Big wave surfing is described as one of the ultimate thrills; surfers pursue the ride of their lives and world records. Nazaré in Portugal, Jaws in Hawaii, and Cortes Bank in California are among the most recognized locations. Nazaré, specifically Praia do Norte, produces waves that can reach 100 feet (30.8m) in winter. Surfers have been recorded traveling at speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour, with wipeouts compared to the impact of a car crash.
Nazaré rose to worldwide attention in 2011 when Garrett McNamara rode a 23-meter (78-foot) wave at Praia do Norte. What was once a quiet fishing village known for its sardine, squid, and tuna has since become one of the most famous surf locations on the planet, producing multiple world records in big wave surfing.
- Sebastian Steudtner surfed a 93.73-foot (28.57m) wave at Nazaré, Portugal, in February 2024, surpassing his 2020 Guinness World Record of 86 feet.
- Justine Dupont’s 75-foot (22.9m) Cortes Bank wave in January 2023 stands as a contender for the biggest wave ever ridden by a female.
- Maya Gabeira’s 73.5-foot (22.3m) Nazaré ride in 2020 followed her near-fatal accident at the same location in 2013, cementing her comeback.
The 11 Biggest Waves Ever Surfed
These are the 11 biggest waves ever surfed, each one measured, recorded, and remembered for the surfer who dared to ride it.
1. Sebastian Steudtner — 93.73 feet (28.57 m), Nazaré, Portugal, February 24, 2024
On February 24, 2024, Sebastian Steudtner surfed a wave measured at 28.57 metres, equal to 93.73 feet, at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. The measurement was taken using drone technology created by Porsche Engineering and Team Steudtner. While still awaiting official confirmation, it is set to become the biggest wave ever surfed, overtaking Steudtner’s previous Guinness World Record.
2. Sebastian Steudtner — 86 feet (26.21 m), Nazaré, Portugal, October 29, 2020
On October 29, 2020, Sebastian Steudtner surfed a wave at Praia do Norte in Nazaré that measured 26.21 metres, equal to 86 feet. This ride was confirmed by the World Surf League and certified as a Guinness World Record for the largest wave ever surfed (male – unlimited). It was publicly recognized in 2022. This record replaced the previous Guinness World Record, which had been held by Rodrigo Koxa for an 80-foot wave surfed in 2017.
3. Rodrigo Koxa — 80 feet, Nazaré, Portugal, November 8, 2017
On November 8, 2017, Rodrigo Koxa surfed a wave at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal, measured at 80 feet. His ride was awarded the Quiksilver XXL Biggest Wave Award at the World Surf League Big Wave Awards. Guinness World Records later recognized this wave as the largest ever surfed at that time. This record surpassed Garrett McNamara’s earlier 78-foot wave surfed at Nazaré in 2011.
4. Garrett McNamara — 78 feet (23.8 m), Nazaré, Portugal, November 1, 2011
On November 1, 2011, Garrett McNamara surfed a wave measured at 78 feet (23.8 meters) at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. This ride was recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest wave surfed at that time. He was the first surfer to set a world record at Nazaré. McNamara is described as widely recognized for putting Nazaré on the map. He worked closely with the Nazaré community to develop safety systems and procedures needed for surfing such large waves.
5. Mike Parsons — 77 feet (23.5 m), Cortes Bank, California, USA, January 5, 2008
On January 5, 2008, Mike Parsons surfed a wave measured at 77 feet (23.5 meters) at Cortes Bank, located more than 150 kilometers off the coast of California. Cortes Bank is known as the “Phantom of California.” The surf mission required a small group of watercraft and a very detailed plan. The area is considered dangerous due to rough waters and submerged islands just below the surface. Parsons’ wave was recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest wave surfed at the time.
6. Justine Dupont — 75 feet (22.9 m), Cortes Bank, California, USA, January 13, 2023
On January 13, 2023, Justine Dupont surfed a wave measured at 75 feet (22.9 meters) at Cortes Bank, 100 miles off the coast of California. She was joined by Lucas Chianca and other surfers who traveled with boats, jet skis, and rescue craft. This wave was highlighted in the “Almost Eddie Swell” recap and was a contender for the Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed by a female.
7. Maya Gabeira — 73.5 ft (22.3 m), Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal, February 11, 2020
On February 11, 2020, Maya Gabeira surfed a wave measured at 73.5 ft (22.3 m) at Praia do Norte, Nazaré. She had previously suffered a near-fatal accident at Nazaré in 2013. Her comeback was recorded in Return to Nazaré, a documentary produced by Red Bull TV. The World Surf League gave her the cbdMD XXL Biggest Wave Award for this ride, and it was confirmed as a Guinness World Record for the largest wave ever surfed by a woman.
8. Francisco Porcella — 73 ft (22.3 m), Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal, October 24, 2016
On October 24, 2016, Francisco Porcella surfed a 73‑foot (22.3 m) wave at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. His achievement is described as a “redemption story,” following “a string of scary wipeouts and back‑breaking injuries” at big waves like Teahupo’o and Jaws. Even after those setbacks, Porcella continued to pursue massive walls of water and succeeded with this record ride.
9) Yuri Soledade — 71 feet (21.6 m), Jaws, Maui, Hawaii, USA; February 25, 2016
In February 2016, Yuri Soledade surfed a wave measured at 71 feet (21.6 m) at Pe‘ahi, also known as Jaws, on Maui, Hawaii. Among the recorded top rides, his wave is the only one that “includes a successfully ridden tube,” which adds a higher level of technical difficulty beyond merely riding a large wave.
10) Sebastian Steudtner — 71 feet (21.6 m), Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal; December 11, 2014
On December 11, 2014, Sebastian Steudtner surfed a wave that measured 71 feet (21.6 m) at Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal – the third ride by Steudtner to make the top‑11 list, and it ranks at number 10.
11) Justine Dupont — 70.5 feet (21.5 m), Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal; February 11, 2020
On February 11, 2020, Justine Dupont surfed a wave measured at 70.5 feet (21.5 meters) at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal – also the same day that Maya Gabeira surfed her 73.5-foot wave at the same break. The date is described as a major day for women in big wave surfing, with both surfers riding some of the largest waves ever recorded for female athletes.
