Every year between January and April the Indian Ocean gives birth to intense Tropical Cyclones that spin across the Indian Ocean gaining momentum and reeking havoc on the Indian Ocean islands before slamming into the East African seaboard. These storms, aptly given ladies names, generate huge swells that travel down the Moçambique channel, heading for the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

 Having travelled thousands of kilometres, these monster waves eventually reach their final destination in the Durban Bay, whose sweeping peninsular, jutting out into the ocean, is the perfect recipient for these swell lines. In a matter of seconds their journey is over as they unleash their full fury on the Durban beachfront. Huge barrels explode on the sandbanks in front of the piers, as onlookers throng for a view of the spectacle of beauty and power.

 A small crew of South African surfers exist who religiously scan the internet and synoptic charts tracking these storms. Their lives are governed by the sea, and when these gigantic swells come thundering into the Durban Bay at the climax of their journey, these surfers will risk and sacrifice all in their quest for the ultimate ride.

 Some of them are world famous professionals like Paul Canning and Simon Nicholson. Others are well known local chargers like Clayton Nienaber and Matthew Kruger. But the majority are guys that nobody has heard of. Surfers that emerge from the woodwork when waves of consequence come marching into the Durban Bay, and disappear just as quickly as the swell passes.

 The Instinct Big Wave Challenge is a tribute to these surfers and their commitment, and also to the remarkable surfing that takes place at the New Pier when the surf becomes life-threatening.