Biggest Wave Ever Surfed

Let’s take a look at the 15 biggest surfing waves of all time, according to the official measurements made at the time of each ride.

In 2020, World Surf League (WSL) introduced a methodology for wave height measurement.
The idea is to set a standard formula for measuring big wave rides across the world’s most extreme surf breaks.

The professional circuit teamed with researchers at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the University of Southern California to produce a document that allows judges to compare and estimate wave heights.

The document involves analysis of several variables such as tides, sunlight conditions, video, and photographic imagery, athlete’s height, jet ski dimensions, etc.

In the end, the goal is to be able to provide the most accurate approximation of the nominal wave height.

The conclusions are then sent to the Guinness World Records whenever a potential new record is broken.