Season 1 ( 4 episodes) NOW SHOWING ON FOX DOCOS IN AUSTRALIA

Swell Chasers witness the raw power of the ocean with this series of 30 minute episodes from Australian surf/ocean cinematographer Tim Bonython.
Immerse yourself in some jaw-dropping waves ridden by the world’s best big wave surfers.

Watch: Now screening, Thursdays at 7.30pm in September & October on FOX DOCOS [129] and watch On Demand

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SYNOPSIS

Swell Chasers: Behind the Scenes of Big Wave Surfing
TV Series to Document Cinematographer’s Adventures Capturing Big Waves on Film
Swell Chasers follows acclaimed surf cinematographer Tim Bonython in his unrelenting quest to document the world’s best big wave surfers at the world’s most isolated, dangerous and big wave spots.

The four-part series of 30-minute episodes is shot at Shipsterns Bluff in Tasmania, Nazare Portugal. Mullaghmore Ireland and finally back in Australia at Cape Solander. It will give viewers a rare behind the scenes look into what it takes to chase and score big waves: flawless planning, dogged determination and an all-out willingness to take risks to get the ultimate shot.
“From the moment you see the swell report, you have to plan for it ..logistic’s is everything” said Tim.

As the series shows, this meticulous process involves the coordination of planes, boats, jet skis, unruly oceans and unpredictable surfers. It would not be possible without Tim’s global network of friends and surfers. Together, Tim and his team turn this seemingly impossible orchestration of the elements into an art-form—and a breath-taking one at that.

Increased crowds and over publicised surf sports have meant that, for people like Tim, the search for new frontiers in the big wave world is getting tougher. Needing to travel further and into more treacherous situations, Tim has had more near misses in the past year than in the last four decades of his career combined. These intense life-and-death moments are captured up close in Swell Chasers.
“I just love every second of it. And when it’s big, it’s the best,” says Tim, who has made a globe-trotting career of chasing and filming massive swells and the surfers brave enough to ride them.

Tim’s team of chargers and mates includes: Up & coming big wave slab surfer Kipp Caddy from Sydney. Justin ‘Jughead’ Allport, bodyboard legend Mike Stewart play a part in the episode 1 at Shipstern Bluff. Traveling across the globe, over to the world’s biggest ridable wave Nazare with amputee surfer Ollie Dousset & Kipp Caddy. Moroccan surfer Jerome Sahyoun & Kipp with UK surfer Tom Lowe in Ireland at Mullaghmore. Then we head back to Australia during Covid to document Sydney’s Cape Solander with Kipp & Dylan Longbottom with his 17 year old daughter Summa tackling one of the most dangerous waves on the planet.

Tim’s life behind the lens began nearly 44 years ago. Starting with big wave surfing’s rise in late 70’s Hawaii, Tim has gone on to document nearly every key milestone in the sport. Swell Chasers represents Tim’s latest efforts to capture incredible feats in the world of big wave surfing—efforts that have seen him push the boundaries of surf cinematography itself.
Swell Chasers is directed by Luke McKnee, with cinematography by Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award-winning and multi-award winning surf film producer Tim Bonython, who has over four decades of experience filming and documenting surfing.

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RELEASE DATE: SEPT 2021

For further information and interviews with Tim Bonython, please contact Sandrine sandrine@surfingvisions.com