Current Big Wave Surfing Weltrekord and Key Figures
The current men's big wave surfing weltrekord for the largest wave ridden is 26.2 meters (86 feet), set by Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal, on November 8, 2017. The women's world record for the largest wave surfed is 22.4 meters (73.5 feet), set by Maya Gabeira, also at Nazaré, on January 29, 2018. These verified measurements are based on official adjudication by the World Surf League and the Guinness World Records, with wave height calculated from the baseline of the wave face to its peak. The Guinness World Record for the largest wave surfed by a surfer remains tied to these rides as the benchmark for the sport's extreme category.
In the XXL Biggest Wave Awards, which track the biggest rides of each season, the 2023-2024 cycle saw the overall award go to a 23.8-meter (78-foot) ride by Kai Lenny at Jaws, Peʻahi, Maui, Hawaii. The XXL awards use a panel of judges and photo/video evidence to verify wave height, rider position, and drop angle, with the official measurements cross-checked against tide charts and geographic landmarks. The event's prize purse and recognition are funded by sponsors including Red Bull, Monster Energy, and Reef, with the overall award often exceeding $100,000 in combined cash and equipment. The competition's data is archived and reviewed by the World Surf League and the XXL media team to ensure consistency with previous record-setting rides.
Top Big Wave Surfing Locations and Their Records
Nazaré, Portugal, is the most prominent big wave surfing weltrekord location, with the Praia do Norte beach break producing waves amplified by the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater gorge that reaches depths of over 5,000 meters. The canyon's geometry focuses swell energy into a peak that can exceed 30 meters (100 feet) during winter Atlantic storms, with the official record rides measured at the wave's face using GPS and video correlation. The local council and Portuguese maritime authority regulate access, with surfers entering the water via jet ski tow-in and a safety team positioned on the cliff above. The spot's reputation is backed by data from the Portuguese Hydrographic Institute and the World Meteorological Organization, which track swell periods and wave heights in real time.
Peʻahi (Jaws), on Maui's north shore, is the other premier big wave location, known for its steep, fast waves that can reach 21 to 27 meters (70 to 90 feet) during winter swells from the North Pacific. The break is accessed exclusively by jet ski tow-in, with a team of surfers, photographers, and safety crew coordinated by the Jaws Patrol, a group that manages launch windows and surfer rotations. The wave's height is estimated using a combination of GPS data, video analysis, and reference objects such as the break wall and channel markers. The spot's profile was raised by films and media coverage from outlets like Forbes, which have documented the economics and logistics of big wave expeditions.
Technology, Safety, and Economic Impact of Big Wave Surfing
Tow-in surfing, the method used at most big wave spots, relies on personal watercraft to paddle surfers into waves too fast and tall to catch by conventional paddling, with the surfer then being released at the takeoff point. The equipment includes specialized big wave boards, often 2.1 to 3.0 meters (7 to 10 feet) long with reinforced rails and multiple foot straps, as well as inflatable