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What are the hardest waves to surf?

What are the hardest waves to surf?
Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay

Surfers around the world are obsessed with riding huge monsters as high as 40-50 feet. If they aren’t surfing, they are watching people surf these huge swells. Finding these monster waves to surf is nothing short of an adventure as they are located in different parts of the world. 

Make no mistake, surfing these big waves is dangerous and scary even for experienced and advanced surfers. If you want to add these waves to your bucket list for the ultimate adrenalin rush, you need the training, experience, and expertise to navigate these waves smoothly. 

Whether you are riding a 10-foot wave or a 30-foot wave, ensure that you have all the requirements when riding these big waves. Knowing how waves are formed will help you survive the unpredictability of high waves. 

Today, we will focus on exploring some of the hardest waves to surf in the world. Read on to know more:

Ours, Sydney 

One of the reasons Ours is considered one of the scariest waves is what lies beneath. If you happen to nosedive while riding the wave, you will be driven to the surgeon’s table, a flatbed covered with razor-sharp reefs. If you somehow manage to surface after the nosedive, you will have to deal with 4-8 foot waves crashing over you.

While it may be sought-after adrenalin rush surf junkies, these waves are off-limit to any regular surfers. So ensure that you are well-prepared for your wave or just a step back and head over to another wave.

Pipeline, Oahu

If you have been surfing for quite some time, you know that Hawaii is one of the best places to surf. Located off the shore of Oahu, the Banzai Pipeline is one of the deadliest waves. It has been around since the ’60s. It was initially considered insurfable as it broke fast, a steep wall, and a sharp shallow reef. 

Pipeline, Oahu
Image by Takahiro Masuda from Pixabay

Today you will find more advanced surfboards that enable surfers to ride this 30-foot monster. However, the danger has remained the same. If you plunge into the water or get thrown by the lip while trying to catch a wave, there is a possibility that you can get hit by a sharp treacherous reef that lies beneath. Since the 80’s seven surfers have died while trying to surf this pipeline, that’s why it is considered one of the deadliest waves.

Teahupoo, Tahiti

Teahupoo pronounced as ‘choo poo,’ is one of the deadliest and heaviest waves on the planet. It looks extremely beautiful and breathtaking, but the enormous swells break onto unique shallow reefs. 

This surf break is fast, thick, and hollow, roaring at around 10 feet. Even though it may not be the tallest one on this list, it has claimed five lives since 2000. This massive wave is 500 yards off the southern coast of Tahiti that attracts many big wave surfers from across the world. 

Mavericks, California

One of the most famous waves in the US as it takes over half of Moon Bay in California. If you are looking for over 25 foot to 80-foot waves, this is your surf spot. No matter how experienced you are, this wave challenges the surfer’s confidence, anxiety, and fear. Before you ride this wave, ensure that you have trained yourself to tackle these waves. 

Apart from these enormous waves crashing down on you, you have to be aware of the cold shark-infested waters of California. Even though there are monsters like Teahupoo, Maio’s jaws, and others, Mavericks still tops every surfer’s bucket list. 

waves
Photo by Emiliano Arano from Pexels

Shipsterns Bluff, Australia

Off the coast of Antarctica, witness over 25-foot waves at the end of the world. Among the many breaks in Tasmania, the Shipsterns Bluff is an unpredictable monstrous wave that is extremely dangerous and scary. This wave is deadly because it is very difficult to read and navigate. Sometimes has steps. To reach this surf spot, you will need to jet ski or take a two boat hike through the Tasman National Park. 

Now keep in mind that the bottom may not be heavy as it is deep enough. But it is ice-chilling and infested with great white sharks all around. Experienced surfers who have caught shippy do not tend to worry about them as they are used to it. Due to the sheer power of the wave, if you get wiped out oddly, you could dislocate a shoulder or something. 

Tread Carefully 

These are just some of the deadliest waves out there! As a surfer, you are always out on the water testing your limits. Keep in mind that these waves are not to be played around with. 

Learn from big wave surfers or experienced surfers before paddling out to these waves. If you are a newbie, here are some surfing tips for beginners.

Above all, have fun, wear proper gear and enjoy catching beautiful waves.

Featured Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay