Antonio Laureano starred in the HBO series about giant waves in Nazar.

Young giant wave surfer Antonio Laureano is one of the main characters in the new season of HBO’s A Grande Onda da Nazaré, which premieres this Monday in Portugal, underscoring the “giant pride” in being a part of the project.

“The truth is that being a part of this project is a huge pride, and it just shows that I am doing well at the beginning of my career. It’s great to represent Portugal in this incredible series,” said the Portuguese Lusa. big rider”, from 21 years old.

After a first season filled with breathtaking moments, the series’ second season features celebrities from the World Surf League (WSL) giant wave circle, such as Hawaiians Garrett McNamara and Kai Lenny, Brazilian Lucas Chumbo, Portuguese “Tony” Laureano and Nick von Rupp and Frenchman Justine Dupont, among others, are defying the restrictions of surfing in Praia do Norte.

“I was the only Portuguese present at the premiere of the series in Los Angeles. [no final de março] and it made me feel “something special” and the truth is that the episode is very emotional and leaves us completely attached to the screen and wanting more,” said the athlete, who also attended the launch of the new season in Lisbon, early April .

Speaking about the power of the waves in Nazare, “Tony” Laureano emphasized that it is “the power of nature in all its splendor”, and recommended that all those who have the opportunity, “at least once in their life” go on a trip to watch the surf. the biggest waves in the world.

“Seeing is one thing, but riding them is not for everyone. Sometimes it may seem like it is, but I assure you that it is not easy, it takes a lot of training, a lot of dedication and a lot of effort, but the reward is incredible,” he said.

Laureano caught the “bomb” at over 20 meters in 2020, out of sight of the giant wave world, and admitted that his goal is to one day break the world record held by Germany’s Sebastian Steudtner, whose official score is 26.21. meters was reached in Canhão da Nazaré in October 2021.

“I’m always aiming for records because it’s important as an athlete and given my personal goals, but without a doubt, I do what I do because that’s what I love to do. for me this is the most important thing. I know that if this continues, the results will eventually come, so everything is interconnected,” he said.

Another “star” of the HBO series is Hawaiian Garrett McNamara, who brought international attention to the waves of Nazare when he began conquering the “water mountains” in Praia do Norte more than 10 years ago, at a time when it seemed impossible.

“This show is 100% everything that Nazaré Wave is. He is very tense. Each episode tells a story that takes place on the sea, but also shows the most remarkable moments on land and all the preparation needed to defy the limits. surfing,” said former world record holder Luce, who has made Portugal his new home.

Portuguese Nick Von Rupp, who is also part of the cast of HBO MAX’s The 100 Foot Wave (original title in English), also showed his enthusiasm as a result of six new episodes of the production’s second season. , which will start airing in Portugal this Monday.

“It is a great honor for me to participate in this documentary about the giant waves of Nazaré, which have become a postcard of our country and attract tourists from all over the world every day. After the valuable contribution of Garrett McNamara to the promotion of this hidden gem of surfing in Portugal, I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the promotion of Nazaré,” Nick von Rupp said in a statement.

Directed and produced by Chris Smith and Joe Lewis, The Great Wave of Nazareth won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography in a Non-Fiction Program at the 74th Creative Arts Primetime Emmy Awards, held in in September last year. in Los Angeles, California, USA.