Stab Magazine | Meet The Guardian Of Big Wave Surfing At Nazaré

Live Now: "Horse" — A surf film by James Kates starring Noa Deane — streaming exclusively on Stab Premium.

166 Views

Meet The Guardian Of Big Wave Surfing At Nazaré

On the biggest days of the year, Sergio Cosme is saving lives.

cinema // Mar 29, 2019
Words by Stab
Reading Time: < 1 minute

“Don’t commemorate before the rescue” – that’s the psyched behind Sergio Cosme, the guardian angel of the world’s most dangerous wave.

This is because Sergio knows the time between two waves at Nazaré is 10 to 15 seconds. It’s within this time that Sergio, or any rescue driver, has to locate a fallen surfer and pull them from impact. This is a short window that shrinks with each missed opportunity, with each steamrolling wave. Although Nazaré may not have the hollow aesthetics of Jaws or Chopes, the rate that it goes XXL is unlike any other locale in the world. It’s a true natural wonder and it has the power to toss skis in the air, to shatter femurs, backs, boards, and bodies.

The power to easily drown the aptest of big wave surfers.

This Red Bull documentary unveils the man you want coming to your rescue when things go pear at at the rolling water mountain. Sergio is a professional driver – from motocross to rally car racing. In the past five years, however, he’s dedicated his talents to keeping the hell(wo)men safe at Nazaré. On the biggest days of the year, Sergio is saving lives and keeping the untamable, er, tamer…

Hit play for an honest account of the dangers and rewards of Portugal’s premiere big wave break.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

The Rise, And Fall, And Rise Again Of Italo Ferreira

"There's the person, and then there's the persona" - Italo's coach, Rainos Hayes.

Mar 21, 2025

Kipp Caddy Wins Paddle Category at Pe’ahi Challenge—On His First Wave Ever Ridden at Jaws

“The wave chose me. It came straight to me—no one else was in position.”

Mar 21, 2025

‘Horse’ — featuring Noa Deane

"Over the last couple years, he more or less only surfs torched shallow waves"

Mar 20, 2025

Is San Clemente’s $14 Million Sand Gamble Paying Off?

Judging by this arousing new pier bowl, yes.

Mar 19, 2025

Interview: Matt Parker Becomes New Head Shaper At Morning Of The Earth Surfboards

"It's for people who wanna feel something again," says Parker about his fourth board label.

Mar 19, 2025

Griffin Cola Falls To French Rookie, Italo Marches On At Mach-15

And Supertubos goes on strike for a couple of days.

Mar 18, 2025

Legacy Brands Bet Big On Future, Leo Grabs A High-Fashion Bag & The “Influencer Model” Alters Quarter-Century Deals

Nine new sponsorship updates from the surf industry frontlines.

Mar 18, 2025

The Best Wavepool You’ll Never Surf

Jacob Szekely speaks on São Paulo’s internet-breaking, members only, chlorinated catapult.  

Mar 18, 2025

Supertubos Goes From Flat To Firing, Then Straight Up Fucking Scary

Jack Robinson earns his lunch, Erin Brooks takes Caity Simmers to 2-0.

Mar 17, 2025

“The Purest Style Of His Generation”

Shane Herring has passed away, age 53. 

Mar 17, 2025

Why Netflix Hates Surfing

Plus, the real reason Make or Break wasn’t renewed for a third season.

Mar 17, 2025

Small Waves, A Brewing Storm & A Mama-To-Be Makes The Quarters

The women take over Day 2 at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal.

Mar 16, 2025

When All Else Fails, At Least There’s Caity Simmers

A glimmering bastion of hope at the Rip Curl Pro Portugal, day one.

Mar 15, 2025

As Is Tradition, Supertubos Just Went Off Its Schnoz

Stab's preview of the 2025 Meo Rip Curl Portugal Pro. 

Mar 14, 2025

Surf vs. Development: A Bike Path That Could Change Puerto Rico Forever

Are some of the island's marquee waves under threat?

Mar 14, 2025

Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode 7

12 days, 1,600 miles, and 200 challenges later, our teams are tied and it all…

Mar 13, 2025

“I Feel Like When I’m Parallel And I Hit A Foamball, I Carry A Lot More Momentum”

Watch Tosh Tudor deliver a veritable masterclass in alternative tuberiding.

Mar 13, 2025

Interview: Julian Wilson Earns Wildcard for 2025 Challenger Series

“It’s definitely daunting. I don’t know what my level is against these kids — but…

Mar 13, 2025
Advertisement