Overview
Big wave surfing involves riding waves over 20 feet (6 meters) tall, with elite surfers now tackling 80-100+ foot giants. The discipline gained mainstream attention through jaw-dropping footage from Nazaré, Portugal, and the documentary 100 Foot Wave (2021).
Nazaré’s Underwater Canyon
Nazaré’s Praia do Norte became big wave surfing’s global stage after Garrett McNamara surfed a 78-foot wave there in November 2011. An underwater canyon creates the world’s largest rideable waves, regularly exceeding 70 feet.
World Records
Sebastian Steudtner set the official world record with an 86-foot wave at Nazaré (October 29, 2020), confirmed by Guinness. Debate continues over larger claims, including Rodrigo Koxa’s 80-footer (2017) and Maya Gabeira’s women’s record (73.5 feet, 2020).
The Wipeout Risk
Big wave surfing is one of the world’s most dangerous sports. Deaths include Mark Foo (Mavericks, 1994), Sion Milosky (Mavericks, 2011), and Marcio Freire (Nazaré, 2023). Jet ski safety teams and inflatable vests are now standard.
Sources
- Garrett McNamara 78-foot wave (November 2011): Guinness World Records
- Sebastian Steudtner 86-foot record (October 29, 2020)
- 100 Foot Wave documentary (2021), HBO