Video: Jet Ski Rescues Surfer During Historic Nazaré Swell

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated 2/28/24

Nazaré went nuts on February 24th.

Some of the largest surf ever seen unloaded on the Portuguese big wave spot, and (potentially) some of the biggest waves in history were surfed. (TBD on the latter.)

But, amidst the historic, potentially record-breaking waves that were surfed, there were sketchy moments, too. Like, for instance, this jet ski rescue that nearly went terribly wrong with Brazilians Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca and Kalani Lattanzi.

Dissecting the footage, here’s what (it appears) went down:

Chumbo whipped Lattanzi into a bomb, a hulking, angry-looking lefthander. Despite being seemingly safe on the shoulder, Lattanzi was swallowed by the whitewater. Then, Chumbo rushed in, and picked up Lattanzi on the ski. But another wave was coming. The two had to get out of there, and quick, so they gunned it towards the beach.

But it wasn’t a smooth ride. Lattanzi, on the back, somehow holds on, as he nearly gets bucked off, and the duo attempts to outrun the wave exploding behind them.

Captioning a video of the post, Above Creators explained:

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“This moment was on the highlights from yesterday, @lucaschumbo heroic rescue of @kalanilattanzi in the midst of Nazaré’s fury. With determination etched into every muscle, Kalani gripped the sled against the ocean’s might. Imagine the courage it takes to face such giants, let alone survive them. This reel captures the essence of bravery and brotherhood in the world of big wave surfing.”

Big wave surfing these days – it really is a team sport.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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