When I learned how to surf at 8 years old, I was captivated by the legends of barrels so big they can swallow freighters, wipeouts that surfers never returned from, and the relentless raw power of the ocean. For my landlocked 8-year-old brain, I couldn't fathom this.
Yet, as I write, I know, first hand, all of these can be true.
What my mind still can not comprehend, is how a growing handful of surfers dedicate their lives to finding and surfing these waves. So, let's tip our hats to the big wave surfers and check out the main Big Wave spots sprinkled across the globe.
A surfer enjoying the view from the shoulder as a massive Mavericks wave breaks. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Mavericks (Half Moon Bay, California, USA)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 60 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Mavericks is a legendary big wave spot characterized by its massive waves that can reach heights of over 60 feet. Located off the coast of Half Moon Bay, it's known for its unpredictable and challenging conditions, making it a destination for fearless surfers seeking an adrenaline rush and a test of their skills.
Pipeline (Oahu, Hawaii, USA)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 20 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Pipeline is one of the most iconic and revered waves in the world. Known for its powerful and perfectly cylindrical barrels, it breaks over a shallow reef, creating fast and hollow waves that challenge even the most skilled surfers. The Banzai Pipeline is a proving ground for tube riding and is a highlight of the North Shore's winter surf season.
While most would not put Pipe in the XXL category, it is still a big wave that demands respect.
Nazaré (Nazaré, Portugal)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 70 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Tow
Nazaré is famous for producing some of the largest waves in the world, with record setting heights of 86 feet. The underwater Nazaré Canyon amplifies the swell, creating monstrous waves that draw big wave surfers and tow teams. It's a unique spot that attracts those looking to ride the biggest waves on the planet.
Jaws (Peahi, Maui, Hawaii, USA)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 60 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in and Tow
Jaws, or Peahi, is a legendary big wave spot on Maui's north shore. It's known for its massive waves that can reach heights of over 60 feet and its challenging paddle-in and tow-in conditions. The powerful waves at Jaws attract top big wave surfers seeking to push their limits and ride some of the most formidable waves in the world.
Teahupo'o (Tahiti, French Polynesia)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 20 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Teahupo'o is famous for its heavy and shallow reef break that creates thick, barreling waves. These waves can reach heights of over 20 feet and offer surfers the chance to ride deep and challenging barrels. The break is renowned for its beauty and intensity, making it a must-visit spot for experienced surfers.
Islas de Todos Santos (Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 30 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Islas de Todos Santos, also known as Todos Santos Island, is home to a powerful reef break that produces waves exceeding 30 feet. Located off the coast of Baja California, it's a prime spot for big wave surfers looking to challenge themselves on heavy and hollow waves in a stunning natural setting.
Cortes Bank (Off the coast of California, USA)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 100 feet (rumored)
Paddle-in or Tow: Tow
Cortes Bank is an underwater seamount located off the coast of Southern California. When the conditions align, it can produce waves that are rumored to surpass 100 feet, attracting tow-in surfers and adrenaline seekers. The remote location and challenging conditions make it one of the most extreme big wave spots in the world.
Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca, Mexico)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 25 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Puerto Escondido is known for its heavy beach break that produces powerful waves, especially during the summer months. These waves can exceed 25 feet and offer surfers the opportunity to ride massive barrels. The Mexican Pipeline, as it's often called, is a favorite among skilled tube riders.
Belharra (Biarritz, France)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 60 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Belharra is a reef break located off the coast of Biarritz in France. It's renowned for its colossal waves that can reach heights of over 60 feet during big swells. The challenging paddle-in conditions and heavy waves attract experienced surfers seeking the thrill of riding massive walls of water.
The Right (Western Australia, Australia)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 20 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
The Right is a unique and powerful slab wave located in Western Australia. It's known for its incredibly hollow and fast barrels that can reach heights of over 20 feet. The wave breaks over a shallow reef and is famous for its intense drop-ins and challenging tube rides.
Shipstern Bluff (Tasmania, Australia)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 20 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Shipstern Bluff is a remote and notorious big wave spot in Tasmania. It's known for its heavy and intimidating waves that break over a shallow reef, producing thick barrels and challenging drops. The cold water and rugged coastline add to the raw and adventurous nature of this surf spot.
Punta de Lobos (Pichilemu, Chile)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 30 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Punta de Lobos is a picturesque point break in Chile that transforms into a powerful big wave spot during larger swells. Waves here can exceed 30 feet, offering experienced surfers the chance to ride long and fast walls with the iconic Lobos Rock in the background.
Dungeons (Cape Town, South Africa)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 25 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Dungeons is a big wave spot off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. It's known for its heavy and fast-moving waves that can reach heights of over 25 feet. The cold water and challenging conditions make it a demanding spot for big wave surfers.
Nelscott Reef (Lincoln City, Oregon, USA)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 40 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Nelscott Reef is located off the coast of Lincoln City in Oregon and is known for producing waves that can exceed 40 feet. The reef break can offer powerful and challenging waves, attracting experienced surfers looking for big wave action in the Pacific Northwest.
Mullaghmore Head (County Sligo, Ireland)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 50 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Mullaghmore Head is a big wave spot on the west coast of Ireland. It's renowned for its heavy and cold water waves that can reach heights of over 50 feet. The spot offers a unique blend of rugged beauty and challenging surf conditions, drawing big wave surfers from around the world.
Ghost Trees (Monterey, California, USA)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 30 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in (due to new laws)
Ghost Trees is a big wave spot located off the coast of Monterey, California. The waves here can reach heights of over 30 feet and are known for their fast and powerful nature. The spot was historically know for tow-in surfing due to its distance from the shore and challenging conditions.
Note: This break no longer permits tow-in surfing due to new environmental laws. Surfing this wave is now more dangerous.
Pico Alto (Lima, Peru)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 30 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
Pico Alto is one of Peru's premier big wave spots, featuring waves that can exceed 30 feet. It's a consistent spot for large swells, and its heavy, hollow waves break over a reef, offering experienced surfers a chance to ride long and intense barrels.
The Box (Western Australia, Australia)
Biggest Size Wave: Over 15 feet
Paddle-in or Tow: Paddle-in
The Box is a powerful and hollow reef break located in Western Australia. The waves here can reach heights of over 15 feet and are known for their intense barrels and challenging drops. It's a favorite spot for skilled tube riders seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Dropping in on a proper day at Mavericks. Photo by Dalton Johnson
