26.21m · 86 ft
Sebastian Steudtner
World record
Source: Guinness World Records ↗
The biggest waves ever ridden — every one of them here in Nazaré, where the canyon turns Atlantic storms into moving mountains.
A record wave isn’t just eyeballed — it’s measured and ratified by independent bodies.
Officially certifies the largest wave surfed, from Steudtner’s 26.21 m to Maya Gabeira’s women’s record.
Runs the Nazaré Tow Challenge and the Big Wave Awards that recognise the biggest waves each season.
Wave height is calculated from video and photos using the surfer as a scale — reviewed by scientists.