Behold! Today we have found the gnarliest and most awe-inspiring downright stunning surf video in recent memory. It was shot by Chris Bryan on a Phantom Gold Camera at Tahiti's legendary Teahupoo monster swell on a day when you'd have to be bat-sh*t crazy to get in the water. Or just a surfer with a wet dream of riding a wave that could clench you in her dangerous fists and squeeze the life out of you. This stunning piece of video art will leave you trembling at the ocean's raw, merciless power. Much respect to the rider who tamed this beast.

via the Vimeo description:

This day at Teahupoo- Aug 27th 2011 during the Billabong Pro waiting period is what many are calling the biggest and gnarliest Teahupoo ever ridden. Chris Bryan was fortunate enough to be there working for Billabong on a day that will go down in the history of big wave surfing. The French Navy labeled this day a double code red prohibiting and threatening to arrest anyone that entered the water.

Kelly Slater described the day by saying "witnessing this was a draining feeling being terrified for other people's lives all day long, it's life or death. Letting go of that rope one time can change your life and not many people will ever experience that in their life."

 

UPDATE at 5:27 P.M.: So, for some reason Chris Bryan yanked the video off his Vimeo, which is a huge, huge bummer. But it popped up on Mpora and, a little later, YouTube with a different soundtrack. So here it is! Enjoy! Hooray!