Big wave surfing ‘makes it big’

Since big wave surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a record-breaking 90ft (30m) wave at Nazare, Portugal, big wave surfing has been getting a fair amount of media attention.

Now let me state for the record that big wave surfing is not for everybody. I’d even go as far as to say it’s not for anybody – anybody who is particularly interested in staying alive, that is. Nonetheless, some adventurous individuals put thrills above leading a long and healthy life. They supply us with dramatic footage of inconceivable and almost impossible stunts – like surfing waves of 50ft (15m) and over.

Portugal is home to the most big wave spots in the Atlantic.

From Surfer Today:

The Atlantic Ocean, the saltiest major ocean, offers the power of its currents and winds. Fear the deadly force of Nazaré, Peniche, Madeira and Azores (Portugal), Belharra (France), The Cribbar (England), El Bocal (Spain) Mullaghmore Head and the Cliffs of Moher (Ireland), Dungeons (South Africa). Warn your family, grab a good wetsuit and pray everything goes well.

The home of Rapturecamps Bali, Padang Padang, also gets mentioned in the article as a big wave surf spot.

Big wave surfing requires a jet ski, boat or even helicopter (as well as a bit of a death wish) to get the daredevils out on those killer monster waves. ‘Normal’ surfing, on the other hand, just needs a bit of lust for life as well as a healthy love for nature and adventure.

photo by allannn (Flickr CC)

Check out the following video of Julian Wilson, winner of the Quicksilver Pro 2011 surfing competition in Ericeira, Portugal for some examples of surfing at its best.

Click here to view the video ‘Julian Wilson – winner of Quiksilver Pro Ericeira 2011’.

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