The women and men who ride the biggest waves on earth, and the locals who found them.
World record, 29 Oct 2020
26.2 m
Germany
Women's world record, 11 Feb 2020
22.4 m
Brazil
Former world record, 8 Nov 2017
24.4 m
Brazil
Nazaré Big Wave Challenge, women's
4 wins
France
The first giant, 1 Nov 2011
23.8 m
USA (Hawaii)
The most Nazaré event wins
4 wins
Brazil
Women's award for her 13 Dec 2025 ride
Biggest wave
Brazil
Sent McNamara the photo that started it
2005
Portugal
First Portuguese woman to ride Nazaré, 2014
First
Portugal
Portugal's big wave star
3 team wins
Portugal
Tow champion with Chianca, 2020 and 2021
2 team wins
USA (Hawaii)
WSL award, 2021. Star of The Big Ugly
Most committed
Brazil
Broke his back here in 2017, came back
Comeback
UK
Men's best performance, Feb 2025
2025
France
Years charging Praia do Norte
Brazil
Rode the St Jude storm swell
2013
Brazil
Hawaii-based charger at Praia do Norte
USA (Hawaii)
Won the Nazaré paddle event, Nov 2018
2018
South Africa
The 2018 claim, never ratified
100 ft?
UK
From Guatemala to Praia do Norte
Guatemala
Local tow pioneer
35 m?
Portugal
Local Nazaré charger
Age 15
Portugal
Survived a near-drowning at Praia do Norte
2020
Portugal
One email when giant waves (10 m+) show up in the models, usually 5 to 7 days ahead.
