Hamilton is regarded by surfing historians as the “all time best of the best” at big wave surfing, regularly surfing swells of 35 feet (11 m) tall, and moving at speeds in excess of 30 miles (48 km) an hour and successfully riding other waves of up to 70 feet (21 m) high, at up to 50 mph (80 km/h).

The 5 Most Influential Big-Wave Surfers of All Time

• Shane Dorian. Since quitting the professional World Tour a decade ago, Shane Dorian has seen no one come close to him in the big-wave arena.
• Laird Hamilton.
• Eddie Aikau.

Following are some superb sites to watch surfers catch the biggest breakers in the world this winter.

• Waimea Bay, North Shore of Oahu.
• Jaws, North Shore of Maui.
• Teahupoo, Tahiti.
• Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania.
• Punta de Lobos, Chile.
• Todos Santos Island, Baja California, Mexico.

Generally, the biggest and most powerful wind-generated waves are produced by strong storms that blow for a sustained period over a large area. The waves that surfers ride originate in distant storms far across the ocean.

20 feet
Big wave surfing is a discipline within surfing in which experienced surfers paddle into, or are towed into, waves which are at least 20 feet (6.2 m) high, on surf boards known as “guns” or towboards.

1,720 feet
The Area of Damage by the Lituya Bay Tsunami During the night of July 9, 1958, the largest recorded wave in history occurred in Lituya Bay, Alaska. It reached an astonishing height of 1,720 feet. As a frame of reference, the Empire State Building is 1,250 feet tall.

The latest attraction of Nazare, Portugal – the giant waves – is both unique and uncertain. Well, the big waves are not always there, they depend on the storms on the high seas that bring the big swells.

The Place to Watch the Giant Waves at Nazare The giant waves take place on Praia do Norte in Nazare. The best place to observe is on sítio da Nazaré, next to the lighthouse (Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo), on the north side.

The shape and depth of the ocean floor is called the bathymetry. Just as light waves and sound waves will bend when they hit something or change speed – a process called refraction – so do ocean waves. This focusing of waves by the Nazaré Canyon helps make the largest surfable waves on the planet.

Updated 10 months ago. It’s a grim thing to talk about, but the fact that nobody has died while surfing Nazaré in Portugal is somewhat shocking.

World record waves around 100ft (30m) rogue waves, largest waves world record Biggest wave in the world Large wave, swell storm tsunami, code, red, jaws, teahupoo Big wave surfing is the ultimate celebration of extreme surfing. Challenging deadly waves in harsh weather and ocean conditions takes a very serious approach.

Laird Hamilton is the first professional big wave surfer. The waterman from Maui defies fast, hollow and high waves with a full-time training and previous preparation. Hamilton, the father of tow-in surfing, takes on the entire big wave spots of the Hawaiian Islands, in helicopter style.

Starring Bobby Martinez, Dane Reynolds, John John Florence, Mick Fanning, Kelly Slater and Tom Curren, this new film by Josh Pomer was filmed over a five year period and is well worth your time. In Josh’s own words… “Bobby Martinez style, grace and filthy, filthy backside wave surfing.