Hardly anyone searches for big waves as meticulously and passionately as Thomas Traversa. In his new short film "The Storm Chaser", British filmmaker Jack Pirie paints an impressive portrait of Traversa and what drives him. The film has been available to watch on YouTube since midday today (see below).
Surrounded by weather maps, the marine radio and a notebook, Thomas Traversa sits in his van and studies the weather situation. Will there be a storm somewhere soon that will bring big waves? He gives an impressive account of his first trip to Portugal at the age of 12, and how his parents were afraid for little Thomas. However, he felt no fear, just the power of the storm: "Even if you can prepare for it, it's always a very special energy when it arrives."
Even today, as a husband and father, Traversa still feels this energy when he sets off on a storm: "A few days beforehand, I try to visualise what it will be like. I can feel the tension and the fear," reports the Frenchman. It's not about fighting the current, but trying to play with it.
"Today we want to have everything under control, but you can't control a storm!" he emphasises. Some spots only have big waves every five years; a lot of things have to come together for something big to happen.
Filmmaker Jack Pirie accompanied Thomas Traversa on the storm chase and captured it in atmospheric and artistic images. The mood on the bus, in the tent, at home, in the rough weather and the urge to go out anyway is pretty well captured. And the action is also impressive. An absolute tip!
