BIG WAVE ADVENTURERS TAKE TO THE HIGH SEAS OF JAPAN

From July to September each year, Japan lives in fear of Tai Fu – or typhoons – that are renowned for taking lives and devastating coastlines. When the typhoons hit, everyone from the hi-tech cities to sleepy fishing towns stop and brace themselves for the hellish onslaught.

This year, in a continuation of his quest to traverse the globe in search of new and challenging waves, Australia’s veteran big-wave surfer Ross Clarke-Jones wants to harness that energy and surf a typhoon in Japan.

For the mission, Ross has assembled some of the most experienced tow-in surfers on the planet including two-time World Champion Tom Carroll, Brazilian Carlos Burle and Hawaiian Ian Walsh, along with local big wave charger Shimpei Horiguchi.

But it’s complicated. Namely, how do you organise a crew from all over the world to reach the designated spot at the right time for the right typhoon? Last year there were 27 typhoons of various size and magnitude recorded, and the average lifespan of a typhoon is five days.

Over the three month typhoon season not only will Ross’ team be at the mercy of Mother Nature but also every transport system around the globe. Missing a connection by 30 minutes could mean missing the swell…and while the team will be frothing to get out there in the biggest surf possible, they also can’t afford to take their safety for granted.

Prominent surf forecaster/meteorologist Ben Matson from swellnet.com has been enlisted to give Ross all the information he will need, but ultimately Clarke-Jones will have to be in sync with the forces of nature to pick out the right typhoon to follow at the right time – it will be part science, part prayer…

In a unique development the mission is not only being covered in a documentary but can also be witnessed through a regularly updated website, www.redbulltaifu.com that gives details on the surfers, the stories, the spot and the logistics behind picking the right typhoon.