“When They Come Through, It Looks Like Namibia”

For some, the tow-capital of the world feels more stunt than surfing — a headline grab; a page in the Guinness Book of Records; a supremely courageous German man.  

But the spectacle of snow-surfing down a wave that refuses to break — somehow both limp and lethal — seems to hit home for the non-surfing crowd. They admire from a cliff, in the same detached way one might regard ancient ruins or bold architecture. A gasp here, a nod there, enough to acknowledge the grandeur, but with little interest in understanding how it came to be.

Yesterday, Nazaré made headlines, this time for a collision between daredevils. And there are plenty of them, drawn to the place like moths to a flame, turning it into a circus with crowds thicker than milk.

On the right day, though, it morphs into one of the best beachbreaks in Europe. Filmmaker Peyton Willard was there to catch its recent fun run, featuring the Red Bull crew in full force — Italo Ferreira, Kanoa Igarashi, Kauli Vaast, and more. No jet skis or tow ropes, but Natxo González still showed up.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a behind-the-scenes surf vlog, here’s a recursive treat — watch a filmer filming surfers, who’re likely busy filming their own vlog.