Surfer Jamie O'Brien Lights Himself on Fire Before Riding Massive Wave

On Wednesday, O'Brien put the idea into action while filming his original series Who Is JOB 5.0 in Tahiti. O'Brien rode one of the largest waves in the world with flames wrapped around his torso.

What's more, he made the whole thing look effortless.

“When you’re on fire in the barrel, the whole wave lights up fluorescent orange," O'Brien said in an interview with his sponsor. "It’s a really crazy feeling that you can’t even explain. 

I’ve been surfing big waves my entire life, but this time I had this flame just wrapping around my head, which was pretty insane. Something totally different than anything I’ve ever done before.”

Wednesday's feat was the result of about 12 months of preparation. It benefitted from the aid of Hollywood stunt coordinator Riley Harper.

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Harper conducted two fire tests in California and an additional one in Hawaii to make sure the idea was feasible. In addition, Red Bull says it spent months testing body protective layers for the surfer. The energy drink company also had Body Glove, a surfing and skateboarding apparel shop, make a custom wetsuit that moved all life-saving floatation devices to the front of the suit.

Still, none of that would've mattered if O'Brien ended up panicking when he was lit on fire — so Harper spent time trying to ensure he'd be comfortable.

In the end, a group of almost 25 people, including fire and water safety personnel, turned O'Brien's idea into reality.

It may be the most daring adventure the Red Bull-sponsored athlete has accomplished. But his track record indicated that a feat like this would come: O'Brien became famous for taming virtually every big wave in the world. He's won the Pipeline Masters — known as the most prestigious event in surfing's World Tour — and is the star of Who is JOB, a series produced by Red Bull in which he performs a variety of stunts.

It appears this episode may be his best yet.

The latest installment of Who is JOB 5.0 will air on Red Bull TV on Aug. 7, and will include behind-the-scenes clips from O'Brien's impressive ride Wednesday.

JOB celebrating after being on fire in the barrel ,at Teahupoo, Tahiti, PYF, on 22 July, 2015.