Devoted surfers who specialize in riding massive waves commit their lives to searching for and riding some of the most challenging waves on the planet.
Surfers face a diverse range of obstacles when it comes to catching massive waves, as they break on beaches that are more than 50ft high and are created by the immense walls of water miles away from the shore.
Let’s take a look at our definitive list of the biggest waves in the world, where even the most humble surfers can experience terrifying slabs and giant waves.
If you’re not careful and end up in any spots with large waves, it can go wrong for you, but it’s no joke, surfing very big waves.
Nazare, Portugal
Prior to the emergence of colossal surfable waves in Nazare, it is merely a question of time as substantial lows make their way from September to March. This beach break generates shallow barreling waves during minor swells, and Praia do Norte is situated on the coastline adjacent to Nazare.
The oceanography around Praia do Norte in North Nazare is very unique, firmly placing it as one of the biggest waves in the world and funnelling incoming swell into this amazing and large wave called ‘Canyon Nazare’.
All this enchantment converged in 2022 for Sebastian Steudtner, who shattered the record for riding the biggest wave ever, towering at an astounding height of 26.21 meters or 86 feet.
For the surfing community and surfers to find out more about and experience.
Teahupoo, French Polynesia
The power associated with it may not be the biggest wave in the world, but it certainly makes an impact. In French Polynesia, specifically Tahiti, Teahupoo is often referred to as the end of ‘the road’, as it is a pass reef.
Swell originates from incredibly deep water before crashing onto Teahupoo’s shallow coral reef with a force that is truly awe-inspiring to witness.
Before the powerful waves catch up with them, surfers paddle to the shallow reef across which a left-curling, powerful wave explodes as they approach it, in just four feet of water.
This iconic wave has been surfed by surfers from all over the world since 1985, when Tahitian Thierry Vernaudon first surfed it.
The pass reef at Teahupoo provides the perfect spot for spectators to directly view the death-defying tubes on jetskis and boats.
Jaws, Maui
Peahi, also known as Jaws, is a world-renowned surf spot that is responsible for more wins in the winter wave category than any other wave on the planet.
With a star-studded local crew, it is no surprise that this wave, which includes Kai Lenny, Matt Meola, Albee Layer, and Ian Walsh, has received significant attention and exposure.
Getting to the surf spot requires some intense 4×4 adventure, as the path uphill and downhill can become dangerous following heavy rainfall.
Previously a tow-in wave Jaws has rapidly returned to paddle surfing with the individuals mentioned above leading the way.
Mavericks, California
Mavericks is a renowned surfing spot with large waves, located just outside Point Pillar, not far from the small town of Half Moon Bay.
Surfers like Pete Mel and Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker played a vital role in drawing the surfing media’s focus towards this wave.
A dominant right-hander with the occasional left, this surf is not for the faint-hearted with its steep descents and enormous waves.
The ‘Titans of Mavericks’ big wave surfing invitational was hosted by the wave from 1999 to 2016 before the organization went bankrupt due to a combination of insufficient funding and questionable business choices.
Mavericks tragically claimed the lives of Mark Fu in 1994 and Sion Millosky in 2011, both esteemed figures in the surfing realm.
Cortes Bank, California
Cortes Bank is a breathtaking big-wave surfing spot in the Pacific Ocean, situated 110 miles offshore from the coast of Southern California.
The highest point of Cortes Bank (Bishop Rock) is situated just 6ft beneath the water, forming a unique offshore reef during the majority of the time. It is a sizable island that seldom emerges above the ocean’s surface during low tide.
Scoring here requires careful planning and a keen eye on the wave charts, as this expansive lineup, which is only accessible by boat, is exposed to swell and wind from all directions.
When everything aligns, enormous right-hand waves become accessible for any courageous water enthusiast willing to challenge them.
In 2001, Project Neptune consisted of prominent surfers Mike Parsons, Brad Gerlach, Ken Collins, and Peter Mel, who embarked on exciting trips to the break with jetskis and boats.
Mike Parsons successfully caught a 65ft explosive wave, the largest one surfed in the United States during that period.
It wasn’t until seven years later that Mike would exceed this by hurling himself down a 75ft wave at Bank Cortes, earning himself the Guinness World Record for riding the biggest wave ever surfed.
Punta de Lobos, Chile
Punta de Lobos, a left-hand point, is a wave that works from 3ft+ to 30ft+. Pro surfer Ramon Navarro considers this wave his home, and we can understand why.
Additional Reading.
Don’t miss our definitive guide on all the different turns and manoeuvres you can learn on a surfboard.
Breaking just beyond two stone columns creates a remarkable formation, and the waves effortlessly complement the environment.
On smaller days, Punta de Lobos is a fast barreling left that opens into a long wall perfect for burying your rails.
Positioned perilously near rocks, the take-off zone is located directly in front of you, while the break extends further out to sea as the swell increases.
In this region, the feared southwesterly breezes that blow nearly every day can be evaded at one of the scarce surf locations, Punta de Lobos, which is regarded as one of Chile’s finest swells; its diverse roster is enhanced by this reality.
Mullaghmore Head, Ireland
Mullaghmore Head in Ireland produces epic rides and death-defying drops, but it rarely breaks. This monster wave spot could easily be at the top of the list for the world’s biggest waves.
The breeze, which makes it quite an art to find a surfable opportunity, reveals Mullaghmore’s vulnerability to any incoming swell from the North Atlantic.
Big wave surfers, both local and traveling, carefully scour the charts in search of any potential respite in storms, relying on the small window that could provide them with some relief.
Additional Reading.
Cruise over to our list of the best surfers on the planet right now from Filipe Toldeo to Tyler Wright.
When it comes, enormous, strong left waves crash over a rocky seabed with dangerous cliffs right in front of where they start.
In spite of these difficulties, a number of Ireland’s most skilled surfers often come here to attempt and conquer Mullagmore’s fierce waves.
In order to surf enormous waves, these individuals require the gear and expertise offered by our guide on how surfers endure in massive swells.
The Cribbar, England
The Cribbar is a large wave location in Newquay, the surfing hub of England.
It can be surfed in the range of over 30 feet, requiring a minimum of 8 feet of swell to start and only breaking a few times annually during Autumn and Winter.
From the elevated precipice, one will frequently observe a multitude of spectators, exclusively comprising the United Kingdom’s most skilled wave riders, owing to the lengthy venture to reach the surf spot and the treacherous rugged formations within.
Don’t overlook our guide on surfing Newquay to discover additional information about the other fantastic surf locations in this region.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Margaret River may well be WA’s most famous wave. A high-performance right-hander plays host to the annual WSL World Tour every year.
At the reef, Margaret River discharges prior to emerging directly from the depths, the substantial undulating masses of water that are renowned despite operating on minor swells.
Main Break is the main location for most of the surfing with the choice of going in either direction.
Towards the conclusion of the wave, the right side can retreat towards solid rock, rendering it slightly more accessible compared to the left-hander, which is a curving barrier that fractures into the depths of the water.
Belharra, France
Belharra is a lesser-known big wave surfing spot located near a small fishing town called Luz-de-Jean-Saint in the northern Basque Country.
Belharra quickly gained popularity in the early 90s as a top destination in Europe for skilled surfers who pursue massive waves.
The ideal reef acts as a large incoming swells plateau when the wind and swell conditions align. The wave created by the underwater plateau is covered by seagrass.
You will regularly see a lineup of surfers waiting just to paddle into the next set of waves below; it’s the best surfed with a jet ski and boat for support, located offshore 2.5km.
Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania
This mutant of a wave sits in a very isolated part of Tasmania, making it even more terrifying than it already is.
These reef slabs located in front of a colossal cliff generate enormous mutant waves, not suitable for those who are easily frightened.
With its power, it compensates for this while not competing with some of the largest waves in the world on this roster.
The shape of the reef creates steps in the waves that surfers need to navigate as they try to escape the barrel of the jaws behind them.
On busy days, these stairs can transform into 6ft aerial descents amidst the waves, creating quite a spectacle.
The Right, Western Australia
The Right is a giant slabbing barrel 1.6km out to sea. It’s an unforgiving gladiatorial arena of broken boards and near-impossible rides.
Initially surfed in 2007 by a collective of bodyboarders, The Right rapidly gained a notorious reputation.
Since then, numerous standout big wave surfers from around the world, including Taj Burrow, Kelly Slater, and Mark Matthews, have ridden it.
When you encounter the ocean, you will come across the Great White, which is widely regarded as the largest shark species in the world. However, it is important to note that you may also encounter other potentially dangerous creatures besides the mighty waves.
Cruise over to our guide on surfing and sharks for a closer look at the apex predators we share our oceans with.
Frequently Asked Questions
We provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the largest waves in the world!
What’s the biggest wave ever surfed?
Sebastian Steudtner currently holds the record with an astonishing 26.21 meters or 86 feet tall wave at Nazare.
Where are the biggest waves in the world?
In the coming years, certain less frequented locations may equal or even surpass it, but I am completely confident that Nazare presently retains the title for the largest wave ever ridden.
Where are the biggest waves in the US?
Cortes Bank has the capacity to generate the biggest waves in the United States, with Mavericks being a close runner-up.