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Short filmTranscript
00:00I never expected my simple rainwater collection system would lead to all-out war with my HOA.
00:05When they started stealing my water for their precious garden,
00:08how was I supposed to know it would end with their entire office underwater?
00:12The first drops hit my new rain barrels with a satisfying plink.
00:15After months of saving, I'd finally installed a complete system to water
00:19my vegetable garden without running up my bills.
00:22Five connected barrels could store enough water to last through our dry spells.
00:26I practically danced as the spring shower filled them.
00:30Or should have filled them.
00:31Three storms later, something wasn't adding up.
00:34My barrels stayed barely a quarter full despite heavy rainfall.
00:37I crawled underneath my deck, following the gutter lines,
00:40and found something that made my blood boil.
00:42Someone had installed diversion pipes I never authorized.
00:45I was still on my knees in the mud when a shadow fell across me.
00:49Ms. Reynolds, president of the Pinecrest Village HOA,
00:53stood at the edge of my property with her clipboard and signature scowl.
00:56Mr. Jackson, she called, not bothering to wait for me to stand up.
01:01Your garden beds extend six inches beyond your approved landscaping plan.
01:05I wiped mud from my knees.
01:07Forget my garden beds.
01:09Who put these pipes on my gutters?
01:11She glanced at the pipes with practiced indifference.
01:14The association made necessary adjustments to all corner properties.
01:18If you'd attended last month's meeting,
01:20you'd know we voted to optimize water distribution.
01:23Optimize? You're stealing my rainwater.
01:26Don't be dramatic, she sighed, marking something on her clipboard.
01:30According to Bylaw 72.3,
01:33all excess precipitation resources benefit community spaces.
01:37Your collection system wasn't approved by the architectural committee anyway.
01:41Two maintenance workers in association uniforms appeared behind her,
01:45nodding as if this made perfect sense.
01:47I never agreed to this, I said,
01:50following as she began walking along my property line.
01:52The diversion system was elaborate.
01:55Small channels disguised with landscaping rocks led to larger pipes that disappeared underground.
02:00Majority rules, Mr. Jackson.
02:02The community garden needs consistent irrigation.
02:05I remembered that garden.
02:06A pristine showpiece directly behind the HOA office that I'd specifically refused to fund
02:11through increased monthly dues.
02:13My blood pressure climbed higher.
02:15You're charging me more in dues while stealing resources for my property?
02:19My voice rose despite my efforts to stay calm.
02:21Ms. Reynolds turned cold eyes on me.
02:24Watch your tone.
02:25You're already accumulating violations this quarter.
02:28As they walked away, I followed the hidden pipe system to its destination.
02:32The elaborate garden they watered primarily benefited properties owned by board members,
02:37including Ms. Reynolds' pristine colonial with its perfect view of the manicured space.
02:42Back home, I called the City Water Authority,
02:44who explained that rainwater rights were complicated and typically governed by HOA agreements.
02:49I'd need to check my contract, the same thick document that probably contained that mysterious
02:54bylaw 72.3.
02:56While digging through my files, someone knocked.
02:58Opening the door revealed a bright yellow violation notice and $300 fine for unauthorized
03:03landscape modifications and confrontational behavior toward association representatives.
03:08That night, sleep refused to come.
03:11Through my bedroom window, I watched the sprinklers activate in the community garden,
03:16wastefully spraying water in all directions despite the day's rainfall.
03:20My stolen rainfall.
03:21My phone buzzed with a text from my neighbor, Marcus.
03:25Saw Reynolds at your place.
03:26You okay?
03:27I typed back.
03:28They're stealing my rainwater for their garden.
03:31His response was immediate.
03:32Not just yours.
03:34Come over tomorrow.
03:35Bring your HOA contract.
03:37The next day, Marcus's dining table disappeared under papers, property maps, HOA bylaws, and
03:43water drainage plans.
03:44Marcus had battled the association over solar panel installation last year and won.
03:49Look, he pointed to Section 72.3.
03:53This clause about excess precipitation was added last year without proper notification.
03:58Technically, it's not binding.
04:00Can we fight it?
04:01Alone?
04:02Tough.
04:03But I've been talking with other neighbors.
04:05Eleanor down the street is a retired hydraulic engineer.
04:09She's been documenting the board's activities for years.
04:12That afternoon, Eleanor's kitchen became our war room.
04:15At 72, she had fire in her eyes as she spread diagrams across her table.
04:20They're not just taking your water, she revealed, pointing to colored lines crisscrossing a neighborhood
04:25map.
04:26They've created an entire underground system diverting from six properties to water their gardens
04:30and fill that ridiculous decorative pond.
04:33Marcus tapped another section.
04:35And look who benefits most.
04:37All five board members' properties have prime views and access.
04:41Eleanor nodded grimly.
04:42They've been playing this game for years.
04:45Remember the heritage oak removal?
04:47The playground relocation?
04:48Always benefiting the same properties while citing community interests.
04:52My phone buzzed with a new HOA email.
04:55Dues were increasing again to cover landscape irrigation improvements.
04:59This is outrageous, I muttered, showing them the message.
05:03Eleanor studied her complex diagram, then smiled slightly.
05:07You know what's interesting about water?
05:08It always finds the lowest point unless artificially diverted.
05:12Meaning?
05:13She pointed to a topographical overlay.
05:15The HOA office sits at the bottom of a natural depression.
05:19Without their fancy diversion system, guess where all this rainwater would naturally flow?
05:25Marcus grinned.
05:26Right into their precious building.
05:28I'm not suggesting anything, Eleanor said, her innocent tone belied by the twinkle in her eye.
05:33She slid detailed schematics of the diversion system across the table.
05:37But hypothetically, if someone were to modify these connection points during the next heavy rain?
05:43My heart raced at the implications.
05:45Wouldn't they just trace it back to us?
05:47Eleanor shook her head.
05:49That's the beauty of water.
05:51When their system fails, it will simply be returning to its natural flow pattern.
05:55Nature taking its course.
05:57As if on cue, my weather app notification chimed.
06:00The biggest storm system in five years was approaching our region, expected to hit this weekend.
06:05Coincidentally, the HOA had scheduled their annual garden showcase for Sunday afternoon.
06:11I looked between my new allies, a plan forming.
06:13What exactly would these modifications involve?
06:17Eleanor's smile widened as she began sketching diagrams on fresh paper, explaining pipe connections and flow dynamics in terms even I could understand.
06:25For the first time since finding those diversion pipes, I felt a sense of control returning.
06:30That night, I received another violation notice, this time claiming my rain barrels detracted from neighborhood aesthetic standards.
06:38The fine had doubled to $600.
06:41I carefully filed the notice with the others, a strange calm settling over me.
06:46Ms. Reynolds had no idea what was coming her way.
06:48Dark clouds gathered as I hauled supplies into my garage Friday night.
06:52Eleanor had provided detailed instructions and specially designed pipe sections that would redirect the water back to its natural flow pattern.
07:00Marcus helped me organize everything while his teenage son kept watch from the front window.
07:04Six-hour installation window during the storm, Marcus reminded me.
07:08Checking off items on our list.
07:10You'll need waterproof gear.
07:12A car slowed in front of my house.
07:14We froze until it passed.
07:16Ms. Reynolds has been driving by regularly, I said.
07:19She suspects something.
07:21Of course she does, Eleanor replied, joining us with freshly laminated diagrams protected from the coming rain.
07:27That's why we're moving forward with Phase 2 as well.
07:30Phase 2 was Marcus's contribution, documentation.
07:34His daughter Zoe, a journalism major, had helped us compile a comprehensive report on the HOA's questionable activities,
07:40including water diversion, selective enforcement, and financial discrepancies in landscaping contracts
07:46consistently awarded to Ms. Reynolds' brother-in-law's company.
07:49We'll distribute these at the emergency meeting they'll inevitably call after the storm, Marcus explained,
07:55showing me the folder of evidence.
07:57Eleanor's filed water rights complaints with the county already.
08:00But will it be enough?
08:01I worried.
08:02The HOA board had weathered complaints before.
08:05Eleanor's eyes gleamed.
08:07That's where your neighbor Diane comes in.
08:09Diane worked for the local news station.
08:11She'd been quietly gathering footage of the HOA's water diversion system and had arranged for a news van to happen
08:17to be covering storm damage in our neighborhood Sunday afternoon.
08:21The plan was comprehensive, but everything hinged on my part,
08:24physically modifying the diversion system during the height of the storm when visibility would be lowest.
08:29Rain began falling as we finished preparations.
08:32The weather report now predicted over four inches, enough to overwhelm storm drains under normal circumstances.
08:38With our modifications, the water would follow gravity's pull directly toward the HOA office.
08:44Remember, Eleanor cautioned as they prepared to leave.
08:47You're not creating anything new.
08:49You're simply removing their artificial diversions and letting nature reclaim its course.
08:54I barely slept that night, listening to the steadily increasing rainfall.
08:59By 3 a.m., it was pouring.
09:01I donned waterproof coveralls, boots, and a dark rain jacket,
09:04then slipped into my backyard with a waterproof headlamp and Eleanor's tools.
09:09The storm provided perfect cover.
09:11Lightning flashes illuminated my work briefly, while thunder masked any noise.
09:16I located the main junction box Eleanor had identified,
09:19where six properties diversions connected to the community garden system.
09:22My fingers trembled as I replaced the directional valve with Eleanor's modified version.
09:27This new valve would appear identical, but would fail progressively as water pressure increased,
09:32returning flow to its natural downhill pattern.
09:35Three more junction points required similar modifications.
09:39Water already pooled around my ankles as I worked on the final connection near the property line.
09:44Suddenly, headlights swept across the street.
09:47I doused my lamp and pressed myself against the ground behind shrubs.
09:51Ms. Reynolds' SUV crept past, windshield wipers fighting the downpour.
09:55She seemed to be patrolling the neighborhood despite the dangerous conditions.
09:59After she passed, I quickly finished the final connection and retreated to my garage, heart pounding.
10:05By dawn, the storm reached its peak intensity.
10:09From my window, I watched water flowing exactly as Eleanor had predicted,
10:13no longer diverted to the community garden but seeking the lowest elevation point in the neighborhood,
10:18the HOA office.
10:20I made coffee and waited, occasionally checking the security camera I'd installed facing the street.
10:25At 8.17 a.m., Ms. Reynolds' SUV splashed through what was now a significant stream running down our road.
10:33She parked at the HOA office and stepped out, immediately sinking ankle-deep in swirling water.
10:38The expression on her face as she waded toward the office door was everything I'd hoped for.
10:44Through binoculars, I watched her fumble with keys,
10:47finally pushing open the door only to be met by a small wave escaping from inside.
10:51Within 30 minutes, her frantic calls brought the entire board to the scene.
10:56They arrived in luxury vehicles that now had to park a block away due to rising water.
11:01Even from my vantage point, I could hear Ms. Reynolds' shouting accusations.
11:05By noon, the rain lightened.
11:07My phone buzzed with an emergency HOA meeting notification scheduled for 3 p.m. at the community center,
11:13the office being temporarily unusable due to water damage.
11:18Marcus texted.
11:19It worked perfectly.
11:20Diane's news van is coincidentally filming flood damage on Oak Street.
11:25Eleanor added,
11:26Bring your violation notices and checkbook records.
11:29Showtime.
11:30I arrived at the community center to find it packed.
11:33Homeowners who normally ignored meetings had turned out
11:35curious about the flooded office and eager for drama.
11:39Ms. Reynolds stood at the front, hair still damp, attempting to maintain composure.
11:44This emergency session addresses the catastrophic flooding of association property,
11:48she began, voice tight with controlled rage.
11:52Preliminary investigation suggests deliberate tampering with our water management system.
11:57Her eyes scanned the room before landing on me.
12:00Some individuals, recently cited for violations, may have engaged in sabotage.
12:05Whispers rippled through the crowd.
12:06I maintained a neutral expression.
12:09This is clearly a targeted attack, she continued, pointing at soggy documents laid out on tables.
12:15Our insurance requires a police report for vandalism claims.
12:18Just as she pointed her finger directly at me, Eleanor stood up from her seat in the front row.
12:23Actually, Ms. Reynolds, she projected clearly, I've brought evidence that might interest everyone here.
12:29It's tonight or never, Marcus whispered as we huddled under his garage overhang.
12:34Rain pounded the pavement like tiny missiles, creating rivers along the curbs.
12:39Perfect conditions.
12:40I pulled the hood of my raincoat tighter and nodded.
12:43Eleanor's modifications ready?
12:45Marcus padded his waterproof bag.
12:47Six redirector valves and the master control switch.
12:50Once installed, gravity does the rest.
12:54My heart hammered against my ribs as we slipped between houses.
12:58The storm's roar covered our movements as we located the first hidden diversion pipe behind my azalea bushes.
13:05Marcus worked quickly, his hands steady despite the downpour,
13:08replacing the HOA's illegal valve with Eleanor's modified version.
13:12Remember, he said, we're not creating anything new.
13:16We're simply removing their illegal system and letting water flow naturally.
13:19We moved house to house, working through Eleanor's map.
13:23Old Mrs. Jameson's property was particularly challenging.
13:27The HOA had hidden their pipes beneath her prize rose bushes.
13:31Lightning cracked overhead as we carefully worked around her plants.
13:34Last one, Marcus announced at house six.
13:38Once I flip this master switch, the entire system reverts to natural drainage.
13:42I hesitated.
13:43What if we get caught?
13:45Do you want your water back or not?
13:47His eyes gleamed with challenge.
13:48The switch clicked with surprising quietness for something so consequential.
13:53Now we wait, I said.
13:55Sleep evaded me that night.
13:57I imagined water flowing, gathering, finding its natural path downhill toward the lowest point in Pinecrest Village,
14:03directly beneath the HOA office.
14:06Dawn broke with unusual brightness after the storm.
14:09I peered through my blinds to see neighbors gathering at the end of our street,
14:12pointing and talking excitedly.
14:14Grabbing my coffee, I casually strolled down to join them.
14:18Never seen anything like it, said Tom from two doors down.
14:22The whole office is sitting in a lake.
14:24Indeed, water surrounded the single-story HOA building, reaching halfway up the door.
14:30The precious community garden beside it, the one they'd stolen our water to maintain, now resembled a swamp.
14:36A black SUV screeched to a halt at the edge of the water.
14:40Ms. Reynolds emerged, designer boots splashing into the puddle before she realized its depth.
14:45Her shriek echoed across the water.
14:47Someone call the emergency services, she demanded, turning to the gathering crowd.
14:52This is vandalism.
14:53Property destruction.
14:55I sip my coffee.
14:56Looks like drainage issues to me.
14:58Maybe someone should have consulted a proper engineer before redesigning the neighborhood's natural water flow.
15:04Her eyes narrowed on me.
15:06You.
15:06This is your doing.
15:08Before I could respond, Eleanor appeared beside me, camera in hand.
15:13Documenting the flood for the homeowners' association records, she explained pleasantly.
15:17Also, I've invited Channel 5 News.
15:20They're doing a special on water rights violations in suburban communities.
15:24Ms. Reynolds blanched.
15:26You wouldn't dare.
15:28The county water authority seemed quite interested in my call this morning, Eleanor continued,
15:32especially about unpermitted water diversion affecting multiple properties.
15:37A news van pulled up behind us, a reporter and cameraman quickly deploying equipment.
15:42Emergency meeting.
15:43Community center.
15:44One hour.
15:45Ms. Reynolds announced, sloshing back to her car.
15:48I shared a secret smile with Marcus and Eleanor.
15:51Phase one complete.
15:53The community center buzzed with angry conversations when I arrived.
15:57Nearly every homeowner had shown up, unprecedented for an HOA meeting.
16:02I slipped into a seat between Marcus and Eleanor, who had spread her documentation across three chairs.
16:08Ms. Reynolds tapped the microphone.
16:09This emergency session will address the unfortunate flooding incident and necessary repairs.
16:15And who's paying for these repairs? shouted someone from the back.
16:19Our insurance will cover.
16:21Why was our office in a flood zone to begin with? interrupted another voice.
16:25Ms. Reynolds adjusted her pearl necklace nervously.
16:28Natural drainage patterns.
16:30Which you altered?
16:31Eleanor called out, standing slowly.
16:34The room quieted.
16:35I've brought evidence that might interest everyone.
16:37This isn't the time.
16:39Ms. Reynolds started.
16:41Show us.
16:41Multiple voices demanded.
16:43Eleanor unrolled large property maps across the front table.
16:47These are the original drainage plans for Pinecrest Village, approved by the county 15 years ago.
16:52She overlaid another transparent sheet.
16:55And these are the unpermitted modifications made by the current board over the past three years.
17:00Gasps and murmurs filled the room.
17:02The HOA has systematically diverted water from six properties, Eleanor continued, pointing to my house and five others.
17:10All to benefit their unapproved garden project and decorative pond.
17:14That's ridiculous, Ms. Reynolds sputtered.
17:16We've improved community aesthetics.
17:19With stolen water, I said, standing beside Eleanor.
17:23Water you took from my collection system after fining me for installing it.
17:27And mine, added Mrs. Jameson, rising shakily with her cane.
17:31My water bill tripled while my garden died.
17:34The Channel 5 reporter was scribbling furiously in the back.
17:37Furthermore, Marcus added, approaching with a folder,
17:40I've obtained the financial records showing HOA funds spent on this illegal system, $27,000 of our dues.
17:49The room exploded in outrage.
17:51What happened last night, I said clearly over the noise,
17:55was simply nature reclaiming its course when these illegal modifications failed during the storm.
17:59Ms. Reynolds' face contorted with fury.
18:02You've sabotaged our system.
18:04That's criminal damage.
18:06The HOA lawyer, previously silent, leaned over to whisper urgently in her ear.
18:11Her expression shifted from anger to fear.
18:14We may have acted without proper permits, she conceded reluctantly.
18:19May have.
18:20Eleanor raised an eyebrow, sliding a letter across the table.
18:23The County Water Authority disagrees.
18:26They've launched an official investigation.
18:28As the meeting descended into chaos, I caught Marcus' eye.
18:32His slight nod confirmed what I already knew.
18:35This was far from over.
18:36A reporter approached me as the crowd swelled around Ms. Reynolds.
18:40Sir, would you say this represents a growing trend of HOA overreach in your community?
18:46I smiled, knowing my next words would appear on the evening news.
18:50I simply wanted to collect rainwater.
18:52I never expected to uncover a flood of corruption.
18:54Forty-eight hours after the flood, my doorbell rang at 7.15 a.m.
18:59Two men in suits stood on my porch, badges in hand.
19:03Mr. Davis?
19:04County Water Authority.
19:06We'd like to ask you some questions about the recent incident at Pinecrest Village.
19:10My mouth went dry.
19:11I invited them in, trying to keep my hands from shaking as I poured coffee.
19:16Am I under investigation?
19:17I asked directly.
19:19The taller investigator, Hanson, shook his head.
19:22We're investigating unpermitted water diversion.
19:25Your name came up as someone who might have relevant information.
19:28Relief flooded through me.
19:30I have plenty to share.
19:31For the next hour, I explained everything.
19:34My rain barrels, the mysterious emptiness, catching Ms. Reynolds' crew, the fines, and meeting
19:40Eleanor and Marcus.
19:42And the night of the storm, asked the second investigator, Rodriguez.
19:45I chose my words carefully.
19:48I believe the heavy rainfall overwhelmed their makeshift system, causing it to fail.
19:53Natural water patterns reasserted themselves.
19:56They exchanged glances.
19:58We've examined the site, Hanson said.
20:00Someone modified the diversion valves that night.
20:03My heart skipped.
20:04That's interesting.
20:05Very interesting, Rodriguez agreed.
20:08Especially since those valves shouldn't have existed in the first place.
20:11The HOA had no permits for any water diversion.
20:14They left with copies of my HOA violation notices and water bills.
20:19As their car pulled away, my phone buzzed with a text from Marcus.
20:23Emergency meeting tonight.
20:24Reynolds going nuclear.
20:26The community center was packed tighter than before.
20:29Ms. Reynolds stood at the podium, looking victorious despite her smudged makeup and wrinkled
20:34blazer.
20:35I've called this meeting to address the criminal conspiracy against our community, she announced.
20:39Our investigation has revealed that certain elements deliberately sabotaged HOA property.
20:45My stomach clenched as she dramatically placed a plastic bag on the table.
20:49This modified valve was recovered from the flood.
20:51And we have security footage showing trespassers the night of the storm.
20:55Gasps spread through the room.
20:57I felt Marcus tense beside me.
20:59Before we continue, called a voice from the back.
21:02I'd like to introduce myself.
21:04A woman in a crisp pantsuit walked forward.
21:07Diana Fuller, assistant district attorney for the county.
21:10My office received some interesting documentation yesterday.
21:13Ms. Reynolds' smile faltered.
21:15This is a private HOA meeting.
21:18Concerning potentially criminal activity, Fuller interrupted.
21:21Which makes it my business.
21:23She turned to address the crowd.
21:25My office has reviewed evidence of illegal water appropriation, misuse of HOA funds, and
21:31falsification of records by the current board.
21:33She placed a thick folder on the table.
21:36These are cease and desist orders for all board members, freezing HOA accounts pending
21:40investigation.
21:42You can't do that.
21:43Ms. Reynolds sputtered.
21:44Actually, I can.
21:46Especially given the complaints filed by 37 homeowners.
21:49I blinked in surprise.
21:51Eleanor winked at me from across the room.
21:53As for the vandalism during the storm, Fuller continued.
21:56Any modifications made to an already illegal system would be considered removal of an
22:01unpermitted structure.
22:02No charges can be filed.
22:04The room erupted in cheers and applause.
22:07Ms. Reynolds seized the microphone.
22:09This community needs leadership.
22:11Without us, who will maintain standards?
22:14Property values will collapse.
22:16Perhaps, said a new voice, it's time for new leadership.
22:19Heads turned as Mr. Kapoor from the end of my street approached the podium.
22:24The retired judge commanded instant respect.
22:26I propose an interim committee until elections can be held.
22:30Volunteers.
22:31Hands shot up around the room, including mine.
22:33You're not taking my position.
22:35Ms. Reynolds shrieked, gripping the podium.
22:38Two security guards approached.
22:40Ma'am, we need to vacate and secure the HOA office for the DA's orders.
22:44As they escorted the board out, someone started a slow clap that built into thunderous applause.
22:50Three weeks later, I unlocked the newly renovated HOA office, now reopened as the community resource
22:56center.
22:57The flood damage had provided an opportunity for much-needed updates, including a public
23:01meeting room and transparency boards showing all financial records.
23:05Eleanor bustled in with armfuls of plants.
23:08The community garden committee sent these.
23:10They're thriving now that everyone's contributing properly.
23:12Marcus arrived next with his laptop.
23:15Water usage reports are in.
23:17We're down 30% since implementing the neighborhood-wide collection system.
23:21I smiled, watching neighbors filter in for our first official meeting.
23:25The interim committee had worked tirelessly to rebuild trust.
23:29Tonight, we'd vote on new bylaws focusing on sustainability and fairness.
23:34Quite a difference from when we started, Marcus observed.
23:37A familiar SUV pulled into the parking lot.
23:39Ms. Reynolds emerged, looking subdued in casual clothes rather than her usual power suits.
23:45Trouble.
23:46Marcus muttered.
23:47Let's see.
23:48I replied, stepping outside.
23:50She approached cautiously.
23:52I came to return this.
23:54She handed me a check.
23:55Your refunded fines plus interest.
23:58She hesitated.
24:00The DA offered me a deal.
24:01Community service instead of charges if I cooperate with the investigation into board misconduct.
24:06I nodded, unsure what she wanted from me.
24:10I've been assigned to help with the new rainwater collection systems, she said, looking pained.
24:15They said you're the expert I should consult.
24:17The irony wasn't lost on me.
24:19I could send her away.
24:20Savor this victory.
24:22The committee meets Tuesdays at 6, I said instead.
24:25Bring rubber boots.
24:26We get muddy.
24:28Her surprised expression was worth everything.
24:30That evening, as the meeting concluded with unanimous approval of our new water-sharing program,
24:35I stepped outside to check my rain barrels.
24:38They stood full and ready for the coming dry season.
24:41Across the street, I spotted new barrels being installed at three houses.
24:45Beyond them, the community garden flourished with vegetables and flowers.
24:49Children played in the new splash pad built where Ms. Reynolds' decorative pond had once stood,
24:54a far more practical use of water in our climate.
24:57Eleanor joined me, watching the sunset.
25:00You know what they say about water?
25:02What's that?
25:03It always finds its level in the end.
25:05She patted my shoulder.
25:07Just like justice.
25:09In my driveway, my original rain barrels caught the last golden light.
25:13They were simple things, just plastic containers designed to capture what falls freely from the sky.
25:18Who could have predicted they would wash away corruption and bring a community together?
25:22Sometimes the smallest ripples create the biggest waves.