong halfway through the drop.

[@dojahman]

@@richardjones2006 that's funny, i surfed puerto in 2009 and also remember how it went wrong. Ended up with a couple stiches in my knee. I definitely underestimated that drop too.

[@YourTikPage21]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@MatthewMachuDidge]

Hawaiian measurements are annoying and dismissive.

[@nyazz22]

@@MatthewMachuDidge 👎🏾

[@waynehearst317]

How crazy to witness a whole generation of surfers. I followed a young Shane Beschen's career and now to see his son ripping some of the biggest waves of the year is kinda crazy.

[@davidcoleman757]

Never been a surfer. Heck, I can barely swim. But I love watching surf films. The footage here was unbelievable. That Noah run at 7.50 - wow!

[@antonmk1244]

I never saw that a ride at 7:50, ever.

[@DrKillFeeDZ]

Mad respect to billy kemper for bouncing back after his wipeout. Takes major guts and mental strength to overcome that. When i saw teahupoo hit 30-35ft on surfline, I knew we'd see some mutants

[@xZOOMORPHICx]

At this point it's a thirty foo wall of ocean just folding over, and it's absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing.

[@garcurran5079]

Yes, and a curving wave!

[@hman7236]

Noah's wave was mental

[@mrtrza]

one of the best waves/rides ive ever seen

[@hman7236]

@@mrtrza absolute one for tales when he is old

[@kristofferkarlsson4260]

05:38 "After the accident we realized it was huge and dangerous". Oh, is that so? I had no idea a 10 meter wave could be nothing than harmless.

[@YourTikPage21]

this is what I'm looking for, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@leaaldenhoff8500]

Well I guess that explain a lot, it takes big wave surfer just much longer to realize a situation is actually dangerous

[@PlaySA]

Can never get enough Teahupoo drone footage. So good

[@michaelsiy2465]

Balls and commitment. I'm so curious as to how these guys take wipeouts with waves this big. I know I'll never find out on my own. Respect.

[@kristofferkarlsson4260]

Just plein stupidity, if you ask me.

[@hipsonsogbo]

Same here I can't believe they can survive it, how does it not shake them to death?

[@YourTikPage21]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@J.J.J.J.J.J.J]

​@@hipsonsogbo You just relax and go with the flow. The worst part is if you get the air knocked out of you.

[@paulandbiancaadventures3458]

That is so scary. Hope nobody suffered any serious injury. Hats off to the surfers and the local people.

[@fredrickstephens5586]

@annag cocl Slightly understated, but yes, pretty much like that.

[@golive3895]

Amazing content, well done by the surfers, videographers, editors and Surfline. 🙌

[@YourTikPage21]

this is what I'm looking for, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@grenerd161]

Unreal, thank you so much to all the surfers and rescue that made this content possible. The kids are alright......🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@YourTikPage21]

this is what I'm looking for, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@vandanasairaj7495]

The drone shots are impeccable 👌 Thank you for taking me on this journey with you...great respect for the surfers the life guards and the team.... As a kid grew up watching in awe the old spice ad on TV... But this is epic ..had my fist clenched and heart in my mouth

[@YourTikPage21]

this is what I'm looking for, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@bpmosby]

Magnificently Bodacious. The footage, the place the people, the waves the surfers, the locals everyone, and everything, thankyou for sharing this once in a lifetime event. God Bless All .

[@YourTikPage21]

this is what I'm looking for, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@myblacklab7]

I like "magnificently bodacious" 🤙

[@hc338]

7:45 XXL contender! Even the drone narrowly escaped that monster.

[@ComedyByAlan]

He said only a dozen waves were ridden that day. I wonder if it was inconsistent or they were just super selective about what to ride. If those guys were letting waves go you know they were insane

[@BxgDxwg]

I feel like it’s pretty selective, those guys can read waves when out in the lineup, they’re insane. When I go surf I feel the same way..

[@donaldwilson5693]

@@BxgDxwg I was surprised by that comment, too. Can you give a non-surfer like myself some idea of what criteria they were looking for - only the biggest waves? Do some look like they will give a better ride than others/

[@YourTikPage21]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@westoneuler4065]

@@donaldwilson5693 When you fall on Jaws or Nazaré there’s definitely a chance you bottom out, but the difference here is that Chopes is situated over a live coral reef, and it’s a very forceful, heavy lipped wave that shoots you to the bottom hard. Thanks to the reef that means serious injuries are likely if you get caught inside, so you gotta be extra choosey out there in a normal scenario. In a code red swell, those risks multiply. If the offshore winds (winds going out to sea from the coast) are coming and going that can affect the shape of the wave as well, causing more close outs/bad waves, and the guys who live and breathe big waves are pretty good at reading them ahead of time. hope this helps🤙🏼

[@myblacklab7]

@@westoneuler4065 Interesting. How do they know which waves to take, and which to pass up? Are they looking for particular qualities of the wave, or do they mostly just go by feel? I once watched a bunch of surfers not-surf big wave after big wave, and in that case it just seemed like everyone was intimidated by the size of the waves, and no one summoned the courage to try to ride one.

[@reddiver7293]

Great coverage of great riders on a great wave on a great swell! Thank you.

[@YourTikPage21]

this is what I'm looking for, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@Double-Exposure]

Trying to find my jaw that dropped under table. Absolute insanity; I am not a surfer and I can't imagine the size of everyone's cojones who was surfing these monsters. Much respect!

[@YourTikPage21]

oh good... this is what I'm looking for, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@reymas7749]

Vicariously living through your video

[@DeadSezSo]

Absolutely unreal...the world really is a beautiful place. These guys are amazing

[@TheOgnum]

Ordinary people have no idea the skill and courage it would take to surf this place.

[@cyninbend]

Yes we do.

[@Dobertathon]

@@cyninbendYou've never surfed, and if you have, you've never surfed a wave over your head.

[@kaiberberich1]

not to mention the balls to the wall lunacy of thinking... "yeah ... I can do that" in the first place

[@CjbrkBrooks]

Mesmerizing….grew up in the ocean, but have never surfed. You guys have GUTS! You’re amazing athletes. Stay safe.

[@maddoxgamble6777]

Great video!

[@C.Hawkshaw]

OK, I’m a grandma. I’ve been following Koa for a few years and watched all Billy’s recovery vids. I don’t like you boys going out in those conditions!

[@lindabuck2777]

Yeah Gramma, me too! 67! But the whole village is my grandkids since ive none yet. Now, you and I know we taught them to climb the highest mountains, and we taught them fear is our PARTNER not our LEADER so my prayers joined with your prayers are power to bring their wondrous selves back to us🙏🏻 So we send them in flight knowing a peaceful return🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@Stevos_HookedonRods4844]

@@lindabuck2777 🙏 Amen

[@ryhk3293]

@@lindabuck2777 That's exactly what a friend climbed the Seven Summits (highest mountain on each continent). He's all about big wave now. I fear for him because he doesn't fear enough for himself.

[@benruefmedia]

Wow so good. Must have been one of the most incredible human experiences available on Earth.

[@YourTikPage21]

this is what I'm looking for, kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGLPiqtvqJ6Kbtk

[@waikikibeach08]

Very well done. Thanks

[@jesseimpersonal]

Fantastic presentation, worthy of the day.

[@MrByaeger]

That's not even a wave. It's an upside down ocean .

[@DonBenisTheGreat]

An amazing Video boys. That is crazy!

[@Extinction.of.Innocense]

Noah's without a doubt, the best ride I've ever seen. Should be ride of the year if not one of the best ... Top ten ever?

[@TheKenzaya]

Noah’s wave was on another level of already crazy levels!!

[@mattkingcome8495]

Epic footage 👌🏼

[@lucasmulvehill6300]

Matahi’s wave was the biggest craziest wave ever, I was seriously impressed and scared for him at the same time

[@skatepark1ful]

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!! Thank y’all SO MUCH for making this VIDEO!!! I wish I could....! Oh well. Thank you again, CHEERS TO Y’ALL, and Much Aloha!!--to everyone!!

[@jimsurfnfish8089]

Sic footage and narration🤙🏽🍻

[@gSalTX]

Amazing how thick those waves are. Looks so crazy. Must feel so different.

[@drugzero2030]

This made me cry.... It's poetry!

[@garyrobinson4847]

Absolutely insane,your all my heroes. Thank you 😃🤙

[@southflsurfer]

Sick..looking forward to the Oahu story on this swell 2as nuts here

[@KandMe1]

It is so very beautiful I very moved by this. Thank you.

[@st3ppenwolf]

Some of the best footage for this type of sports. Smaller than Nazare but much more enjoyable to watch

[@FrediSaal16]

amazing video

[@zack.mitchell9738]

the energy from this videos is so beautiful

[@athma2871]

those waves are so powerful bro, it's insane

[@cyninbend]

Next time you cover one of these, maybe you could film and ask the guys to talk about a little bit of what the jet ski driver and surfer see so they know where the wave will build, what ir looks like, when it starts to curl and fold over, what they see inside those caves formed by the water, and what speeds they move at--slower and faster at what points and why? A little lesson and 1st hand experiencing for non-surfers? These guys have the equivalent of PhDs in these kinds of waves and how to ride them. Thanks so much!

[@christianananji6474]

Awesome! well done!!!!

[@patriciarouse2801]

Crazy shape wave and all the spray and over the outside at the end...wow!

[@wooloongabba]

Breathtaking

[@blakeberge2313]

That was absolutely incredible. Noahs wave may be the wave of the year.

[@jeffreeves7212]

That Noah Beschen wave...how did he make it out? I thought he was fish food. The BALLS these guys have are beyond measure...SICK AF!

[@zak-a-roo264]

AMAZING!!!

[@anthonyahola722]

Billy is stronger than ever. What a recovery.

[@shauno7582]

I’ma lidder but my jaw instantly dropped with that opening wave of Noah’s.. Oh my Faaaarrrking goodness! Respect 🤙🏻

[@tubosetrips164]

Scary even behind the screen, imagine live from the channel

[@georgetidd8972]

3 days of it! Great swell,,,up here in the 805

[@LaurieGordon]

Breathtaking 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@captainamerica3531]

Off the charts!

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

That's wild, good on you.

[@mrtrza]

absolutely insane wave. looks like CGI

[@michaela5311]

Noah’s wave was so deep…

[@yommmrr]

Noah tamed the bomb of the decade. Holy moly smokes.

[@roygumpel8415]

totally Unreal. amazing.

[@tamarangiawha3863]

What the actual Fark!!….I cannot comprehend how crazy these guys are.

[@Mexicantours]

Heavy hurts, some nice rides in there.. good work everyone! From Puerto Escondido Mexico.

[@nickwood1852]

I salute all those brave guys taking on those monstrous waves

[@timwright8785]

Definitely a big scary wave awesome to watch

[@Babypapayaproductions]

Incredible ❤

[@mikenowell2566]

🙌 Amazing

[@Peace-tk3gr]

That wave's a beast.

[@hollyfabiani]

Looks so badass

[@eastside0434]

Watching this from my couch scares me.

[@TheDruzza]

That fact that nobody died is beyond me

[@ahipenepaenga6931]

It’s like 3 massive waves merge into 1 yo this is crazy

[@seancoughlin2674]

Awesome!

[@NoneOfyourBusiness468]

@7.35 is the biggest and deepest I seen anyone ride.

[@fredoaqua]

Sick edit, but you just didn't put one wave of Lucas Chumbo ?? The guy have surfed something like 7 waves during the day

[@abes1111]

Matahi makes it look so easy, what a crazy wave!!!

[@kikojonesfrank4076]

Big hart big respect to anyone drop that wave 🌊 🙌🏼

[@chrisct3601]

Love It!

[@robertchase8504]

Terrifying..but awesome

[@flbizowner9384]

Koa Rothman rode that day too

[@tannerpittochi3499]

Surfline an Koa don’t get along😂

[@flbizowner9384]

@@tannerpittochi3499 how so

[@TheStylemaster84]

Insane!!!

[@dongaza6878]

Wondering what Nate Fletcher thought of this swell when he saw everybody outrunning every barrel by 25 feet..

[@mikeluque6527]

Dude, not Noah Beschen. It was hella dark inside that tunnel.

[@billcarson4566]

Imagine if it were clean.

[@garcurran5079]

Yep, after reading first 4 comments, the hairs stood up on my neck with Noah's wave, that was nuts, now back to rest of comments!

[@fidelmelara2022]

amazing but I wish you guys would of played a little bit of the rescues as well.

[@kevincavanaugh4358]

No Koa Rothman???

[@therealmarkchilton]

Noah may have won big wave of the year right there. OMG

[@seamuscannon4603]

Graham nash moonlighting as the editor

[@brianboys9015]

Excellent

[@edwardippoliti626]

That's hard to believe he came out that !

[@maccasadventures4235]

Amazing thankyou all

[@PabloGonzalez-wc3nm]

5:01 such a good shot

[@captainwasabi]

The happiest guys are not the guys that make the wave, the happiest guys are the ones that wipeout and live.

[@jadesmith6823]

That's crazy 😳