View source for Big wave surfing

{{short description|Surfing waves at least 20 ft high}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
[[File:2010 mavericks competition.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A surfer at [[Mavericks (location)|Mavericks]], one of the world's premier big wave surfing locations]]
'''Big wave surfing''' is a discipline within [[surfing]] in which surfers paddle into, or are towed into, waves that are at least 20 feet (6.2 m) high, on [[surf board]]s known as "guns" or towboards.<ref name="bigwaveblog">{{cite web|url=https://hvsboardsport.com/thebiggestwavesintheworld/|title=The Biggest Waves in The World|last=HVS Boardsport|first=HVS Boardsport|website=Hvsboardsport.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102073109/https://hvsboardsport.com/thebiggestwavesintheworld/|archive-date=2 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The size of the board needed to successfully surf these waves varies by the size of the wave, as well as the technique the surfer uses to reach it. A larger, longer board enables a rider to paddle fast enough to catch the wave and has the advantage of being more stable, but it also limits maneuverability and surfing speed.<ref name="fullertonedu">{{cite web|url=http://calstate.fullerton.edu/news/inside/2008/wiersma.html|title=Surf's Up: Professor studies the psychology of big-wave surfing|publisher=calstate.fullerton.edu|access-date=7 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="psu1">{{cite web|url=https://sites.psu.edu/rclgrv/2013/10/11/big-wave-surfing/|title=Big Wave Surfing|publisher=sites.psu.edu|access-date=7 May 2015}}</ref>

In 1992, big wave surfers such as Buzzy Kerbox, [[Laird Hamilton]] and [[Darrick Doerner]] introduced a cross-over variation called [[tow-in surfing]].<ref name="thes1">{{cite web|url=http://stabmag.com/what-laird-hamilton-thinks-about-big-wave-surfing/|title=WHAT (LAIRD HAMILTON) THINKS ABOUT BIG WAVE SURFING|publisher=stabmag.com|access-date=7 May 2015|archive-date=18 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618064912/http://stabmag.com/what-laird-hamilton-thinks-about-big-wave-surfing/|url-status=dead}}</ref> While many riders still participate in both activities, they remain very distinct. Tow-in surfing involves being towed in to big waves by jet ski, creating the speed needed to successfully ride them. Tow-in surfing also revolutionized board size, allowing surfers to trade in their unwieldy 12&nbsp;ft. boards in favor of light, 7&nbsp;ft boards that enabled more speed and easier maneuvrability in waves over 30&nbsp;ft (10{{nbsp}}m). By the end of the 1990s, tow-in surfing meant that surfers could ride waves exceeding 50&nbsp;ft (15{{nbsp}}m).<ref name="thes1" />

==Hazards of big wave surfing==
In a big wave wipeout, a breaking wave can push surfers down 20 to 50 feet (6.2 m to 15.5 m) below the surface. Once they stop spinning around, they have to quickly regain their equilibrium and figure out which way is up. Surfers may have less than 20 seconds to get to the surface before the next wave hits them. Additionally, the water pressure at a depth of 20 to 50 feet can be strong enough to rupture human eardrums. Strong currents and water action at those depths can also slam a surfer into a reef or the ocean floor, which can result in severe injuries or even death.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://surf-stuff.blogspot.com/2007/12/dangers-of-big-wave-surfing.html|title=Surf Stuff: Dangers of Big Wave Surfing|first=Jon|last=Lloyd|date=20 December 2007|website=surf-stuff.blogspot.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

One of the greatest dangers is the risk of being held underwater by two or more consecutive waves. Surviving a triple hold-down is extremely difficult, and surfers must be prepared to cope with these situations.<ref name="thes1" /><ref name="NYT 2019-02-07">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/02/07/magazine/women-surf-big-wave.html|title=The Fight for Gender Equality in One of the Most Dangerous Sports on Earth|first=Daniel|last=Duane|date=7 February 2019|access-date=9 February 2019|newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref>

A major issue argued between big-wave surfers is the necessity of the leash on the surfboard. In many instances, the leash can do more harm than good to a surfer,{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} catching and holding them underwater and diminishing their opportunities to fight towards the surface. Other surfers, however, depend on the leash. Today, tow-in surfboards are equipped with foot holds (like those found on [[windsurf]]s) instead of leashes, in order to provide some security to the surfer without generating safety hazards whilst the surfer is underwater.<ref name="thes1" />

These hazards have killed several big-wave surfers. Some of the most notable are [[Mark Foo]], who died surfing [[Mavericks (location)|Mavericks]] on 23 December 1994; [[Donnie Solomon]], who died exactly a year later at [[Waimea Bay]]; [[Todd Chesser]], who died at [[Alligator Rock]] on the North Shore of [[Oahu]] on 14 February 1997; [[Peter Davi]], who died at [[Ghost Trees]] on 4 December 2007; [[Sion Milosky]], who died surfing Mavericks on 16 March 2011; and [[Kirk Passmore]], who died at Alligator Rock on 12 November 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://surfermag.com/features/onlineexclusives/peter-davi-ghost-tree/|title=MAMMOTH GHOST TREE TURNS HORRIFIC AS LOCAL SURFER DROWNS - SURFER Magazine|date=22 July 2010|website=surfermag.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.surfline.com/surfnews/article.cfm?id=12639|title=Monterey local Peter Davi drowns in giant surf, UPDATE: SURFER DIES AT GHOST TREE - Surfline|website=surfline.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/14/us/hawaii-missing-surfer/index.html|title=Surfer missing after wiping out on 20-foot Oahu wave - CNN|first=Eliott C.|last=McLaughlin|date=14 November 2013|publisher=CNN|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

==Paddle-in surfing==
On 18 January 2010
Danilo Couto and Marcio Freire became the first to surf [[Jaws (beach)|Jaws Peahi]] paddling, surfing the wave to the left side. They did not have jetski support and used only their shorts and their surfboards. They were the only ones to surf Jaws paddling until 4 January 2012, when it was surfed to the right side for the first time.<ref name="CoutoFeire">{{cite web | last = Akiskalian | first = Eric | title = Marcio Freire Interview: Maui's Underground Big-Wave Charger | url = http://www.towsurfer.com/ViewContent.asp?ContentID=2209 | work = towsurfer.com | date = 7 March 2011 | access-date = 21 December 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151222090035/http://www.towsurfer.com/ViewContent.asp?ContentID=2209 | archive-date = 22 December 2015 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

On 4 January 2012, Greg Long, Ian Walsh, [[Kohl Christensen]], [[Jeff Rowley]], Dave Wassel, [[Shane Dorian]], Mark Healey, Carlos Burle, Nate Fletcher, [[Garrett McNamara]], Kai Barger, North Shore locals and other of the best big-wave surfers in the world invaded the Hawaiian Islands for a historic day of surfing. Surfers had to catch and survive the wave at Jaws Peahi, on the north shore of [[Maui]], without the use of a jet ski.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.garrettmcnamara.com/blog/?p=381|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118062617/http://www.garrettmcnamara.com/blog/?p=381 |url-status=dead |title=Jaws sees paddle-in surf madness &#124; Garrett McNamara|archive-date=18 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/npac-goes-xxl-take-two_64595|title=NPAC GOES XXL: TAKE TWO|website=surfline.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

Jeff Rowley made Australian history by being the first Australian to paddle into a 50-foot plus (15{{nbsp}}m) wave at Jaws Peahi, Hawaii, achieving his 'Charge for Charity' mission set for 2011, to raise money for Breast Cancer Australia.<ref name="autogenerated1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coastalwatch.com/surfing/9935/jeff-rowley-first-aussie-to-paddle-jaws|title=Jeff Rowley first Aussie to paddle Jaws|website=Coastalwatch.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/big-wave-surf-daredevil-jeff-rowley-paddles-in-conquers-hawaiis-jaws/story-fn7x8me2-1226238278693|title=Big wave surf daredevil Jeff Rowley paddles in to conquer Hawaii's Jaws - Herald Sun|website=Herald Sun|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

On 30–31 January 2012, Jeff Rowley and a number of international big wave surfers including Greg Long, Shaun Walsh and Albee Layer spent two days paddle-surfing Jaws, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, as part of their ongoing big-wave paddle-in program at the deep-water reef, further cementing the new frontier of paddle-in surfing at Jaws.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coastalwatch.com/videos/10046/taming-the-t-rex-of-surf|title=Taming the T-Rex of Surf|website=Coastalwatch.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coastalwatch.com/surfing/10040/paddling-peahi|title=Paddling Peahi|website=Coastalwatch.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

On 12 March 2012, Jeff Rowley paddled into Mavericks Left, California, and became the first Australian to accomplish this task. Mavericks is traditionally known as a right-hander wave and Rowley pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the Mavericks left-hander, a task that wasn't without its challenges, requiring a vertical drop into the wave.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/jeff-rowley-goes-left-at-mavericks|title=Jeff Rowley goes left at Mavericks|website=surfertoday.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

On 30 March 2012, Jeff Rowley was a finalist in the [[Billabong (clothing)|Billabong]] XXL Big Wave Awards 2011/2012, in the Ride of the Year category with his rides at Jaws Peahi in Maui, Hawaii on 30 January 2012, placing 4th place in the world of elite big wave surfers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/13306822/into-the-jaws-for-big-wave-rider-in-hawaii|title=The West Australian - Perth, WA, National & World News|website=The West Australian|access-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401131443/http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/13306822/into-the-jaws-for-big-wave-rider-in-hawaii/|archive-date=1 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.surfingmagazine.com/news/billabong-2012-xxl-nominees-announced/|title=Billabong 2012 XXL Nominees Announced - SURFER Magazine|date=1 April 2012|website=surfingmagazine.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boardworld.com.au/forums/viewthread/5297/|title=Aussie Jeff Rowley Finalist in the XXL Big Wave Awards - Boardworld Forums - Australia's Premier Boardsports Community|website=boardworld.com.au|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

== Big wave surfing world records ==

=== Male ===
German surfer [[Sebastian Steudtner]] broke the record in October 2020 off the coast of [[Praia do Norte (Nazaré)|Praia do Norte]], Nazaré, Portugal, when he surfed through an {{convert|86|ft|m|1|adj=on}} wave.<ref>{{Citation |title=Sebastian Steudtner GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title For The Largest Wave Surfed (unlimited) - male |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIXbZPHLv2o |access-date=2023-11-12 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierson |first=Dashel |date=2023-11-01 |title=Sebastian Steudtner Surfed the Guinness World Record 'Largest Wave' Three Years Ago; He Reflects on the Anniversary (Video) |url=https://www.surfer.com/trending-news/sebastian-steudtner-reflects-surfing-guinness-world-record-largest-wave |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=Surfer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-26 |title=This Man Just Broke the World Record for Surfing the Highest Wave Ever |url=https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a40117545/highest-wave-surfed-world-record-sebastian-steudtner/ |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=Men's Health |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sebastian Steudtner surfs giant wave and smashes world record |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2022/5/sebastian-steudtner-surfs-giant-wave-and-smashes-world-record-705874}}</ref>

=== Female ===
According to [[Guinness World Records]], Brazilian [[Maya Gabeira]] holds the women's big wave record, surfing a {{convert|22.4|m|ft|1|adj=on}} wave in Portugal in February 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=The biggest wave surfed this year |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/22/sports/biggest-wave-surfed-nazare-maya-gabeira.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=22 September 2020 |accessdate=9 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira breaks largest wave surfed record |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2020/9/brazilian-surfer-maya-gabeira-breaks-largest-wave-surfed-record-630505 |work=[[Guinness World Records]] |accessdate=9 November 2020}}</ref><ref name="wsl">{{cite web |title=Maya Gabeira Sets New World Record, Wins cbdMD XXL Biggest Wave Award |date=10 September 2020 |url=https://www.worldsurfleague.com/posts/455487/maya-gabeira-sets-new-world-record-wins-cbdmd-xxl-biggest-wave-award |publisher=[[World Surf League]] |access-date=21 January 2021}}</ref> However, it has been claimed that [[Justine Dupont]] rode a {{convert|75|ft|m|1|adj=on}} wave, although this claim has not been ratified by Guinness.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pierson |first=Dashel |date=2023-11-10 |title=Does a Wipeout Count? World Record Biggest Wave Surfed Stirs Controversy |url=https://www.surfer.com/trending-news/laura-enever-world-record-biggest-wave-surfed-controversy-wipeout |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=Surfer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Chas |date=2023-11-09 |title=Charges of retaliation fly after World Surf League employee Laura Enever wins Guinness record! |url=https://beachgrit.com/2023/11/charges-of-retaliation-fly-after-world-surf-league-employee-laura-enever-wins-guinness-record/ |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=BeachGrit |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Big Wave Surfing Contest==
[[File:The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, February 25, 2016, Waimea, Oahu, Hawaii 38.jpg|thumb|Surfing at The Eddie on 25 February 2016]]{{Excessive citations|date=November 2023|section}}
The oldest and most prestigious big wave contest is [[Quiksilver Big Wave Invitational|The Eddie]], named after Oahu north shore [[native Hawaiian|Hawai'ian]] lifeguard and surfer [[Eddie Aikau]]. The competition window is between 1 December and the last day of February annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://quiksilver.com/surf/events/eddie-aikau/|title=- Quiksilver|website=quiksilver.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

Another big wave surfing contest hosted by [[Red Bull]] is held at Jaws Peahi, with invitation of 21 of the best big wave surfers in the world. The waiting period for the contest is from 7 December to 15 March. Some of the known invitees to the contest include [[Jeff Rowley]], Albee Layer, Greg Long, Shane Dorian, Kai Lenny, Ian Walsh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/press-release/jeff-rowley-invited-to-mysterious-red-bull-jaws-invitational_88571/|title=Jeff Rowley Invited to Mysterious Red Bull Jaws Invitational|website=surfline.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.surfinglife.com.au/news/asl-news/7281-red-bull-jaws-big-wave-invitational |title=Red Bull Jaws Big Wave Invitational |access-date=22 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128173437/http://surfinglife.com.au/news/asl-news/7281-red-bull-jaws-big-wave-invitational |archive-date=28 November 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.international.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7268:jeff-rowley-invited-to-mysterious-red-bull-jaws-invitational-&catid=98:sports&Itemid=218|title=international.to|website=international.to|access-date=24 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.funsporting.de/funsporting+NEWS+Surf+Red_Bull_Jaws_Invitational_Vorbericht_5398.htm|title=Red Bull Jaws Invitational: Big Wave Surfen für die Besten|website=funsporting.de|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://surfsite.com/blog/news/red-bull-jaws-sets-new-big-wave-invitational |title=Archived copy |access-date=22 November 2012 |archive-date=17 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217034158/http://surfsite.com/blog/news/red-bull-jaws-sets-new-big-wave-invitational |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://usedsurf.com/red-bull-jaws-sets-new-big-wave-invitational/ |title=Red Bull Jaws sets new big wave invitational - USEDSURF.com &#124; USEDSURF.com |access-date=22 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217030123/http://usedsurf.com/red-bull-jaws-sets-new-big-wave-invitational/ |archive-date=17 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://blog.thesurfvideos.com/?p=743 |title=Archived copy |access-date=22 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406154240/http://blog.thesurfvideos.com/?p=743 |archive-date=6 April 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/red-bull-jaws-sets-new-big-wave-invitational|title=Red Bull Jaws sets new big wave invitational |website=surfertoday.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesurfchannel.com/news/20121121/red-bull-invites-big-wave-charger-jeff-rowley-to-mysterious-jaws-invitational/|title=Red Bull Invites Big Wave Charger Jeff Rowley to Mysterious Jaws Invitational|work=The Surf Channel|date=21 November 2012|access-date=9 February 2019|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713231239/http://www.thesurfchannel.com/news/20121121/red-bull-invites-big-wave-charger-jeff-rowley-to-mysterious-jaws-invitational/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://redux.com/view/post/3195657/Jeff-Rowley-Invited-to-Mysterious-Red-Bull-Jaws-Paddle-In-Invitational-mov |title=Archived copy |access-date=22 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217040651/http://redux.com/view/post/3195657/Jeff-Rowley-Invited-to-Mysterious-Red-Bull-Jaws-Paddle-In-Invitational-mov |archive-date=17 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bnqt.com/blogs/detail/Jeff-Rowley-Hand-Picked-for-Mysterious-Red-Bull-Jaws-Invitational/13413.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102153016/http://www.bnqt.com/blogs/detail/Jeff-Rowley-Hand-Picked-for-Mysterious-Red-Bull-Jaws-Invitational/13413.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 January 2013|title=Jeff Rowley Hand-Picked for Mysterious Red Bull Jaws Invitational|date=21 November 2012|website=bnqt.com|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

From 1999 to 2016, [[Titans of Mavericks|Mavericks]] was a premier big wave contest. The first year's results were first place, [[Darryl Virostko]] ("Flea"); second place, Richard Schmidt (surfer); third place, [[Ross Clarke-Jones]]; and fourth place, [[Peter Mel]]. This contest was last held in 2016, and has been indefinitely cancelled by the [[World Surf League]].{{fact|date=August 2025}}

Beginning in 2014–15, the World Surf League (WSL) has sanctioned the Big Wave World Tour (BWWT). On 28 February 2015, [[Makua Rothman]] became the first WSL BWWT Champion with 20,833 points outscoring the runner-up, Gabriel Villaran of [[Peru]], by almost 7,000 points.<ref name="Champion2015BWTsurfermag.com">{{cite web | url = https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/makua-rothman-crowned-2014-2015-big-wave-tour-champion/ | title = Makua Rothman crowned 2014/2015 Big Wave Tour champion | work = [[Surfer (magazine)|surfermag.com]] | date = 2 March 2015 | access-date = 6 March 2015 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150306061336/https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/makua-rothman-crowned-2014-2015-big-wave-tour-champion | archive-date = 6 March 2015 }}</ref><ref name="2015WSLBWTChampion">{{cite web | url = http://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2014/mbwt | title = 2014 Big Wave Tour | work = [[Association of Surfing Professionals|worldsurfleague.com]] | access-date = 6 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="2015MakuaIsChampion">{{cite web | url = http://www.worldsurfleague.com/posts/88947/rothmans-big-wave-breakout-year | title = Rothman's Breakout Year | work = worldsurfleague.com | date = 20 February 2015 | access-date = 6 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="RothmanWSLBWTChampion">{{cite web | url = http://www.worldsurfleague.com/posts/100964/makuakai-rothman-bwt-champion | title = Congratulations Rothman, Big Wave Tour Champ | work = worldsurfleague.com | date = 28 February 2015 | access-date = 6 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="Surfline2015BWTChampion">{{cite web | url = http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/contest/makua-rothman-claims-wsl-big-wave-world-tour-title_123375/ | title = MAKUA ROTHMAN CLAIMS WSL BIG WAVE WORLD TOUR TITLE | work = [[Surfline|surfline.com]] | date = 28 February 2015 | access-date = 6 March 2015}}</ref>

On 11 November 2016, [[Paige Alms]] of Maui was crowned the first women's big wave surfing champion at Jaws on Maui during the Pe'ahi Women's Challenge which was part of the Women's Big Wave Tour #1 held 15 Oct – 11 November 2016, at [[Haiku, Hawaii|Haiku]], Hawaii.<ref name="HistoryWomenPeahiWSL">{{cite web | last1 = Dimond | first1 = Anna | last2 = Rodgers | first2 = Weston | title = History in the Making: Meet Pe'ahi's Female Invitees | url = http://www.worldsurfleague.com/posts/229993/history-in-the-making-meet-peahis-female-invitees | publisher =[[World Surf League]] | date = 10 November 2016 | access-date = 15 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="FirstWomenPeahiStar">{{cite news | title = Maui's Alms wins as women take on Jaws big-wave surf contest for first time | url = http://www.staradvertiser.com/2016/11/11/sports/sports-breaking/women-surfers-competing-for-first-time-in-maui-big-wave-contest/ | newspaper = [[Honolulu Star-Advertiser|Star-Advertiser]] | location = [[Honolulu]] | agency = [[Associated Press]] | date = 11 November 2016 | access-date = 15 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Women compete at Jaws for first time | url = http://www.staradvertiser.com/2016/11/12/hawaii-news/women-compete-at-jaws-for-first-time/ | newspaper = Star-Advertiser | location = Honolulu | agency = Associated Press | date = 12 November 2016 | access-date = 15 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Hodgetts | first = Rob | title = Women make waves at Hawaii's 'Jaws' challenge | url = http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/14/sport/big-wave-surfing-women-maui/ | publisher = [[CNN]] | date = 14 November 2016 | access-date = 15 November 2016}}</ref><ref name="2016WomensPeahiWSL">{{cite web | title = 2016 Pe'ahi Women's Challenge - World Surf League | date = 11 November 2016 | url = http://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2016/wbwt/1754/peahi-womens-challenge | publisher = World Surf League | access-date = 15 November 2016}}</ref> This was the first big wave surfing contest ever held for women.<ref name="HistoryWomenPeahiWSL" /><ref name="FirstWomenPeahiStar" /> The results were in first place Paige Alms (Hawaii), second place [[Justine Dupont]] ([[France]]), third place [[Felicity Palmateer]] (Australia), and tied for fourth place [[Keala Kennelly]] (Hawaii), Emily Erickson (Hawaii), and [[Laura Enever]] (Australia).<ref name="HistoryWomenPeahiWSL" /><ref name="2016WomensPeahiWSL" />

==Big Wave Surfing Awards==
 
Since 2005, the world's best big wave surfers gather in "[[Surf City, USA|Surf City]]" [[Huntington Beach, California]], for the annual [[World Surf League]] (WSL) Big Wave Awards hosted by surfer Strider Wastlewski. The gala ceremony is currently held at the Pasea Hotel and Spa and nominated surfers are awarded for their greatest rides of the past year and the big wave community is celebrated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bigwaveawards.com|title=Big Wave Awards|website=World Surf League|access-date=11 April 2018}}</ref>

The event raises the bar every year, with $350,000 in prize money allotted across seven categories: 
*"XXL Biggest Wave"
*"Biggest Paddle Wave"
*"Tube of the Year"
*"Best Overall Performance"
*"Women's Performance"
*"Wipeout Award"
*"Ride of the Year".

The seven winners are given top honors and a [[TAG Heuer]] watch for another WSL big wave season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2020 Big Wave Awards|url=https://www.worldsurfleague.com/bigwaveawards|access-date=2021-03-24|website=World Surf League|language=en}}</ref>

==WSL Big Wave Championship Tour champions==
'''WSL Big Wave Championship Tour champions'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!rowspan="2" |Year
! colspan="2" |WSL Men's Big Wave Tour
! colspan="2" |WSL Women's Big Wave Tour
|-
!Name
!Points
!Name
!Points
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2021 
| {{flagathlete|[[:pt:Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca|Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca]]|BRA}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 
| 
|-
|2018
|{{flagathlete|[[Grant Baker]]|ZAF}}
|16, 305
|{{flagathlete|[[Keala Kennelly]]|HAW}}
|12,100
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2017
|{{flagathlete|[[Billy Kemper]]|HAW}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 27,140
|{{flagathlete|[[Paige Alms]]|HAW}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 10,000
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2016
|{{flagathlete|[[Grant Baker]]|ZAF}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 25,018
|{{flagathlete|[[Paige Alms]]|HAW}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 12,500
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2015 
| {{flagathlete|[[Greg Long (surfer)|Greg Long]]|USA}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 21,266
| 
|
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2014 
| {{flagathlete|[[Makua Rothman|Makuakai Rothman]]|HAW}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 20,833
| 
| 
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2013
|{{flagathlete|[[Grant Baker]]|ZAF}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 2,459
|
| 
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2012 
| {{flagathlete|[[Greg Long (surfer)|Greg Long]]|USA}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 2,155
| 
|
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2011 
| {{flagathlete|[[Peter Mel]]|USA}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 1,472
| 
|
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2010 
| {{flagathlete|[[Jamie Sterling]]|HAW}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 2,509
| 
|
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 2009 
| {{flagathlete|[[:pt:Carlos Burle|Carlos Burle]]|BRA}}
| style="text-align:center;"| 2,443
| 
|
|-
|}

==Notable big wave surfing spots==
{{See also|List of surfing records}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

=== Australia ===
*[[Bawley Point, New South Wales|No Toes]], [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]]
*[[Hunter Island (Tasmania)|Dangerous Banks]], [[Tasmania]], Australia
*[[Pedra Branca (Tasmania)|Pedra Branca]], Tasmania, Australia
*[[Shipstern Bluff]], Tasmania, Australia
*[[Cowaramup Bombora|Cow Bombie]], [[Western Australia]], Australia
*[[Cape Le Grand National Park|Cyclops]], Western Australia, Australia
*[[Gascoyne|Tombstones]], Western Australia, Australia
*[[Walpole, Western Australia|The Right]], Western Australia, Australia

=== United States (Mainland) ===
*[[Cortes Bank]], [[California]], United States
*[[Ghost Trees]], California, United States
*[[Mavericks (location)|Mavericks]], California, United States
*[[The Wedge (surfing)|The Wedge]], California, United States
*[[Nelscott Reef]], [[Oregon]], USA

=== Oceania ===
*[[Tavarua#Big Wave Surfing|Cloudbreak]], [[Fiji]]
*[[Teahupoo]], Tahiti, France
*[[Papatowai]], [[The Catlins]], New Zealand
*[[Jaws (beach)|Jaws/Peahi]], [[Hawaii]], United States
*[[Banzai Pipeline|Pipeline]], Hawaii, United States
*[[Sunset Beach (Oahu)|Sunset Beach]], Hawaii, United States
*[[Waimea Bay, Hawaii|Waimea Bay]], Hawaii, United States

=== Europe ===
*[[Cribbar]], [[Newquay]], [[Cornwall]], [[United Kingdom]]
*[[Aileens]], [[Cliffs of Moher]], [[County Clare]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]
*[[Mullaghmore Peninsula|Mullaghmore]], Ireland
*[[Surfing in Madeira|Madeira]], [[Portugal]]
*[[Nazaré, Portugal|Nazaré]], [[Portugal]]
*[[Punta Galea]] between [[Getxo]] and [[Sopela]], [[Basque Country (greater region)|Basque Country]], [[Spain]]
*[[Aizpurupe]] near [[Zarautz]], [[Gipuzkoa]], [[Basque Country (greater region)|Basque Country]], [[Spain]]
*[[Belharra]], [[Basque Country (greater region)|Basque Country]], [[France]]

=== Latin America ===
*[[Praia da Vila]], [[Santa Catarina (state)|Santa Catarina]], [[Brazil]]
*[[Praia do Cardoso]], [[Santa Catarina (state)|Santa Catarina]], [[Brazil]]
*[[El Buey]], [[Arica]], [[Chile]]
*[[Punta de Lobos]], [[Chile]]
*[[Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca|Puerto Escondido]], [[Mexico]]
*[[Isla Todos Santos|Todos Santos]], [[Baja California|Baja]], [[Mexico]]
*Pico Alto, [[Punta Hermosa]], [[Lima]], [[Peru]]

=== Caribbean ===
*[[Rincón, Puerto Rico|Tres Palmas]], [[Puerto Rico]]

=== Africa ===
*[[Hout Bay#Surfing|Dungeons]], [[Cape Town]], [[South Africa]]
{{div col end}}

==Notable big wave surfers==
{{div col|colwidth=16em}}
* [[Nathan Fletcher (surfer) | Nathan Fletcher]] Hawaii 
*[[Chris Bertish]] South Africa 
*[[Lucas Chumbo|Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca]] Brazil
*[[Carlos Burle]] Brazil
*[[Koby Abberton]] Australia
*[[Eddie Aikau]] Hawaii
*[[Grant Baker|Grant "Twiggy" Baker]] South Africa
*[[Ken Bradshaw]] Hawaii
*[[Tom Carroll (surfer)|Tom Carroll]] Australia
*[[Jeff Clark (surfer)|Jeff Clark]] USA
*[[Ross Clarke-Jones]] Australia
*[[Shane Dorian]] Hawaii
*[[John John Florence]] Hawaii
*[[Jérémy Florès]] France
*[[Justine Dupont]] France
*[[Mark Foo]] Singapore
*[[Maya Gabeira]] Brazil
*[[Laird Hamilton]] Hawaii
*[[Malik Joyeux]] Tahiti, France
*[[Dave Kalama]] Hawaii
*[[Keala Kennelly]] Hawaii
*[[Kai Lenny]] Hawaii
*[[Greg Long (surfer)|Greg Long]] USA
*[[Mark Mathews (surfer)|Mark Mathews]] Australia
*[[Garrett McNamara]] Hawaii
*[[Peter Mel]] USA
*[[Jay Moriarity]] USA
*[[Greg Noll]] USA
*[[Jamie O'Brien (surfer)|Jamie O'Brien]] Hawaii
*[[Felicity Palmateer]] Australia
*[[Mike Parsons (surfer)|Mike Parsons]] USA
*[[Bob Pike (surfer)|Bob Pike]] Australia
*[[Makua Rothman]] Hawaii
*[[Jeff Rowley]] Australia
*[[Will Skudin]] New York
*[[Sebastian Steudtner]], Germany 
*[[Buzzy Trent]] Hawaii
*[[Mark Visser]] Australia
*[[Rodrigo Koxa]] Brazil
*[[Mike Stewart (surfer)|Mike Stewart]] Hawaii
* Conor Maguire Ireland<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHbLTPi_5w0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/qHbLTPi_5w0 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Conor Maguire Rides 60-Foot Monster Wave at Mullaghmore Head|website=[[YouTube]] | date = 30 October 2020 | access-date = 30 October 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
* Andrew Cotton United Kingdom<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/athlete/andrew-cotton-big-wave-surfer-red-bull | title=Andrew Cotton - Big-wave surfer - Official Athlete Page | website=[[Red Bull]] | access-date=30 April 2023}}</ref>
{{div col end}}

==Big wave surfing movies==
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*''[[Surf's Up 2: WaveMania]]'' (2017 sequel, fiction)
*''[[Distance between Dreams]]'' (2016)<ref>{{cite news | last = Genegabus | first = Jason | title = Pro surfer Walsh hosts Oahu screening of new film | url = https://www.staradvertiser.com/2016/11/29/features/pro-surfer-walsh-hosts-oahu-screening-of-new-film/ | work = [[Honolulu Star-Advertiser|Star-Advertiser]] | location = Honolulu | date = 29 November 2016 | access-date = 5 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Distance between Dreams | url = https://www.redbull.com/us/en/surfing/films/1331818231092/distance-between-dreams | work = Official website | date = 2 December 2016 | access-date = 5 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Distance between Dreams | url = https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6255746/?ref_=ttpl_pl_tt | publisher = IMDb | access-date = 5 December 2016}}</ref>
*[[Point Break (2015 film)|''Point Break'']] (2015 remake, fiction)
*[[John John Florence#View from a Blue Moon|''View from a Blue Moon'']] (2015)
*Mad Dogs: The Conquest of Jaws (2015)<ref>{{Citation |last=Studart |first=Roberto |title=Mad Dogs |date=2016-02-12 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9013662/ |type=Documentary |publisher=Primitivo |access-date=2023-01-08}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Watch Mad Dogs - The Conquest of Jaws on Garage |url=https://www.garagemovies.com/shows/mad-dogs---the-conquest-of-jaws |language=en |access-date=2023-01-08}}</ref> 
*[[Eddie Aikau#Popular culture|''Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau'']] (2013)
*[[Ross Clarke-Jones|''Storm Surfers 3D'']] (2012)
*''[[Chasing Mavericks]]'' (2012, biographical drama film)
*''[[Fighting Fear]]'' (2011)
*''[[Waveriders]]'' (2008)
*[[Pipeline (film)|''Pipeline'']] (2007)
*[[Surf's Up (film)|''Surf's Up'']] (2007, fiction)
*''[[Billabong Odyssey]]'' (2005)
*''[[Riding Giants]]'' (2004)
*''[[Step Into Liquid]]'' (2003)
*''[[Die Another Day]]'' (2002, fiction)
*''[[Strapped]]'' (2002)
*''[[Laird]]'' (2002)
*[[In God's Hands (film)|''In God's Hands'']] (1998, fiction)
*''[[Point Break]]'' (1991, fiction)
*''[[Big Wednesday]]'' (1978)
*''[[Ride the Wild Surf]]'' (1964, fiction)
*[[Banzai Pipeline#Origin of the name|''Surfing Hollow Days'']] (1961)
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Diving hazards and precautions]]
* [[Eddie Aikau|"Eddie Would Go"]]

==References==
* Warshaw, Matt. ''Mavericks: the story of big-wave surfing'', Chronicle Books, {{ISBN|0-8118-2652-X}}
*Warshaw, Matt. "The Encyclopedia of Surfing." (2003).
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commonscat}}
* [https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/conditionblack/interview.html Wave Warrior] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819022327/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/conditionblack/interview.html |date=19 August 2012 }} (pbs.org)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120418012748/http://www.northcore-europe.com/big-waves.html A selection of the world's biggest surfing waves]

{{Surfing}}

[[Category:Big wave surfing| ]]