Allegheny Sport and Outdoor Film Festival: Maya and the Wave

Maya Gabeira is the first woman to attempt to surf the giant wave in Nazaré, Portugal. She nearly drowned – and was ridiculed and ostracized by the male big wave surfers who dominate the sport. Three spine surgeries and five years later, she surfs the biggest wave a woman has ever surfed. When her accomplishment is disregarded, Maya enlists the help of her fans to fight for recognition –and becomes the first female surfer honored with a Guinness World Record

This film will be preceeded by the following short film: Freeland ~ A White Grass Story (30 mins) : The latest documentary by Mountain River Media focuses on West Virginia nordic skiing at the iconic White Grass Ski Area, and the mountain’s relationship to the Blackwater River kayaking community. The Blackwater is the artery linking the two communities together, and its water is the lifeblood of both cultures. Through the words of Chip Chase, Sue Haywood, Jesse Shimrock, and Stephen Strothers, learn about the history, grassroots growth, and overall friendly vibe of this unique place and the community that developed around it. Tied into the Blackwater kayaking community, this documentary explores the ephemeral nature of the sport of nordic skiing and whitewater creek boating in West Virginia. Enjoy the ride!

Directed by Stephanie Johnes