In the world of extreme sports, few spectacles command as much awe and respect as big wave surfing. For surfers who seek the ultimate thrill, size does matter. Towering swells that rise like moving mountains are the stuff of legend and the foundation of a high-risk, high-reward pursuit that pushes physical and mental limits. But where on Earth can these titanic waves be found?
From remote Portuguese coastlines to the deep channels off Hawaiian shores, the search for the highest surfing waves has led adventurers and professionals to some of the most breathtaking—and dangerous—spots on the planet. This article dives deep into the science of massive waves, the locations where they occur, and the culture surrounding big wave surfing.
Let’s explore the world’s premier destinations for the highest surfing waves.
The Science Behind Giant Waves
Before understanding where the highest waves occur, it’s essential to understand why they happen. Giant surfable waves are born from a complex combination of factors:
Wind strength and duration: Strong, sustained winds create larger waves.
Fetch: The uninterrupted distance over which wind blows.
Bathymetry: The underwater topography that shapes and amplifies waves as they approach the shore.
Storm systems: Deep ocean storms, particularly in the winter months, often generate massive swells that travel thousands of miles.
Additionally, some locations are exposed to unique geological conditions—like underwater canyons—that funnel energy upward, resulting in enormous wave faces.
Top Locations with the Highest Surfing Waves
1. Nazaré, Portugal: Home of World Records
Perhaps the most iconic big wave location in the world today is Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. Situated above the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater geological formation that plunges to depths of 5,000 meters (16,000 feet), this site has become synonymous with record-breaking surf.
Wave height: Regularly reaches 60-80 feet (18-24 meters), with record waves exceeding 100 feet (30 meters).
Famous rides: Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa set the current Guinness World Record for the biggest wave surfed—measuring 80 feet—in Nazaré in 2017. In 2020, Maya Gabeira also set the women’s world record here.
Nazaré’s unique canyon structure allows ocean swells to amplify dramatically as they reach the shoreline. The town has become a pilgrimage site for big wave surfers and spectators alike.
2. Peʻahi (Jaws), Maui, Hawaii: The Pacific Beast
Known locally as Jaws, this surf spot off the north shore of Maui is famous for producing massive, fast-moving, and dangerously powerful waves.
Wave height: Ranges from 40 to 70 feet (12 to 21 meters), sometimes larger.
Conditions: Waves here are clean and steep, making them ideal for both paddle-in and tow-in surfing.
Events: Hosts the annual Red Bull Magnitude and Peʻahi Challenge, where elite surfers test their skills against monster waves.
Jaws earned its nickname for a reason—it can go from tranquil to terrifying in minutes. The combination of open ocean swells and steep bathymetry creates a lethal but rewarding surf experience.
3. Mavericks, California, USA: Cold and Colossal
Located just outside Half Moon Bay in Northern California, Mavericks is the crown jewel of American big wave surfing.
Wave height: Typically ranges from 25 to 60 feet (8 to 18 meters), with rogue sets reaching higher.
Hazards: Cold water, great white sharks, and unpredictable waves make it one of the most dangerous big wave spots.
Notable history: Made famous in the 1990s by surfers like Jeff Clark, who surfed it solo for over a decade before its popularity exploded.
Mavericks is not for the faint of heart. The wave’s raw power, shallow reefs, and frigid temperatures have contributed to both legendary feats and tragic losses in the surf community.
4. Teahupo’o, Tahiti: The Heavyweight of the South Pacific
While not always the tallest wave in terms of sheer height, Teahupo’o is widely regarded as one of the heaviest and most dangerous waves in the world.
Wave height: 10 to 25 feet (3 to 7.5 meters), but with an incredibly thick lip.
Why it’s special: The reef at Teahupo’o is razor-sharp and extremely shallow. Waves don’t just rise—they pitch forward like an avalanche.
Notable events: Hosts the Billabong Pro Tahiti, part of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.
When Teahupo’o breaks, it’s a mesmerizing display of raw oceanic power. Surfers disappear inside tubes that look like liquid tunnels from another dimension.
5. Shipstern Bluff, Tasmania, Australia: Mutant Wave Formations
Hidden away in a remote part of southern Tasmania, Shipstern Bluff is an intimidating right-hand break known for its bizarre and dangerous wave shapes.
Wave height: 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters), but extremely thick and multi-faceted.
Unique features: The wave “steps”—unexpected ledges that form within the wave face—make it unpredictable and perilous.
Access: Requires a long boat ride or a rugged hike through wild terrain.
Shipstern’s surreal appearance and deadly consequences have drawn only the bravest surfers. It’s an extreme surfing destination that represents the pinnacle of technical skill and courage.
6. Cortes Bank, California: The Open-Ocean Monster
Cortes Bank is a seamount located about 100 miles (160 km) off the coast of Southern California. When conditions align, this underwater mountain range becomes a magnet for giant waves.
Wave height: Known to produce waves exceeding 60 feet (18 meters), possibly up to 100 feet.
Access: Reachable only by boat or jet ski, making it a logistical challenge.
Legendary session: In 2001, Mike Parsons rode what was estimated to be a 66-foot wave here, earning global recognition.
Because of its offshore location, Cortes Bank produces clean, powerful, long-period swells that feel like something from a nautical myth.
The Evolution of Big Wave Surfing
From Paddle-In to Tow-In
Big wave surfing has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. Originally, surfers relied solely on paddle power to catch waves. However, as wave sizes increased, so did the challenge of catching them. Enter tow-in surfing, a method pioneered by Laird Hamilton and others in the 1990s, using jet skis to help surfers get into position on waves that were otherwise too fast or too steep.
Tow-in technology expanded the limits of what’s surfable, allowing riders to chase down 60-foot-plus waves.
Safety Innovations
With increased danger came innovation. Today, surfers use inflatable life vests, personal watercraft teams, and spotters to reduce the risk of drowning or injury. Wave forecasting technology also plays a crucial role in anticipating big swells.
Why These Waves Are Surfed Despite the Risks
The draw of big wave surfing is not just adrenaline. It’s a deep connection with nature’s rawest elements. Surfers often describe it as spiritual or transformative. Riding a towering wave—knowing it could crush you if you fall—is a profound confrontation with fear, life, and personal limits.
Big wave surfers are some of the most skilled and mentally resilient athletes in the world. Their training goes beyond physical conditioning to include breath-hold exercises, mental toughness coaching, and emergency preparedness.
Conclusion
So, where are the highest surfing waves? From Nazaré’s record-breaking monsters to the mutant lips of Shipstern Bluff and the colossal open-ocean peaks at Cortes Bank, the world offers a dramatic stage for surfing’s most extreme performers.
These waves represent the pinnacle of the sport—not only in terms of size but in the combination of danger, skill, and spectacle. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer chasing giants or an enthusiast fascinated by the ocean’s power, these legendary breaks remind us of the sheer magnitude of what the natural world can create—and the incredible human spirit that dares to ride it.