Surfing // Code Red ( EDGEsport )

The surf world had been waiting and now the wait is over; some of the biggest, scariest waves ever seen at Tahiti's infamous Teahupo'o, tackled by an elite crew of tow-surf specialists. In August 2011, the Billabong Pro Men's World Tour event was placed on hold after the Tahitian Coast Guard issued a 'Code Red' warning that prevents water craft from legal operation because of severe weather conditions as a massive swell bore down.

Despite the forecasts of unprecedented and dangerous conditions, a collection of diehard big wave enthusiasts descended on the small tropical island to intercept the giant swell.

The historic session was captured on camera and is recalled by two surfers who dominated that day; Aussie veteran Dylan Longbottom and his young tow partner, Laurie Towner. Injuries were inevitable but the challenge was too good to pass up as the world's best were there to witness surfing conditions never seen before.