20 August, 2024
Launched in cinemas nationally on 15 August 2024, The Blind Sea is an inspiring film documentary about Matt Formston, Paralympian and 4x World Champion blind surfer.
Matt was diagnosed with macular dystrophy when he was 5 years old. With only 3% of his vision remaining, Matt aims to inspire the next generation.
In this film, Matt shares some of the strategies that have propelled him to succeed at the highest level.
Showcasing insights from World Champions Layne Beachley AO, Sam Bloom, and Joel Parkinson, as well as big wave icons Lucas ‘Chumbo’ Chianca and Dylan Longbottom, the film trails Matt on his global journey as he pushes his boundaries and tackles his most formidable challenge: setting the world record for a blind surfer by conquering the colossal waves of Nazaré.
Click on the video below to watch the official film trailer.
As a blind person it’s easier to serve bigger waves.
People would always say to me you can’t do that cause you’re disabled.
As Tom and on I realised I’d tried all those things and I could do them.
Oh my God, is this how you see?
So then every time someone said to me you can’t do it I’d do it. So my life experience was people will tell you you can’t do something but if you try you can.
Nazaré is one of the most dangerous waves in the world.
For more than a decade Surfers have embarked on a death or glory mission.
The place chosen by Matt Formston; Matt Formston; for Matt Formston; Sarah and I are both fearful of the ocean.
Nazaré is just the biggest waves in the planet you know.
The dream place but at the same time can be the worst place ever. Can be in your worst nightmare.
And yeah it’d be awesome if he does it, it would be a great story to tell.
I just say don’t die.
It’s going to be a different story if he goes out when it’s really big like giant.
Regardless of whether you blind or you can see Nazaré is going to give you an ass whipping.
There’s no such thing as barriers. There’s only obstacles. You either go over it or around it but you don’t let it stop you.
A very good performance for someone who can hardly see.
Wave keep on Wave, good speed, speed down down down down down down
https://retinaaustralia.com.au/the-blind-sea/
Other Blogs
World Research Summary by Dr Catherine Civil
Hot Off The Press More updates on the latest research: Gene therapy is improving vision in Bothnia Dystrophy Bothnia dystrophy is a...
World Sight Day 2024
Love Your Child's Eyes Retina Australia is joining Vision 2020 Australia and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) again this year in raising awareness for eye health...
Top 10 Research Priorities for Inherited Retinal Disease
We are thrilled to share the Top 10 Research Priorities for Inherited Retinal Disease,...