Soon you’ll be able to watch this in 3D on your couch. Photo: Pablo Jimenez//ISA
There’s a new way to experience the famed tubes at Teahupo’o. But you’ll only be able to see it if you spend $3,700 on a headset computer.
Red Bull announced that a new production titled World of Red Bull – BIG WAVE SURFING will be available tomorrow, October 2, for owners of the Apple Vision Pro — a wearable computer headset that “blends digital content with your physical space.”
The Teahupo’o footage was filmed specifically for the headset, which features 3D images, 8K quality, and a 180-degree field of view. In a press release, Red Bull said it used a special gimbal to film stable footage from boats, as well as placing cameras in the channel and in the barrel.
They captured a slew of surfers: Italo Ferreira, Michel Bourez, Lucas and Joao Chianca, Jack Robinson, Molly Picklum, Eimeo Czermak, Matahi Drollet, and Aelan Vaast.
“The 3D imagery establishes spatial relationships between the viewer, athlete and wave, while Spatial Audio positions the sound of the surrounding environment accordingly. Together, these elements are intended to give viewers a clearer impression of the wave’s scale, speed and proximity,” reads Red Bull’s press release.
“That perspective also provides additional context for the athletes’ performance. Movements that can appear compressed when filmed from a distance can instead be viewed in relation to the size and movement of the wave, bringing the positioning, timing and rapid decision-making required at Teahupo’o into closer view.”
Even for surf fans who have already watched countless hours of surfing at The End of the Road, it sounds like it could be an interesting new perspective of the Tahitian slab. However, the content is only on the Apple TV app through the headset, which ranges from $3,700 to $4,200.
The production launch comes amid sluggish sales. Since its February 2024 launch, Apple has reportedly sold only around 600,000 units of the Vision Pro, far below the company’s initial forecasts. The price tag and 1.3-pound device have been among the principal drawbacks cited. Apple recently laid off employees working in the department.
