In a quest reminiscent of 19th-century treasure hunters, the Devon-based Knight family embarked on an extraordinary adventure to discover a hidden gem not of gold or jewels but a unique and untouched surfing wave on the Savage Islands in the North Atlantic. The story began with Matt Knight, a 59-year-old renowned skipper, adventurer, and surfer, who stumbled upon a captivating tale in a weathered maritime journal.
The catalyst for this epic journey was “Savage Waters,” a book by Victorian adventurer EF Knight (no relation to Matt), which told the tale of a treasure hunt. According to the book, Spanish gold was rumored to be hidden on the Savage Islands, now a nature reserve north of the Canary Islands. As they navigated treacherous reefs in search of a place to anchor, the adventurers encountered a colossal, unexpected wave. It rose from the depths, forming a giant crest with a luminous green-lit cave beneath its lip. Matt, with the eyes of a surfer, couldn’t help but be captivated by the description and wondered if this wave still existed today.
Matt shared the story with fellow surfers Andrew “Cotty” Cotton, Alex Botelho, and filmmaker Mikey Corker. Together, they hatched a plan to seek out this hidden wave, setting the stage for their incredible adventure chronicled in the documentary “Savage Waters.”
Setting sail in 2015 with the Victorian text as their guide, the team faced numerous “curveballs” as they ventured into the relatively uncharted waters around the Savage Islands. The islands themselves were elusive, tucked amidst miles of ocean. Their first attempt was cut short by a sudden storm.
Priorities took a significant shift as Andrew suffered a severe injury in Nazare, Portugal, and Matt’s wife, Suzanne, received a devastating diagnosis of advanced skin cancer melanoma. With their perspectives forever changed, the quest was temporarily put on hold as Andrew embarked on a recovery journey, and Suzanne participated in experimental immunotherapy.
In 2020, with Suzanne and their children Taz and Peony on board, along with surfer Ed Smith and filmmaker Mikey, the Knight family returned to the Savage Islands. This time, they struck gold, or rather, the perfect wave. The emotional significance of finding the wave after such a tumultuous journey was profound. Their experiences became as much of a treasure as the wave itself.
Beyond the thrill of discovery, the documentary “Savage Waters” delves into the human stories of resilience and recovery. The film portrays the unwavering spirit and determination of its main characters as they faced life’s unpredictabilities and challenges.
While the Savage Islands yielded their hidden treasure, Matt believes there are more waves to be discovered in that part of the world. However, the risks are substantial, requiring advanced safety measures like helicopters and jet skis. Nevertheless, for Matt and his family, the true treasure was the journey and the experiences they gained along the way.
The Knight family’s extraordinary journey in search of a hidden surfing wave on the Savage Islands is a testament to human resilience, determination, and the enduring allure of adventure. Their inspiring story, documented in “Savage Waters,” is one of courage in the face of adversity and a reminder that life’s greatest treasures often lie in the journey itself.
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