The WORST episodes of 100 Foot Wave

Every episode of 100 Foot Wave ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of 100 Foot Wave!

The six-part series intimately captures the decade-long odyssey of surfing pioneer Garrett McNamara, who, after visiting Nazaré, Portugal in hopes of conquering a 100-foot wave, pushed the sport to ever-greater heights and alongside locals helped transform the small fishing village into the world’s preeminent big-wave surfing destination. The series is directed and executive produced by award-winning filmmaker Chris Smith and executive produced by Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winner Joe Lewis, Maria Zuckerman, Ryan Heller, and Michael Bloom.

Last Updated: 12/15/2024Network: HBOStatus: Continuing
Chapter II – The Circus Is Burning
star
7.27
22 votes

#1 - Chapter II – The Circus Is Burning

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 4/23/2023

Portugal’s National Health Commission closes down all surfing due to Covid protocols, stranding the surfers for several weeks. Ramon Laureano, Tony’s father and tow partner, watches his son evolve as a big wave surfer. Garrett McNamara leaves town as he and others contend with their inability to surf waves in Nazaré.

Directors: Chris Smith
Watch Now:Amazon
Chapter III – Jaws
star
7.40
25 votes

#2 - Chapter III – Jaws

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 4/30/2023

Justine Dupont chases a swell in the Pacific at Mavericks, and then at Jaws in Hawaii, where three years earlier she suffered the biggest injury of her career. Returning to Maui, Dupont faces her fears and surprises even herself. Garrett McNamara’s brother-in-law C.J. Macias and superstar Kai Lenny also have successful runs at Jaws, while McNamara is not so lucky.

Directors: Chris Smith
Watch Now:Amazon
Chapter VI – Force Majeure
star
7.41
22 votes

#3 - Chapter VI – Force Majeure

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 5/21/2023

In the wake of CJ’s frightening search and rescue, the surfers find themselves reflecting on the dangers of their sport. When another WSL contest in Nazaré is announced, Tony’s dreams of competing against the best in class are finally realized… then quickly fall apart. As for Garrett, the end of the surf season becomes a time to recalibrate his priorities.

Watch Now:Amazon
Chapter IV – Partners
star
7.50
24 votes

#4 - Chapter IV – Partners

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 5/7/2023

When the first WSL contest of the season approaches, Cotty grows cautiously optimistic about his future, while Tony’s hopes of participating are dashed. Meanwhile, after battling COVID, Garrett and Nicole prepare for the home birth of their baby.

Watch Now:Amazon
Chapter I – Sea Monsters
star
7.59
101 votes

#5 - Chapter I – Sea Monsters

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 7/18/2021

After discovering Nazaré, Portugal’s monstrous swells, pro surfer Garrett McNamara sets out to achieve his dream of riding a 100-foot wave.​

Directors: Chris Smith
Watch Now:Amazon
Chapter I – Epsilon
star
7.74
27 votes

#6 - Chapter I – Epsilon

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 4/16/2023

After months of lockdown and global uncertainty, the 2020-21 big wave surfing season in Nazaré gets off to a roaring start with an unprecedented massive swell from Hurricane Epsilon. For the surfers, the stakes have never been higher as they battle to break the world record.

Directors: Chris Smith
Watch Now:Amazon
Chapter V – Lost at Sea
star
7.75
24 votes

#7 - Chapter V – Lost at Sea

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 5/14/2023

Amid less-than-ideal conditions in Nazaré, Cotty has a harrowing experience in the water. Later, as he searches for inspiration to continue surfing, a newly reinvigorated CJ peaks just in time to compete in Gigantes de Nazaré. But the competition comes to an abrupt halt when CJ goes missing in the hazardous conditions.

Watch Now:Amazon
Chapter ​IV – Dancing with God
star
7.77
53 votes

#8 - Chapter ​IV – Dancing with God

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 8/8/2021

In 2017, Nazaré’s largest swell to date paves the way for a broken record – and a broken back.​

Directors: Chris Smith
Watch Now:Amazon
Chapter ​V – The Circus
star
7.78
51 votes

#9 - Chapter ​V – The Circus

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 8/15/2021

As the world's top surfers arrive in Nazaré for the WSL’s Tow Surfing Challenge, Garrett grows concerned over proposed safety measures.

Directors: Chris Smith
Watch Now:Amazon
Chapter III – Mavericks
star
7.85
54 votes

#10 - Chapter III – Mavericks

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 8/1/2021

Brazilian surfers new to Nazaré fail to heed safety advice, while Garrett’s own appearance at a big wave competition takes a devastating turn.​

Directors: Chris Smith
Watch Now:Amazon
Chapter II – We're Not Surfers
star
7.97
69 votes

#11 - Chapter II – We're Not Surfers

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 7/25/2021

Despite unexpected setbacks during their second season in Nazaré, Garrett catches a wave that changes everything.​

Directors: Chris Smith
Watch Now:Amazon
Chapter VI – Icarus
star
8.00
48 votes

#12 - Chapter VI – Icarus

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 8/22/2021

After the WSL competition abruptly ends, the athletes reflect on their beloved, unpredictable sport. Garrett attempts to surf again.

Directors: Chris Smith
Watch Now:Amazon