November 1st, 2011 — a date forever etched into surfing history.

In this gripping first-hand account, Irish big wave surfer Al Mennie recounts the lead-up to one of the most significant days in modern surfing: when Nazaré, Portugal, unleashed its full fury, and Garrett McNamara rode a wave so massive it shook the world.

From a small Atlantic fishing town to the global stage, Mennie shares the behind-the-scenes story — the preparation, sleepless nights, and the dedicated team of surfers, locals, and visionaries who risked everything to make it happen.

This fist hand accountcaptures not just the ride of a lifetime but the moment an unknown stretch of coastline became the epicenter of big wave surfing, inspiring a new generation of surfers and forever changing the sport.

Approx. 4,900 words — a 20-25 minute read.

Part of the Tales on the High Seas series by Al Mennie.