Ricardo dos Santos: a dive into the abyss

When one of the biggest swells of the decade hits South America, big-wave addicts know where to go. Next destination: Playa Zicatela, Puerto Escondido.

Makua Rothman had just been crowned champion of the Billabong Pico Alto 2014 in Peru.

Two days later, on July 5, all photographers and videographers had their lenses on the pros.

Sometimes, it's all for one wave. And that was exactly what happened with Shane Dorian, who caught one of the bombs of the season. 

A few minutes later, he was quietly sipping a coconut under palm trees.

Puerto Escondido: running away from the liquid cliff

The Mexican Pipeline is dangerous, and it can easily damage your budget. Your first drop into the abyss may transform your favorite gun into two shortboards.

That is, if you're lucky enough to escape without physical injuries.

The sets brought everything. Smaller waves, impossible rides, perfect barrels, and speedy surf lines.

Experience and positioning would determine your fate at Puerto Escondido.

Shane Dorian, Gabriel Villaran, Ricardo dos Santos, Billy Kemper, Andres Flores, Celestino Rodriguez, Derek Dunfee, Will Dillon, Oscar Moncada, Angelo Lozano, Brian Conley, Raul Haro, Coco Nogales, and a few more had the privilege to survive the Mexican torture.

Brad Domke, the most underrated wave rider in the world, has made history after trimming the biggest wave face ever in the history of skimboarding.

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