The Highest Waves in the World: 10 Crazy Places for Surfing

 

Wonderful beaches, oceans that enchant with their size, majesty, the meditative silence they give broken by the sudden rush of the waves breaking on the rocks or the coral reefs. Finding yourself in front of the impetuosity of these waters can only give you adrenaline-filled emotions which make you challenge them at the same time fear them.

The seas that offer those feelings are the ones loved by surfers who are always looking for the perfect wave to ride. But which are these wonderful places and where are they located?

10. Peniche, Portugal

Wave height: up to 30 meters

Our ranking begins in Europe, along the coasts of Portugal, north of Lisbon. Since Rip Curl picked it for their famous surfing event in 2009, it has become a place teeming with surfers. There are easy waves and waves for professionals and tubing is available. The breakpoints of this coast are fun for everyone, all year round!

9. Sultani, Maldives

Wave height: up to 9 meters

The powerful waves of this peaceful island give adrenaline-pumping emotions, especially in spring. The rocks on which the waves break can be very dangerous, which is why it’s advised to wear a wetsuit even when the weather is hot. There are also services that can lead you to hunt for the most beautiful waves of the moment, scattered among the many islands of the archipelago.

8. Siargao Island, Philippines

Wave height: up to 9 meters

As much as it’s fascinating, this island is very dangerous with waves crashing on the shallow and razor-sharp coral reef. It is a dramatic and wonderful breakpoint, suitable only for the experienced and brave. It’s not recommended to fall off the board because your skin is really at stake.

7. Hossegor, France

Wave height: up to 6 meters

Now, we move on to the “surfing capital of Europe“, which is located on the southwest coast of France. It’s a paradise for surfers, with waves like the Hawaiian ones. Due to the large turnout of experienced surfers who offer dizzying shows to those watching on the beach and the many millionaires who have decided to buy villas near the coast to comfortably enjoy the show from their terraces, Hossegor has quickly become an elite place.

6. Santa Catalina, Costa Rica

Wave height: up to 4 meters

Unspoiled and wild landscapes surround the fantastic beaches of this coast. It’s just like the previous places for its majestic waves, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes, plus, it’s much less crowded with surfers. So, if you want to spend a nice day accompanied only by your surfboard, this is the place for you!

5. Gold Coast, Australia

Wave height: up to 15 meters

It is an area renowned for its wonderful waves and its 70 km of golden beach, nicknamed Surfers’ Paradise. The most sought-after and least ridden wave of the ocean is the Superbanks. To be able to reach it from the parking lot, you’ll have to take a nice walk of a few kilometers, but it’ll be worth it as it’s one of the best places in the world for surfing.

4. Mavericks, California

Wave height: up to 25 meters

The waves of Half Moon Bay near San Francisco are as dangerous as they are exciting. In certain periods, there are waves as high as buildings, reaching up to 25 meters. They are real tsunamis, which makes them quite dangerous if not taken in the right way. Plus, harks can be encountered. Other than these dangers, the terrifying waves fascinate and challenge many surfers.

3. Bali, Indonesia

Wave height: up to 4 meters

The crystal clear waters of these beaches enchant and attract surfers of all kinds and from all locations to the extent that the shores like Uluwatu in Kura are overcrowded with surfers who can’t wait to dive with their boards. The waves from April to November reach 4 meters, the water temperature is pleasant, and, although there will be a  bit of queuing, it’s worth it.

2. Jeffrey Bay, South Africa

Wave height: up to 8 meters

The warm currents of the Indian Ocean mixing with the cold ones from the Atlantic give life to very special waves that make Jeffrey Bay the ideal place for surfing. A few kilometers from Port Elisabeth, its beaches offer waves for all levels. The Supertubes beach offers the more experienced long waves of up to 300 meters for thrilling rides, especially in the period between June and August,

1. Ohau, Hawaii

Wave height: up to 12 meters

In the first place, we find the mother of surfing bays, Hawaii. On the island of Ohau, known for the capital Honolulu and the tragedy of Pearl Harbor, Pipeline beach is full of surfers, from beginners to experts, who are riding up to 12 meters high waves that create breathtaking tunnels, suitable only for the most experienced and reckless lovers of the “pipe”.