Critic Reviews

100 Foot Wave brings to bear the sheer force of the waves its subject is surfing, but is enlightening, too, offering insights into the world of professional tow-in surfing and the personalities involved in making it happen at sea level.

It is a poetic and philosophical adventure story that is about a lot of things besides surfing, which are also things that surfing is about. ... The people we meet here speak generously, or at least with discretion, where friction might actually exist. Competition enters the story late, and, unlike many sports documentaries, is never really the point.

100 Foot Wave continues to combine its personal touch with the lives and careers of a unique and driven group of world-class athletes with gorgeous, award-winning cinematography. Like the big wave surfers themselves, it has a healthy respect for the majesty and danger of the sea.

The start of series two feels more meandering, flitting between different characters but never quite getting under their skin.

Despite the wealth of stunning photography, the six-part docuseries 100 Foot Wave only rarely achieves that state of nirvana, mired in tedious and repetitive detail. [2 - 15 Aug 2021, p.9]