Ranking of the 10 Biggest Waves Ever Surfed

Big wave surfing is a fascinating discipline that attracts surfers from all over the world every year, in search of extreme sensations. The hunt for the most powerful spots requires perfect technical mastery and top-quality equipment, which includes our Rip Curl wetsuits. Here’s an overview of the 10 biggest waves ever surfed and the legendary spots that have shaped the history of extreme surfing.

The History of Big Wave Hunting

From Pioneers to the Modern Era

Since the birth of surfing, passionate riders have been pushing limits by taking on ever more imposing waves. From Hawaiian pioneers to today’s legends, the history of XXL surfing is filled with bold achievements, supported by major technological innovations.

The quest for big waves is nothing new. As early as the 1950s, surf pioneers like Greg Noll set out to conquer mountains of water with rudimentary boards and exemplary courage. At that time, there were no precise weather forecasts: surfers mostly relied on intuition, experience of the wind and tides to pick the right conditions. This period marked the beginning of worldwide enthusiasm, which has only grown since.

The Evolution of Equipment

Technological revolutions have transformed big wave surfing. The introduction of jet skis for assisted take offs and advanced weather alert systems offering both safety and mobility have now become essential to tackle these water giants.

With the evolution of gear, the discipline has been completely revolutionized. Today, high-end Rip Curl wetsuits allow riders to stay longer in the cold ocean, offering increased comfort and safety. Modern boards, specially designed for XXL waves, now integrate composite materials and carbon reinforcements, ensuring maximum resistance to the extraordinary power of giant swells.

1. Nazaré, Portugal

The Historic Record

The Portuguese spot of Nazaré holds the world record for the highest wave ever surfed. This liquid mountain, amplified by the underwater canyon, offers a breathtaking spectacle. Nazaré remains today the uncontested home of XXL surfing, thanks to its unique geological configuration. The submarine canyon dramatically amplifies the energy of Atlantic swells. Sessions at Nazaré attract the best surfers in the world, drawn by this impressive show and the unmatched sensations delivered by these water giants. Spectacular videos of these feats regularly flood social media and specialized outlets, reinforcing the spot’s global reputation.

The best surfers gather there every winter to take on water walls exceeding 25 meters in height.

2. Jaws, Peahi, Hawaii

A Unique Weather Window

The Hawaiian spot of Jaws requires specific weather conditions: a powerful swell and favorable winds. Forecasts are crucial here. This spot attracts the best surfers with consistent, perfectly groomed waves for one of the most committed take offs in the world.

The Heroes of Jaws
Legends such as Laird Hamilton and Kai Lenny have made their mark at Jaws, showing perfect mastery of extreme conditions thanks to gear that ensures both comfort and safety.

Jaws is famous for the sheer power of its waves, offering some of the steepest take offs on the planet. With accurate forecasts and offshore buoys, surfers can anticipate sessions precisely. Pioneers such as Laird Hamilton popularized the spot, while modern riders like Kai Lenny continuously push the technical and physical boundaries of surfing in these extreme conditions.

3. Teahupoo, Tahiti

The Most Dangerous Wave?

Teahupoo is often considered the most dangerous surfed wave in the world. Its shallow reef amplifies its power, turning every session into an extreme challenge for surfers.

Mythical Tubes

This spot delivers exceptional tubes, generating spectacular images that leave a mark. Accurate weather forecasts and rider experience are essential to tame this marine beast.

Teahupoo’s global reputation comes largely from its extremely hollow barrels, shaped by the shallow reef. This seabed setup creates a moderately high but incredibly powerful wave. Every session requires meticulous analysis of conditions via specialized weather services and webcams offering real-time views. Rip Curl surfers often showcase their expertise here, with boardshorts or shorty wetsuits providing crucial protection against the sharp reef.

4. Mavericks, California

The Stage of the Big Wave World Tour

Mavericks regularly welcomes the best surfers for the Big Wave World Tour. The perfect combination of a massive Pacific swell and offshore winds guarantees unforgettable sessions.

Extreme Conditions

The risk at Mavericks is high, with waves reaching more than 15 meters. A Rip Curl 6/4 hooded wetsuit is essential to protect surfers against the intense cold of these icy waters.

The Mavericks wave is subject to powerful currents and rapid changes in weather conditions. These complex phenomena demand meticulous preparation based on highly accurate forecasts. Surfers must face a thick, fast, and often unpredictable wave. The danger at Mavericks is heightened by its proximity to submerged rocks, requiring constant vigilance and optimal physical preparation.

5. Cortes Bank, California

The Frontier of the Unknown

Cortes Bank is a unique spot located offshore. Its difficult access and unpredictable forecasts make it a true adventure for big wave hunters.

Phantom Waves at Sea

The underwater bank amplifies wave size, sometimes producing unreal liquid walls over 20 meters high. Mastering the take off is vital to avoid accidents.

6. Belharra, France

The European Giant

Located off the French Basque coast, Belharra is the biggest wave surfed in Europe. This spectacular spot comes alive during major Atlantic swells, drawing Europe’s best surfers equipped with Rip Curl’s latest wetsuit technologies.

Tricolor Performance

Belharra symbolizes French surfing excellence, where local riders use their precise knowledge of tides and weather conditions to achieve unforgettable feats.

Belharra is the French showcase of XXL surfing, attracting top national and international surfers during winter sessions. The spot is regularly monitored thanks to specialized forecasts and webcams installed along the Basque coast. Its location in the northwest of the French Basque Country makes it highly sensitive to winter swells generated by Atlantic storms. French athletes’ performances at Belharra highlight the growing quality of French surfing.

7. Dungeons, South Africa

Shark-Infested Waters

The South African spot of Dungeons combines massive swell, cold waters, and the significant presence of sharks, which increases both the risk and the emotional intensity of each session.

Brutal and Respected Wave

This iconic surf location requires not only exceptional technical skills but also resistant equipment and heightened vigilance from surfers.

This South African spot is particularly respected for its impressive waves, but also for the risks posed by marine wildlife. Every session at Dungeons is an intense adventure requiring deep mental and technical preparation. Its reputation is heightened by the regular presence of great white sharks, adding yet another layer of risk to big wave surfing.

8. The Right, Australia

The Embodiment of Power

This Australian spot generates thick, powerful waves. The Right is a major challenge for the most experienced surfers, demanding careful preparation and high-performance equipment.

The Australian Challenge

Australia remains a surfing epicenter, offering spots of rare intensity like The Right — a true test for surfers looking to push their physical and technical limits.

Mick Fanning Takes on The Right

Among the boldest surfers to face Australia’s infamous The Right is legendary Mick Fanning. A triple world champion known for his powerful and technical style, Mick took on a memorable session at this brutal and intense spot. Armed with a specially shaped board by renowned Australian shaper Darren Handley (DHD), Fanning successfully rose to the challenge, showcasing both his exceptional talent and the toughness of his equipment.

During this session at The Right, Fanning tackled impressive barrels and rare intensity. His composure, adaptability, and flawless mastery of take offs allowed him to conquer one of the world’s most difficult waves. Equipped with a Rip Curl wetsuit providing thermal protection and safety, he proved he remains a strong big wave surfer as well.

9. Shipstern Bluff, Tasmania

The Beauty of Horror

Shipstern Bluff is famous for its unique wave formations, creating a spectacle as terrifying as it is fascinating. The extreme conditions demand flawless equipment choices for each session.

Risky Navigation

The difficult, dangerous access to the spot adds pure adventure to every session, attracting surfers hungry for thrills.

Mick Fanning Faces Shipstern Bluff

Among the iconic surfers to take on the titanic challenge of Shipstern Bluff is triple world champion Mick Fanning. Mick left his mark by daring to surf this monstrous, complex wave, notorious for its brutal “steps” formed by irregularities in the seabed.

Equipped with a custom Darren Handley (DHD) board and protected by a technical Rip Curl wetsuit adapted to extreme conditions, Fanning executed a surgical take off at Shipstern Bluff, demonstrating outstanding mastery against one of the world’s most unpredictable waves. His ease in such violent conditions impressed both spectators and peers, reinforcing his status as a living legend of surfing.

This session at Shipstern Bluff perfectly illustrates the commitment, determination, and adaptability needed to face this feared spot. True to his fearless, methodical nature, Mick Fanning continues to inspire many young surfers aspiring to tackle the ultimate challenges of big wave surfing.

10. Mullaghmore, Ireland

The Celtic Monster

Located on Ireland’s northwest coast, Mullaghmore is a surf spot that intimidates even the most seasoned surfers. This particularly wild reef break takes the full force of the Atlantic Ocean, delivering extreme conditions with waves over 15 meters during winter storms. Here, every session is a test of courage and mastery against brutal elements, where even the smallest mistake can be costly. These giant waves attract the world’s best big wave riders, eager to tame this Irish monster and etch their names into history.

Gearoid McDaid: Rip Curl’s Local Hero

Among the surfers who have made their mark here is Irish Rip Curl rider Gearoid McDaid. Born in Sligo, near Mullaghmore, Gearoid grew up admiring this legendary wave before leaving his own imprint. Outfitted with Rip Curl’s best wetsuits to withstand the icy waters of Northern Ireland, he has become one of the most respected riders at this spot, constantly pushing his limits. His impeccable technique and courage against Mullaghmore’s monstrous waves have bolstered his reputation.

Conclusion

The Importance of Safety in Big Wave Surfing

XXL surfing requires constant vigilance and flawless equipment. Rip Curl wetsuits, with their advanced technology, ensure optimal warmth for surfers facing the extreme risks of these sessions.

Safety must remain the number one priority in any XXL surf session. Analyzing weather forecasts, systematically using equipment, and constant vigilance are imperative. Modern alert systems and surfer tracking technologies are now used to strengthen safety. This mix of passion, technology, and caution allows surfers to fully enjoy the unique sensations of these aquatic giants.

Essential Gear for Big Wave Surfing

Impact Vests: Maximum Protection

In the world of XXL surfing, safety is paramount. Impact vests are essential pieces of gear for professional surfers, specifically designed to absorb violent impacts during high-speed wipeouts or collisions with the wave itself. Made with lightweight, highly resistant materials, they effectively protect the body without compromising the mobility needed for a proper take off.

Inflatable Vests: Deep-Water Safety

Against giant waves like Nazaré, Jaws, or Mavericks, surfers frequently use inflatable vests equipped with CO₂ cartridges. These ingenious devices allow riders to resurface quickly after a brutal wipeout or when held underwater by the sheer power of the wave. A simple manual or automatic trigger instantly releases the CO₂, inflating the vest within seconds and dramatically increasing survival chances in extreme conditions.

Reinforced Leashes and Accessories

The leash, a crucial element connecting board to surfer, is specially reinforced to withstand the exceptional pressure and traction of giant waves. Accessories like FCS fins are also designed to provide maximum stability during steep descents. Finally, Rip Curl wetsuits add another layer of safety, offering thermal insulation and protection against reef or seabed hazards.

What Lies Ahead: The Future of Big Wave Surfing

With constant innovation in gear and forecasting, the future of big wave surfing promises ever more incredible performances. Rip Curl remains a key partner in this adventure, supporting surfers worldwide in their quest for unique ocean sensations.

The future of XXL surfing promises significant advancements in both performance and safety. Thanks to continuous technological progress, surfers will be able to better anticipate conditions, optimize their sessions, and explore new, untouched spots. Innovations such as ever more advanced Rip Curl wetsuits will allow athletes to achieve unprecedented levels of safety and comfort, pushing the limits of possibility in this extreme discipline.