ProSieben Galileo X-Plorer

Making a Dream Happen at Nazaré

ProSieben’s Galileo X-Plorer came to Nazaré to film one of the most extraordinary experiences the Big Wave Experience has to offer: taking someone who has never been close to big wave surfing and making it possible for them to ride some of the biggest waves in the world.

The mission was straightforward but the reality was anything but. Jan arrived in Nazaré with a dream and Freddy Olander’s job was to make it happen safely and authentically. With years of experience operating jet skis at Praia do Norte, reading the Nazaré Canyon swell and managing safety in some of the most demanding surf conditions on the planet, Freddy and his team are equipped to make experiences like this possible for the right person on the right day.

What the Documentary Shows

The Galileo X-Plorer documentary captures the full reality of the Big Wave Experience. From the briefing at the Big Wave Center in the Nazaré harbour, to the jet ski ride out through the channel at Praia do Norte, to the moment Jan drops into his first big wave, the film shows what this experience actually involves.

What Galileo captured is not a staged performance. It is the genuine process of preparing someone who is completely outside their comfort zone to face one of nature’s most powerful forces. The safety protocols, the ocean reading, the communication between surfer and jet ski driver, the adrenaline and the emotion of the ride itself.

Big Wave Experience at Nazaré

The Big Wave Experience is Freddy Olander’s professional offering for individuals, media teams and corporate groups who want to get close to the world’s biggest waves. It is available in several formats, from guided jet ski tours through the Nazaré big wave zone to full tow-in experiences where guests actually surf waves themselves.

What makes the experience unique is the team running it. These are not tour operators hired to drive a boat. They are active professional big wave surfers who surf Praia do Norte at the highest level and know every channel, current and break point in the water. That expertise is what makes it possible to safely bring people into an environment that would otherwise be completely inaccessible.

• Guided jet ski tours through the Nazaré big wave zone at Praia do Norte
• Ride on the rescue sled alongside breaking waves
• Tow-in surfing experience for suitable participants
• Full safety briefing and equipment provided
• Available for media productions, documentary shoots and brand content
• Sessions bookable from the Big Wave Center at Nazaré harbour

Media Productions at Nazaré

The Galileo X-Plorer production is one of several major media collaborations Freddy Olander and the Big Wave Experience team have hosted at Nazaré. RTL, SAT.1, ProSieben, GEO Magazine and international surf media have all worked with Freddy to capture the reality of big wave surfing at Praia do Norte.

For production teams, brands and content creators looking to film at Nazaré, the Big Wave Experience team can facilitate everything from access to the big wave zone to full production support, drone coordination and logistics at the harbour. Get in touch to discuss your project.