Here is a countdown of the top 10 locations to surf or observe the largest waves globally….
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Most of the time, Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido is just an average hollow beach break. However, when a large swell hits, this spot becomes the world’s heaviest beach break.
This massive swell, known as the Mexican Pipeline, is currently on the radar of every big wave surfer waiting for the next XXL swell to hit the Pacific. When this swell arrives, surfers can anticipate incredibly large barrels and a few broken boards.
Explore our surfing manual for Puerto Escondido, Mexico.
9. Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Pipeline is renowned throughout the surfing community for being one of the most hazardous waves on the planet.
The magic Pipe’s potential lies in its ability to ride barrels and create a sense of emptiness. However, it is important to note that its reputation is not solely based on the actual size of the wave, as it is not necessarily the heaviest or biggest wave in the world.
Explore our comprehensive surfing manual for Oahu, Hawaii.
The beach is made up of a shallow reef with breaking waves of over 20ft, which is only a few meters away from the shore. This makes it an excellent spot for both surfers and photographers to capture the skills of some of the best surfers in the world. Additionally, Pipeline becomes even more exciting with a large swell coming from the northwest.
8. Cortes Bank, California
One of the least accessible of all big waves on this planet, Cortes Bank is located about 100 miles off California’s coastline.
However, the journey appears to be highly valuable based on the perspective of experienced surfers who ride big waves.
This is the magical place where the deep Pacific waters meet and create one of the world’s largest submerged mountain chains beneath the surface.
7. Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
This is a mythical surf spot on the North Shore of Oahu that offers a completely different set up than its neighboring pipelines.
Check out our surfing manual for Oahu, Hawaii.
Waimea Bay has hosted The Eddie Invitational on multiple occasions and is unquestionably the premier location for big wave surfing on the North Shore, despite being just a few miles apart from each other.
The sole locations that genuinely spring to life are Waimea Bay and a handful of undisclosed outer reefs when the entire North Shore is shutting down as a result of a substantial swell.
6. The Right, Western Australia
This particular area on the countdown is likely to be the most “shark-infested” as crashing is not the sole concern you will need to be cautious about in this spot. Solely accessible by being towed in, the Right is situated along the Western shoreline of Australia and is arguably the most intense hollow wave around.
Breaking through the previous section, this barrel is also extremely fast, making it pretty hard to navigate without getting hammered in the depths of the Indian Ocean.
5. Shipstern’s Bluff, Tasmania
Located in Tasmania, Bluff Shipstern’s is not the most well-known big wave out there, but it often terrifies surfers with its very unusual shape. Surfers often have to deal with a mid-ride drop in the air, as the wave doubles up and creates a wave face that is on a step.
The footage from Shipstern is usually filled with spectacular wipeouts and insane scenes of surfing that you will see.
This wave has previously hosted the Red Bull Cape Fear event several times, primarily because of its similarity to the usual location of the event.
4. Mavericks, California
According to many, Mavericks is the most dangerous surf spot, as it is known for its intimidating reputation and numerous other factors.
Sharks and strong ocean currents, like other risks that surfers face, are few but very serious at Mavericks, which is a spot where surfers can only paddle out to catch waves.
“Two-wave hold downs” are also very frequent here and on top of that, the water temperature can be as low as 50°F.
Overall, the conditions in Half Moon Bay are very hostile for surfers, with big waves being the best and most feared by anyone other than experienced wave riders.
3. Teahupo’o, Tahiti
Teahupo’o is definitely the most terrifying wave out there, especially when there is a big swell breaking on a sharp and heavy reef with live coral and razor-sharp breaks.
Located on the south side of Tahiti, “Chopes” was considered even in the late 20th century as a wave that is too big for surfers to join on skis, paddle into, and even become a jet. It pushes the limits of this wave and becomes non-surfable.
Teahupo’o is a wave located right next to the deep channel where photographers and boats line up to capture the best possible shots. It breaks in a way that provides us with some of the most incredible surfing footage out there.
Explore our comprehensive surfing manual for Tahiti, French Polynesia.
2. Jaws, Maui, Hawaii
Jaws, a legendary surf spot situated on the North Shore of Maui, can handle waves of any magnitude and initiates its action even on swells exceeding 15ft in size.
What makes Jaws even more special than any other big waves out there is how it remains perfect despite its tremendous size.
Surfers can really express their talent at Jaws, whether they are towed or paddle in, with a nice open face and sometimes deep pretty barrels.
Explore our comprehensive surfing manual for Maui, Hawaii.
1. Nazare, Portugal
When it comes to the world’s biggest wave, Nazare takes the crown, as it remains the venue holding the record for the largest wave ever surfed, surpassing even Teahupo’o or Pipeline in terms of consistency.
In an attempt to be pulled by a colossal wave, the entire large wave surfing community floods into this small Portuguese fishing village and revives the behemoth as a couple of extra-extra-large swells materialize in the Atlantic each winter.
Nazare’s secret lies beneath the surface, where a deep canyon of shallow waters meets the massive wall of water above, creating an incredibly amazing place to surf.
The reason why Nazare, Norte do Praia is here, right at the top of our countdown of the world’s biggest waves, is because it recorded the tallest wave ever surfed, surpassing the previous world records.