Kelly Slater during the filming of the Ultimate Wave

Nine-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater has made his career conquering the competition and the ocean's biggest waves. As the star of a new IMAX film released this week in Los Angeles, The Ultimate Wave Tahiti, Slater successfully surfs onto the big screen in stunning 3D realism.

Raimana Von Bastolaer - at home in Tahiti

A three-year project directed by renowned IMAX filmmaker Stephen Low, The Ultimate Wave Tahiti, juxtaposes Slater's high-profile persona against that of a humble local ambassador - and world-class wave rider in his own right - Raimana Von Bastolaer. Together the odd-couple explore Tahiti's mythic reef break, Teahuppo, home to surfing's most dangerous wave, while examining the nature of ocean swells, reef formation, and the impact of global warming.

Photo: Stephen Low Productions & Susan Goldman
Quiksilver CEO Bob McNight, Kelly Slater and Raimana
Von Bastolaer at the World Premiere of the Ultimate
Wave Tahiti 3D.

"Kelly, Raimana and myself did not set out to make another surfing movie," says Low. "Instead, we took the IMAX canvas and the desire to educate others about the ocean, historical Tahitian lore and modern science."

A key character is Tahiti itself. Formed by violent geologic forces, and isolated in the southern Pacific Ocean, the idyllic isle's pristine environment offers a case study on the clash of ancient and modern cultures, the impact of global tourism and the ongoing effects of climate change.

The Ultimate Wave captures the essence of Tahitian
culture.

While surfing stitches these themes together, the viewer enjoys a balanced portrayal of Nature's beauty with the thrilling first-person perspective inherent in each 3D action sequence.

Slater admits the scope and presentation is unlike any surf film he's made. "It was even better than I expected. I was blown away by the imagery, seeing the wave zoom right in on your face in 3D. The visuals were incredible."

The Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D launches at IMAX theaters this month in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Boston, and Chicago with others to follow worldwide throughout 2010. For the full schedule visit http://www.ultimatewave.com.

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