Surfing California, Tasmania, and More: The World’s Biggest Waves

Wave riders continuously search for ways to break previously unbreakable boundaries. Moreover, advancements in aerial surfing and performance levels in the big wave arena have been significantly enhanced through both paddle and tow surfing techniques. With the advent of satellite imagery and advanced forecasting technology available online, surfers have discovered new waves globally that offer unimaginable surfing possibilities. Consequently, where can one find the biggest and most challenging waves around the world?

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Teahupo’o, often referred to as “Chopes,” is a formidable Tahitian left-hand reef break. This spot is arguably taking the title of the world’s most challenging left wave from Pipeline. Teahupo’o offers both breathtaking beauty and a notorious reputation for being a relentless challenge for surfers.

Located off the southwestern coast of Tahiti, Teahupo’o dramatically drops from sea level, creating an intimidating vertical cavern as it flows over the shallow reef. Best surfed between 5-10 feet, this wave is characterized by its barrels and tubes. Furthermore, Teahupo’o has become a pilgrimage site for traveling surfers and is renowned as the venue for the Billabong Pro.

In the late ’80s and early ’90s, tales surfaced from bodyboarders and locals, including legends like Mike Stewart and Ronnie Burns, recounting the insane barrels that were unlike any other. Notably, Corey Lopez made a highlight reel by paddling into a massive tube, setting a performance benchmark for many years. Similarly, Laird Hamilton made waves at Chopes by towing into a colossal beast known as “The Heaviest…”.

From bodyboarding to paddle surfing and tow surfing, Teahupo’o remains the gold standard for evaluating giant barrels.

Shipstern’s Bluff, Tasmania

In the surfing world, there are exceptional surf spots and others that challenge the limits of even the most skilled surfers. While destinations like Rincon, J-bay, and Cloudbreak can offer perfect and ethereal waves, some spots, such as Pipeline, present significant risks. The drop at Pipeline can exceed 30 feet over an unyielding volcanic reef. Thankfully, it benefits from warmer waters, proximity to a beach, and vigilant lifeguards, making it manageable for experienced surfers.

On the other hand, Shipstern Bluff features a right-breaking mutant wave that crashes over a massive granite outcrop. These waves emanate from deep waters with astonishing force, slamming down upon boulders with ferocity. Moreover, the frigid water temperature adds challenge to the experience, requiring proper wetsuits and gear to endure the extreme conditions.

The name Shipstern Bluff is derived from the monumental rock headland that rises sharply behind the waves, resembling a beached vessel. For those in search of isolation, Shipstern offers a remote surfing experience, far from medical facilities and requiring a lengthy boat trip to reach civilization. This spot is entrenched in unforgiving nature, perfect for surfers seeking the utmost thrill.

Andy Campbell is frequently credited as the first to ride the wave in 1997, yet accounts from Tasmanian David Guiney indicate he attempted to surf there as early as 1986. Guiney’s advocacy undoubtedly opened the door for more significant surfing endeavors at Shipstern Bluff.

The rideability at Shipstern Bluff heavily relies on the wind conditions; even the slightest cross-chop can lead to disastrous outcomes. When conditions are ideal, the wave morphs into several convoluted sections, creating challenging dynamics for surfers. Local talent often better understands these shifting waves, while visiting professionals frequently face unexpected challenges.

Despite the influx of cameras and sponsors to the lineup at Shipstern Bluff, the essence of the wave remains unchanged, pushing the envelope of surfing into territories few dared to explore.

Cortes Bank, California

Fishermen, sailors, and pilots once shared tales of a colossal yet pristine wave in the open Pacific Ocean, initially dismissed as mere legends. However, by the 1990s, surfers began exploring this elusive tide.

Photographer Larry “Flame” Moore, along with pilot Mike Castillo, discovered the waves at Cortes Bank during a significant swell, capturing incredible footage of waves reaching an astonishing 90 feet. Encouraged by their findings, a crew comprising Sam George, George Hulse, and Bill Sharp ventured out, landing some rideable surf without any competition for hundreds of miles.

In 2001, a landmark moment occurred when Skindog Collins and other notable surfers accessed this unique underwater mountain range, successfully towing into waves that had never before been surfed. Their efforts generated significant media coverage and the recognition that Cortes Bank represented an extraordinary surfing location.

Since then, Cortes Bank has garnered accolades, including a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records and two Billabong XXL awards. Currently, the site is monitored through online forecast systems, leading to increased crowding, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of modern surfing.

Mavericks, Northern California

In 1975, Jeff Clark paddled out into the treacherous surf conditions at Mavericks, a spot renowned for its chilling temperatures and shark-infested waters. At the time, Mavericks had never been successfully ridden, yet Clark, at just 17, made history and fundamentally transformed big wave surfing in California.

Two decades later, Mavericks became synonymous with thrill-seeking bravado, showcasing some of the most famous personalities in surfing, yet the spot was steeped in peril, highlighted by the tragic losses of Hawaiian surfers Mark Foo and Sion Milosky.

From a visual standpoint, few waves rival the raw beauty captured at Mavericks. This powerful right-hander can reach sizes exceeding 30 feet, with the formidable nature of the wave enhanced by its speed and steepness as it breaks in turbulent waters a mile offshore.

Jaws (Peʼahi), Maui

Initially a haven for windsurfers, Jaws (Peʻahi) leveraged wind power to tackle enormous drops. With waves consistently reaching heights of 60-70 feet, paddling into these waves against fierce offshore winds proved nearly impossible. However, the introduction of tow surfing in the late ’80s by pioneers like Laird Hamilton and Buzzy Kerbox transformed the wave into a spectacle.

As the scene gained traction in the late ’90s, Jaws gained international attention, leading to a cultural shift in big wave riding. The thrill of tow surfing, while visually stunning, began to pale when compared to the raw prowess of traditional paddle surfing.

Recently, there has been a notable resurgence in paddle surfing, led by renowned surfers such as Greg Long and Ian Walsh. This revival at Jaws pushed the boundaries of big wave riding and redefined approaches to surfing in the coming years.