The thrill of riding a wave that seems to go on forever is unmatched. For the truly adventurous, chasing the biggest waves in the world is the ultimate goal. These waves are not for the faint of heart, they require skill, courage, and a deep respect for the power of the ocean. In this article, we will explore 13 of the biggest waves to surf around the world.
From the infamous break at Pipeline in Hawaii to the towering swells at Nazaré in Portugal, these waves are not for the inexperienced or faint of heart. They require a high level of skill, courage, and respect for the power of the ocean. Each of these waves is unique, with its own set of challenges and rewards. So, let's dive in and explore some of the biggest waves on the planet.
Teahupo'o
Located on the southern coast of Tahiti, Teahupo'o is known for its massive, hollow waves. In Tahitian, the name translates to "place of skulls," which is a testament to the danger of the break. The waves at Teahupo'o can reach up to 30 feet and are known for their steep drop and thick lips. The break is best surfed from May to September when the swell is at its largest.
Surfing Teahupo'o requires a high level of skill and experience. The wave breaks over a shallow reef, which can be dangerous for inexperienced surfers. The takeoff is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef.
Despite the danger, Teahupo'o is a favorite spot for experienced surfers who are looking for the ultimate challenge. The wave has been surfed by some of the biggest names in the sport, including Kelly Slater and Laird Hamilton.
Ghost Tree
Located in Pebble Beach, California, Ghost Tree is known for its massive, powerful waves. The break is named after the ghostly cypress trees that line the cliff above the break. The waves at Ghost Tree can reach up to 60 feet, making it one of the biggest waves in North America.
The wave at Ghost Tree is a right-hand break that barrels over a shallow reef. It is best surfed from November to March when the swell is at its largest. The takeoff is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef.
Surfing Ghost Tree is not for the faint of heart. The wave is known for its power and can be dangerous for inexperienced surfers. It requires a high level of skill and experience to navigate the steep drop and barrel section of the wave.
Cortes Bank
Cortes Bank is an underwater seamount located off the coast of San Diego, California. The wave breaks over a shallow reef that rises from the seafloor to within 15 feet of the surface. The waves at Cortes Bank can reach up to 100 feet, making it one of the biggest waves in the world.
Surfing Cortes Bank is a feat that has only been accomplished by a select few. The wave is so massive that it is only surfable by tow-in surfing, which involves using a jet ski to tow the surfer into the wave. The takeoff is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef.
Due to the dangerous nature of the break, surfing Cortes Bank is not recommended for inexperienced surfers. It requires a high level of skill, experience, and respect for the power of the ocean.
Dungeons
Located in Hout Bay, South Africa, Dungeons is known for its massive waves and shark-infested waters. The break is named after the nearby Dungeons rock formation and can reach up to 60 feet in height. The wave is best surfed from May to September when the swell is at its largest.
The takeoff at Dungeons is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef. The break at Dungeons is known for its power, making it a challenging wave to surf.
In addition to the massive waves, surfing at Dungeons is also dangerous due to the presence of great white sharks. Surfers are required to wear shark repellent devices and are often accompanied by a spotter in a nearby boat.
Nazaré
Located in Portugal, Nazaré is known for its massive waves that can reach up to 100 feet. The wave is formed by a canyon on the seafloor that amplifies the size of the swell. Nazaré is one of the most challenging waves to surf, requiring a high level of skill and experience.
The takeoff at Nazaré is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef. The wave at Nazaré is known for its power and can be dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
Despite the danger, Nazaré has become a popular destination for big wave surfers. The wave has been surfed by some of the biggest names in the sport, including Garrett McNamara and Maya Gabeira.
Jaws
Located in Maui, Hawaii, Jaws is known for its massive, powerful waves that can reach up to 70 feet. The wave is formed by a deep-water trench that amplifies the size of the swell. Jaws is one of the most challenging waves to surf, requiring a high level of skill and experience.
The takeoff at Jaws is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef. The wave at Jaws is known for its power and can be dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
Jaws has become a popular destination for big wave surfers. The wave has been surfed by some of the biggest names in the sport, including Laird Hamilton and Kai Lenny.
The Right
Located in Western Australia, The Right is known for its massive waves that can reach up to 70 feet. The wave is formed by a deep-water trench that amplifies the size of the swell. The Right is one of the most challenging waves to surf, requiring a high level of skill and experience.
The takeoff at The Right is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef. The wave at The Right is known for its power and can be dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
The Right has become a popular destination for big wave surfers. The wave has been surfed by some of the biggest names in the sport, including Mark Mathews and Mick Fanning.
Pedra Branca
Located off the coast of Tasmania, Pedra Branca is known for its massive waves that can reach up to 70 feet. The wave is formed by a shallow reef that rises from the seafloor to within 15 feet of the surface. Pedra Branca is one of the most challenging waves to surf, requiring a high level of skill and experience.
The takeoff at Pedra Branca is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef. The wave at Pedra Branca is known for its power and can be dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
Surfing Pedra Branca is not recommended for inexperienced surfers. It requires a high level of skill, experience, and respect for the power of the ocean.
Punta De Lobos
Located in Chile, Punta De Lobos is known for its massive waves that can reach up to 40 feet. The wave is formed by a shallow reef that rises from the seafloor to within 15 feet of the surface. Punta De Lobos is one of the most challenging waves to surf, requiring a high level of skill and experience.
The takeoff at Punta De Lobos is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef. The wave at Punta De Lobos is known for its power and can be dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
Punta De Lobos has become a popular destination for big wave surfers. The wave has been surfed by some of the biggest names in the sport, including Ramón Navarro and Kelly Slater.
Pipeline
Located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Pipeline is one of the most famous waves in the world. Known for its perfect barrels, Pipeline is a favorite spot for experienced surfers. The wave can reach up to 20 feet and is best surfed from November to February when the swell is at its largest.
The takeoff at Pipeline is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef. The wave at Pipeline is known for its power and can be dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
Despite the danger, Pipeline has become a popular destination for surfers from all over the world. The wave has been surfed by some of the biggest names in the sport, including Gerry Lopez and Kelly Slater.
Shipstern Bluff
Located in Tasmania, Shipstern Bluff is known for its massive waves that can reach up to 40 feet. The wave is formed by a shallow reef that rises from the seafloor to within 15 feet of the surface. Shipstern Bluff is one of the most challenging waves to surf, requiring a high level of skill and experience.
The takeoff at Shipstern Bluff is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef. The wave at Shipstern Bluff is known for its power and can be dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
Surfing Shipstern Bluff is not for the faint of heart. It requires a high level of skill, experience, and respect for the power of the ocean.
Puerto Escondido
Located on the coast of Mexico, Puerto Escondido is known for its massive waves that can reach up to 30 feet. The wave is formed by a shallow sandbar that creates a perfect barrel. Puerto Escondido is one of the most challenging waves to surf, requiring a high level of skill and experience.
The takeoff at Puerto Escondido is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow sandbar. The wave at Puerto Escondido is known for its power and can be dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
Puerto Escondido has become a popular destination for big wave surfers. The wave has been surfed by some of the biggest names in the sport, including Greg Long and Shane Dorian.
Belharra
Located off the coast of France, Belharra is known for its massive waves that can reach up to 50 feet. The wave is formed by a shallow reef that rises from the seafloor to within 15 feet of the surface. Belharra is one of the most challenging waves to surf, requiring a high level of skill and experience.
The takeoff at Belharra is steep and requires a quick drop-in, followed by a deep bottom turn to set up for the barrel. The wave then barrels over the surfer, providing an exhilarating ride before closing out on the shallow reef. The wave at Belharra is known for its power and can be dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
Surfing Belharra is not for the faint of heart. It requires a high level of skill, experience, and respect for the power of the ocean.