Big wave surfing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A surfer at Mavericks, one of the world's premier big wave surfing locations

Big wave surfing is a discipline within surfing in which experienced surfers paddle into, or are towed into, waves which are at least 20 feet (6.2 m) high, on surf boards known as "guns" or towboards.[1] Sizes of the board needed to successfully surf these waves vary by the size of the wave as well as the technique the surfer uses to reach the wave. A larger, longer board allows 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.[2][3]

In 1992, big wave surfers such as Buzzy Kerbox, Laird Hamilton and Darrick Doerner introduced a cross over sport called tow-in surfing.[4] While many riders still participate in both sports, they remain very distinct activities. This type of surfing involves being towed into massive waves by jet ski, allowing for the speed needed to successfully ride. Tow-in surfing also revolutionized board size, allowing surfers to trade in their unwieldy 12 ft. boards in favor of light, 7 ft boards that allowed for more speed and easier maneuvrability in waves over 30 ft (10 meters). By the end of the 1990s, tow in surfing allowed surfers to ride waves exceeding 50 ft (15 meters).[4]

Hazards of big wave surfing[edit]

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 one's 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.[5]

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.[4][6]

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] 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 windsurfs) instead of leashes, in order to provide some security to the surfer without generating safety hazards whilst the surfer is underwater.[4]

These hazards have killed several big-wave surfers. Some of the most notable are Mark Foo, who died surfing 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.[7][8][9]

Paddle-in surfing[edit]

On 18 January 2010 Danilo Couto and Marcio Freire became the first to surf 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.[10]

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.[11][12]

Jeff Rowley made Australian history by being the first Australian to paddle into a 50-foot plus (15-metre) wave at Jaws Peahi, Hawaii, achieving his 'Charge for Charity' mission set for 2011, to raise money for Breast Cancer Australia.[11][13][14][15]

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.[16][17]

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.[18]

On 30 March 2012, Jeff Rowley was a finalist in the 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.[19][20][21][22][23][24]

Big wave surfing world records[edit]

Male[edit]

German surfer Sebastian Steudtner broke the record in October 2020 off the coast of Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal, when he surfed through an 86-foot (26.2 m) wave.[25][26][27][28]

Female[edit]

According to Guinness World Records, Australian Laura Enever holds the women's big wave record, surfing a 13.3-metre (43.6 ft) wave in Oahu in January 2023 to break the world record by 30 centimetres.[29][30][31][32] However, the record is not without controversy, as she wiped out at the base of the wave, and it has even been claimed that Justine Dupont rode a 75-foot (22.9 m) wave (although she, too, is said to have wiped out), although this claim has not been ratified by Guinness.[33][34]

Big Wave Surfing Contest[edit]

Surfing at The Eddie on February 25, 2016

The oldest and most prestigious big wave contest is The Eddie, named after Oahu north shore Hawai'ian lifeguard and surfer Eddie Aikau. The competition window is between 1 December and the last day of February annually.[35]

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.[36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46]

From 1999 to 2016, 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.

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.[47][48][49][50][51]

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.[52][53][54][55][56] This was the first big wave surfing contest ever held for women.[52][53] 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).[52][56]

Big Wave Surfing Awards[edit]

Since 2005, the world's best big wave surfers gather in "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.[57]

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.[58]

WSL Big Wave Championship Tour champions[edit]

WSL Big Wave Championship Tour champions

Year WSL Men's Big Wave Tour WSL Women's Big Wave Tour
Name Points Name Points
2021  Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca (BRA)
2018  Grant Baker (ZAF) 16, 305  Keala Kennelly (HAW) 12,100
2017  Billy Kemper (HAW) 27,140  Paige Alms (HAW) 10,000
2016  Grant Baker (ZAF) 25,018  Paige Alms (HAW) 12,500
2015  Greg Long (USA) 21,266
2014  Makuakai Rothman (HAW) 20,833
2013  Grant Baker (ZAF) 2,459
2012  Greg Long (USA) 2,155
2011  Peter Mel (USA) 1,472
2010  Jamie Sterling (HAW) 2,509
2009  Carlos Burle (BRA) 2,443

Notable big wave surfing spots[edit]

See also: List of surfing records

Australia[edit]

United States (Mainland)[edit]


Oceania[edit]

Europe[edit]

Latin America[edit]

Caribbean[edit]

Africa[edit]

Notable big wave surfers[edit]

Big wave surfing movies[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  • Warshaw, Matt. Mavericks: the story of big-wave surfing, Chronicle Books, ISBN 0-8118-2652-X
  • Warshaw, Matt. "The Encyclopedia of Surfing." (2003).
  1. ^ HVS Boardsport, HVS Boardsport. "The Biggest Waves in The World". Hvsboardsport.com. Archived from the original on 2 January 2018.
  2. ^ "Surf's Up: Professor studies the psychology of big-wave surfing". calstate.fullerton.edu. Retrieved 7 May 2015.
  3. ^ "Big Wave Surfing". sites.psu.edu. Retrieved 7 May 2015.
  4. ^ a b c d "WHAT (LAIRD HAMILTON) THINKS ABOUT BIG WAVE SURFING". stabmag.com. Archived from the original on 18 June 2015. Retrieved 7 May 2015.
  5. ^ Lloyd, Jon (20 December 2007). "Surf Stuff: Dangers of Big Wave Surfing". surf-stuff.blogspot.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  6. ^ Duane, Daniel (7 February 2019). "The Fight for Gender Equality in One of the Most Dangerous Sports on Earth". The New York Times. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  7. ^ "MAMMOTH GHOST TREE TURNS HORRIFIC AS LOCAL SURFER DROWNS - SURFER Magazine". surfermag.com. 22 July 2010. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  8. ^ "Monterey local Peter Davi drowns in giant surf, UPDATE: SURFER DIES AT GHOST TREE - Surfline". surfline.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  9. ^ McLaughlin, Eliott C. (14 November 2013). "Surfer missing after wiping out on 20-foot Oahu wave - CNN". CNN. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  10. ^ Akiskalian, Eric (March 7, 2011). "Marcio Freire Interview: Maui's Underground Big-Wave Charger". towsurfer.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved December 21, 2015.
  11. ^ a b "Jaws sees paddle-in surf madness | Garrett McNamara". Archived from the original on 18 January 2012.
  12. ^ "NPAC GOES XXL: TAKE TWO". surfline.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  13. ^ "Jeff Rowley first Aussie to paddle Jaws". Coastalwatch.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  14. ^ "Big wave surf daredevil Jeff Rowley paddles in to conquer Hawaii's Jaws - Herald Sun". Herald Sun. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  15. ^ "In the jaws of the beast - Adelaide Now". The Advertiser. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  16. ^ "Taming the T-Rex of Surf". Coastalwatch.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  17. ^ "Paddling Peahi". Coastalwatch.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Jeff Rowley goes left at Mavericks". surfertoday.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  19. ^ "The West Australian - Perth, WA, National & World News". The West Australian. Archived from the original on 1 April 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  20. ^ "Billabong 2012 XXL Nominees Announced - SURFER Magazine". surfingmagazine.com. 1 April 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  21. ^ "Aussie Jeff Rowley Finalist in the XXL Big Wave Awards - Boardworld Forums - Australia's Premier Boardsports Community". boardworld.com.au. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  22. ^ "Jeff Rowley Finalist 2012 Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards Ride of the Year - Surfing Video". epikoo.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  23. ^ "Contact Support". epicsurf.com.au. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  24. ^ "Tow, paddle, whatever your persuasion". stabmag.com. 4 February 2012. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  25. ^ Sebastian Steudtner GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title For The Largest Wave Surfed (unlimited) - male, retrieved 12 November 2023
  26. ^ Pierson, Dashel (1 November 2023). "Sebastian Steudtner Surfed the Guinness World Record 'Largest Wave' Three Years Ago; He Reflects on the Anniversary (Video)". Surfer. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  27. ^ "This Man Just Broke the World Record for Surfing the Highest Wave Ever". Men's Health. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  28. ^ "Sebastian Steudtner surfs giant wave and smashes world record".
  29. ^ "Thirteen-metre wave earns Laura Enever a women's surfing record". BBC News. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  30. ^ readNovember 9, Jack MahonySports Reporter2 min; 2023 - 2:45pm (9 November 2023). "Aussie surfer breaks world record for biggest wave ever surfed". skynews. Retrieved 12 November 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  31. ^ "Aussie breaks world record by paddling in to surf 13-metre wave". ABC News. 9 November 2023. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  32. ^ Aussie Surfer Accidentally Breaks World Record In Hawaii, retrieved 12 November 2023
  33. ^ Pierson, Dashel (10 November 2023). "Does a Wipeout Count? World Record Biggest Wave Surfed Stirs Controversy". Surfer. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  34. ^ Smith, Chas (9 November 2023). "Charges of retaliation fly after World Surf League employee Laura Enever wins Guinness record!". BeachGrit. Retrieved 12 November 2023.
  35. ^ "- Quiksilver". quiksilver.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  36. ^ "Jeff Rowley Invited to Mysterious Red Bull Jaws Invitational". surfline.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  37. ^ "Red Bull Jaws Big Wave Invitational". Archived from the original on 28 November 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
  38. ^ "international.to". international.to. Retrieved 24 July 2019.
  39. ^ "Red Bull Jaws Invitational: Big Wave Surfen für die Besten". funsporting.de. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  40. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 17 December 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  41. ^ "Red Bull Jaws sets new big wave invitational - USEDSURF.com | USEDSURF.com". Archived from the original on 17 December 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
  42. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 6 April 2016. Retrieved 22 November 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  43. ^ "Red Bull Jaws sets new big wave invitational". surfertoday.com. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  44. ^ "Red Bull Invites Big Wave Charger Jeff Rowley to Mysterious Jaws Invitational". The Surf Channel. 21 November 2012. Archived from the original on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2019.
  45. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 17 December 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  46. ^ "Jeff Rowley Hand-Picked for Mysterious Red Bull Jaws Invitational". bnqt.com. 21 November 2012. Archived from the original on 2 January 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  47. ^ "Makua Rothman crowned 2014/2015 Big Wave Tour champion". surfermag.com. 2 March 2015. Archived from the original on 6 March 2015. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  48. ^ "2014 Big Wave Tour". worldsurfleague.com. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  49. ^ "Rothman's Breakout Year". worldsurfleague.com. 20 February 2015. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  50. ^ "Congratulations Rothman, Big Wave Tour Champ". worldsurfleague.com. 28 February 2015. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  51. ^ "MAKUA ROTHMAN CLAIMS WSL BIG WAVE WORLD TOUR TITLE". surfline.com. 28 February 2015. Retrieved 6 March 2015.
  52. ^ a b c Dimond, Anna; Rodgers, Weston (10 November 2016). "History in the Making: Meet Pe'ahi's Female Invitees". World Surf League. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  53. ^ a b "Maui's Alms wins as women take on Jaws big-wave surf contest for first time". Star-Advertiser. Honolulu. Associated Press. 11 November 2016. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  54. ^ "Women compete at Jaws for first time". Star-Advertiser. Honolulu. Associated Press. 12 November 2016. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  55. ^ Hodgetts, Rob (14 November 2016). "Women make waves at Hawaii's 'Jaws' challenge". CNN. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  56. ^ a b "2016 Pe'ahi Women's Challenge - World Surf League". World Surf League. 11 November 2016. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  57. ^ "Big Wave Awards". World Surf League. Retrieved 11 April 2018.
  58. ^ "2020 Big Wave Awards". World Surf League. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  59. ^ "Conor Maguire Rides 60-Foot Monster Wave at Mullaghmore Head". YouTube. 30 October 2020. Archived from the original on 22 December 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  60. ^ "Andrew Cotton - Big-wave surfer - Official Athlete Page". Red Bull. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
  61. ^ Genegabus, Jason (29 November 2016). "Pro surfer Walsh hosts Oahu screening of new film". Star-Advertiser. Honolulu. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  62. ^ "Distance between Dreams". Official website. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  63. ^ "Distance between Dreams". IMDb. Retrieved 5 December 2016.
  64. ^ Studart, Roberto (12 February 2016), Mad Dogs (Documentary), Primitivo, retrieved 8 January 2023
  65. ^ Watch Mad Dogs - The Conquest of Jaws on Garage, retrieved 8 January 2023
  66. ^ Canal sentir (Mexico)

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Big_wave_surfing&oldid=1197376374"