Biggest Wave Ever Surfed

The town of Nazaré, Portugal, is known for its massive waves that can reach up to 100 feet tall. Located near the largest underwater canyon in Europe, the Nazaré Canyon, this coastal town hosts record-seeking surfers and spectators every year during the big-wave season. The waves form inside the canyon due to water traveling faster than shallower water, creating large waves at depth that are bent towards the coast. These waves then collide with waves coming from the northwest, resulting in supersized waves. In 2020, surfer Sebastian Steudtner set a new world record for the largest wave ever surfed at Nazaré, measuring 93.73 feet tall. Other notable records were achieved by António Laureano and other surfers who have ridden massive waves at Nazaré over the years. The areas unique combination of geography and ocean currents makes it a hotspot for monster waves, attracting thrill-seekers from around the world.