Nazaré, Teahupo’o, Mavericks & Co.
These are the Biggest Waves in the World
What sounds like a mission impossible, is actually a mission impossible: surfing waves that are 18-20 meters big. But still, some surfers make the impossible possible again and again and conquer the biggest waves in the world. Legends are born on these waves and movies are named after them! Every year big wave surfers like Sebastian Steudtner, who holds the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed, Kai Lenny, one of the preeminent big wave surfers or Garrett McNamara, who is widely recognized for “discovering” Nazaré, get the ultimate adrenaline kick here.
Also for many Non-Big Wave Surfers, the biggest waves in the world are a destination, whether to take pictures or to watch the breathtaking spectacle of surfing these giants.
Nazaré, Portugal
From the world's largest and one of the most famous waves in the world you probably heard already many times: Nazaré, located in west Portugal. The fishing village turned into a worldwide famous town for its monstrous waves. It also holds the record for the largest wave ever surfed by German surfer Sebastian Steudtner who surfed a 26.21 meter (86-foot) wave In October of 2020. But why can the waves in Nazaré become so huge? The inbound water enters a canyon that pushes the water upwards and causes these mind-blowing waves. The season for spotting and surfing the big waves in Nazaré is between October and March.
Dungeons, South Africa
Not too far from Cape Town in South Africa, lies another giant: Dungeons. Created by deep, ice-cold water swells and a reef break, the waves often reach up to 18 meters (60 feet). The name Dungeons was reportedly given by a local surfer who got pounded by two consecutive 25-foot waves and held underwater. From May to September when powerful storms in the Southern Ocean generate large swells, Dungeons creates massive waves. Dungeon’s waves were first ridden in 1984 by Cape Town surfers Pierre de Villiers and Peter Button. Today it is also a popular location for big wave surfing competitions. This spot has challenging conditions but it all pays off with the view of its unrealistically large waves.
Mavericks, USA
If you already watched the movie “Chasing Mavericks”, you know the next Big Wave: Mavericks. Located off the coast of Half Moon Bay in California, it is a legendary surf spot renowned for its eye-opening massive waves which also reach staggering heights at 18 meters (60 feet). Not only one of the largest waves but also one of the most dangerous. Mavericks does not only have an awesome powerful wave, it is a point break, breaking over and into rocks. This unique underwater rocky reef is also one of the reasons that the waves getting that big. When the north swells come at just the right angle, they come from the deep water and hit the underwater rock ledge, creating monstrous waves.
Jaws, Hawaii
Jaws, also known as Peahi is located in Maui, Hawaii. This Iconic surf spot rests on the north shore of the island. Jaws is known as one of the world’s star big wave destinations. This break is notorious for producing some of the largest, most powerful waves when the swell kicks in! When winter rolls in, Jaws awakes and peaks in for some action; unleashing the beast. It presents the world with towering waves that can get up to 18 meters (60 feet) high. The raw energy of these waves is what makes Jaws so well known and it is also one of the reasons it is a magnet for the world's most FEARLESS surfers. This wave will forever be a part of surfing history as it keeps every wave rider on their feet. In 2016 Yuri Soledad surfed the biggest wave ever at Jaws with a height of 21 meters (71 feet).
Belharra, France
Off the southwestern coast of France you will find none other than Belharra, situated in the Bay of Biscay, this powerful wave comes to life during winter months when massive swells are driven by Atlantic storms. Wave heights often exceed 6-15 meters (20-50 feet). The pumping waves of Belharra are not something many people go to France for, but it is definitely staggering. This is an amazing wave if not to surf then to watch from nearby cliffs!
Teahupo’o, Tahiti
If you have been following the Sport of Surfing for a while already, you probably asked yourself, when we’ll mention the world-famous wave of Tahiti: Teahupo’o - a surf spot which comes with respect and love for its crazy waves. Also one of the heaviest and hardest breaks on the planet, it has gained an amazing reputation in the surfing world. The name “Teahupo’o'' literally translates to “The Wall Of Skulls,” a perfectly fitting description for this magical but monstrous wave. Similar to Mavericks, the waves at Teahupo’o break over a shallow and jagged reef, which creates thick, hollow barrels. In some spots, the wave is breaking in just 4 feet of water above the reef. The best time to surf or to watch Teahupo’o is during the southern hemisphere’s winter season from May to September when the south swells hit. Once a year Teahupo’o enjoys even more attention, when the Shiseido Tahiti Pro (former Billabong Pro Tahiti) surfing competition takes part and draws the top surfers from all around the world to compete here. This year’s winners of the Shiseido Tahiti Pro are Caroline Marks and Jack Robinson.
Cloudbreak, Fiji
Cloudbreak, is another break located on one of the beautiful islands of Tavarua, Fiji. This break not only comes with a badass name but it also comes with some badass waves. It offers an unforgettable experience, even if you’re just looking at the waves. With its swells which originate from deep ocean depths, this wave reaches up to 6 meters (20 feet) and if you are lucky sometimes even up to 9 meters (30 feet). The combination of a deep-water channel and a shallow coral reef, it is the perfect spot to watch or ride astonishing barrels.
