The largest wave ever surfed was as tall as an 8-story building. Most surfers’ lifetime best is one-tenth that.
How to Play: Guess if the wave on the right was BIGGER or SMALLER than the one on the left.
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Top 10 Largest Waves Ever Surfed
Wave heights are measured by Guinness World Records using video analysis. The premier big-wave spot is Nazaré, Portugal where deep underwater canyon focuses swell energy.
| # | Name | Wave Height (m) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sebastian Steudtner — Nazaré (2020) | 26.21 | m |
| 2 | Rodrigo Koxa — Nazaré (2017) | 24.40 | m |
| 3 | Garrett McNamara — Nazaré (2011) | 23.77 | m |
| 4 | Maya Gabeira — Nazaré (women, 2020) | 22.40 | m |
| 5 | Pete Cabrinha — Jaws (2004) | 21.30 | m |
| 6 | Mike Parsons — Cortes Bank (2008) | 21 | m |
| 7 | Andrew Cotton — Nazaré 2017 wipeout | 21 | m |
| 8 | Carlos Burle — Praia do Norte (2013) | 20.70 | m |
| 9 | Brad Gerlach — Todos Santos (2006) | 20.70 | m |
| 10 | Justine Dupont — Nazaré (2020) | 20.70 | m |
Big Wave Surfing
Nazaré, Portugal hosts the world’s biggest waves. An underwater canyon (Nazaré Canyon, 5,000m deep) focuses Atlantic swells into giant peaks. Boards are towed in by jet ski.
Sebastian Steudtner’s 26.21m wave (2020) is the official record. Some larger waves have been ridden but not officially measured.
Riding waves over 15m is extreme — wipeouts can hold surfers underwater 30+ seconds. Mark Foo died at Mavericks (1994) on a ‘small’ big wave (~8m).
Frequently Asked Questions
Largest wave ever surfed?
Sebastian Steudtner at Nazaré, 26.21m, certified by Guinness 2020.
Where is Nazaré?
Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Underwater canyon focuses swells into giant peaks.
Are these competition waves?
Mostly tow-in surfs (jet-ski-launched). True competition surfing operates in smaller waves (4-8m typical).
Has anyone died big-wave surfing?
Yes — multiple fatalities. The sport is regulated by safety equipment (life vests, jet ski rescue) but remains dangerous.
Note: Wave heights per Guinness World Records.
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