This list starts with Shawn Dollar’s 2012 record of 61 feet and ends with Benjamin Sanchez’s estimated 108-foot record in 2014. Big wave surfing is the pursuit of finding the biggest waves and attempting to smash the previous record. These extremely talented surfers compete yearly in the World Surf League. Whether you’re a surfer or not, the feats of athleticism on this list are truly impressive. They might even inspire you to get out and try surfing for yourself.
#10. Shawn Dollar
Height: 61 feet (18.6 meters)
When and where: Cortes Bank, San Diego on 21 December 2012
This managed to set the Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed using the “paddle in” method. Shawn Dollar, one of the best big wave surfers in the world, managed to snag the killer wave which broke almost a hundred miles off the coast of California. The wave reached a maximum height of 61 feet (18.6 meteres). To put that into perspective, that is roughly the length of a bowling lane.
#9. Aaron Gold
Height: 63 feet (19.2 meters)
When and where: Maui, Hawai’i on 15 January 2016
For 4 years Shawn Dollar managed to hold onto his record before it was narrowly beaten by Hawaiin surfing legend Aaron Gold. He traversed the gargantuan wave known as “Jaws” off the coast of his homeland in the Pacific Ocean.
#8. Mike Parsons
Height: 66 feet (20 meters)
When and where: Cortes Bank, San Diego in January 2001
This was a big one! However, some would argue that it was overshadowed by Shawn Dollar’s ride because Mike Parsons was towed out. The towing vs paddling debate will rage on, however, most professional surfers use whichever method they think is best at the time. For comparison, 66 feet is the length of a cricket pitch.
#7. Carlos Burle
Height: 68 feet (20.7 meters)
When and where: Mavericks near Half Moon Bay in January 2001
The year 2001 was a great year for jaw-dropping waves and Carlos Burle won the Billabong XXL Big Wave Award for taking on this beast. Carlos was born in Pernambuco, Brazil – a state renowned for its huge waves. It’s no surprise that he was Brazil’s first big-wave champ and had previously surfed the ‘Wave of the Century’ at Off the Wall, in Hawaii back in 1992.
#6. Mike Parsons
Height: 77 feet (23.5 meters)
When and where: Cortes Bank, San Diego on 5 January 2008
Seven years after riding his last mammoth wave, Mike Parsons broke the 70-foot mark at Cortes Bank. For a second time, he set a new world record for the highest wave surfed from a tow. Mike was accompanied by three other big wave surfers Greg Long, Twiggy Baker and Brad Gerlach were also out that same day. Greg may have surfed a wave larger than Mike on that same day, however, there was insufficient photographic evidence to prove this.
#5. Garrett McNamara
Height: 78 feet (23.7 meters)
When and where: Praia do Norte, Nazare, Portugal in November 2011
Garett McNamara secured his spot in the Guinness World Records for the largest wave ever surfed at the time when he rode a colossal 78-foot wave at Nazaré, Portugal. The wave’s immense size was confirmed through meticulous analysis of footage and photographs by surfing experts and judges, ultimately earning him recognition.
#4. Rodrigo Koxa
Height: 80 feet (24.4 meters)
When and where: Praia do Norte, Nazare, Portugal on 8 November 2017
Only six years later, Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa achieved a historic feat by riding an 80-foot wave at Nazaré, Portugal. It was officially recognized by the World Surf League as the largest wave ever surfed at the time. This accomplishment earned him a Guinness World Record and marked a significant moment for Brazilian surfing, especially given the country’s limited exposure to big wave breaks.
#3. Garrett McNamara
Height: 80 feet (24.4 meters)
When and where: Praia do Norte, Nazare, Portugal on 1 November 2017
Garrett McNamara unexpectedly rode a massive 90-foot wave on November 1st. Despite initially planning to only tow his friend, he was persuaded to take a wave himself and ended up surfing what is potentially the largest wave ever ridden in Europe. The unique underwater canyon at Nazaré amplifies swells, creating exceptionally large waves close to the shore.
#2. Carlos Burle
Height: estimated 100 feet (30.5 meters)
When and where: Praia do Norte, Nazare, Portugal in 2013
Once again, 2013 was a great year for the swell. Burle himself set about trying to nab the record for the largest wave ever surfed on the Portuguese coast. Leaving behind California for the infamous area, he managed to snag a 100-foot wave during an autumnal storm. Unfortunately, the wave remains unverified, so no record for him.
#1. Benjamin Sanchis
Height: estimated 108 feet (24.4 meters)
When and where: Praia do Norte, Nazare, Portugal on 11 December 2014
Despite riding a wave estimated at a staggering 108 feet tall at Nazaré in 2014, Benjamin Sanchis’s incredible feat wasn’t officially recognized as a world record. Although witnessed by numerous observers, his ride was deemed incomplete, preventing him from claiming the Guinness World Record and the XXL Biggest Wave Award. This highlights the strict criteria required for official recognition in big wave surfing, where completing the ride is crucial for validation.
Ocean Insights: Hear From Our Experts
By Dr. Rabiah Ryklief
Principal Scientist and Lecturer of Marine Science, with a PhD in Zoology
Rogue waves pose a significant threat to ships and coastal infrastructure due to their unexpected size and power. As wind blows over the ocean, it transfers energy to the waves, increasing their size and speed. This can create a chaotic environment where waves of different sizes and directions interact. Under certain conditions, a single wave can absorb energy from surrounding waves, resulting in a sudden, dramatic increase in height—a rogue wave is born. This phenomenon, known as "self-amplification," is more likely to occur in "young" seas where waves are still growing under the influence of wind.
FAQs
What are the biggest waves called?
The world’s biggest waves include Nazare in Portugal, holding the record at 86ft; Peahi (Jaws) in Maui, known for its size and perfect form; Cortes Bank in California, rarely surfed but renowned for massive swells; Mavericks in California, a popular big wave spot; Puerto Escondido in Mexico, offering coveted big waves; Waimea Bay in Oahu, a legendary big wave location; and Teahupoo in Tahiti, famous for its thick, powerful waves.
How do they measure waves?
In general, waves are measured from the surface of the water up to the crest of the wave. However, this is not an exact science when it comes to the world of surfing, partially because waves are not a uniform height, and also, a surfer needs to make the most of the wave that they are given.
Who rode the biggest wave at Nazaré?
German surfer Sebastian Steudtner may have broken the world record for riding the biggest wave ever. Leveraging drone technology, the massive wave at Nazaré, Portugal was measured at a staggering 93.73 feet (28.57 meters). Pending official ratification, this German surfer breaks the world record, previously held by himself, for conquering this monster wave.
