On the edge (Portugal, Nazaré)

The secret of Nazaré's enormous waves lies in a unique geological phenomenon: the Nazaré Underwater Canyon , 5,000 meters deep and more than 200 kilometers long. By channeling the energy of the North Atlantic directly towards the coast, this oceanic chasm acts as a natural magnifying glass that multiplies the size and power of the waves.

Extreme surfers gather here every winter, towed by jet skis to brave walls of water that can exceed 25 meters. But this spectacular scene masks a larger reality: the global rise in sea levels and the increase in extreme events due to global warming. In Nazaré, the line between prowess and peril becomes thinner every year.

This photograph was selected by the prestigious international gallery 1X.com, which recognizes works for their aesthetic and documentary value.