The planet's Top 10 big wave surf spots.

With the recent accomplishment of the biggest wave ever surfed (90 ft), by Garrett McNamara, riders will be inspired to ride bigger and more extreme waves. In that spirit here's a list of the world's most renowned big wave sports.

At each of these locations big wave surfers are pushing the limits of human capability in their quest to conquer the ocean's most formidable swells.

 

 

 

 

Top 10 - Big Wave Surf Spots in the World

 

 

1. Waimea

Waimea Bay is located in Haleiwa on the North Shore of O’ahu. Some of the largest most consistent waves can be found here. Quicksilver's Big Wave Invitational is held at Waimea every winter, and gets a big swell from the North Pacific. Home to big wave surfer Garrett McNamara.

2. Mavericks

Mavericks is a world-renowned big wave break located one-half mile off the coast of Half Moon Bay, California. Since the early 1990s, when the local spot was introduced to the world, Mavericks has become an epicenter of modern big-wave surfing. Known for being one the worlds most dangerous surfing spots, and infamous for its death toll, Mavericks is only meant for the best.

3. Todos los Santos, Baja California

A small coastal town at the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, on the Pacific coast side of the Baja California Peninsula, about an hour's drive north of Cabo San Lucas, on Highway 19 and an hour's drive southwest from La Paz. Known for its huge swells, and life-ending barrels, this place is only meant for the pros.

4. Cortes Bank

About 115 miles (188 kilometers) west of Point Loma San Diego, CA. A dangerous shallow chain of underwater mountains, producing massive waves. Although remote, the Cortes Bank draws crowds when conditions are good. Seen in Billabong’s Odyssey, Step Into Liquid, and the 2001 Billabong XXL.

5. Punta de Lobos Chile

Punta de Lobos is one of the biggest and best lefts that South America has to offer There are several different sections that allow for different levels of surfers to enjoy this spot; however, when it gets big, its big!

6. Dungeons South Africa

Located off the South African coast near Hout Bay, Cape Town, Dungeons is known for its frigid waters, and lurking sharks. It’s a death zone, and only accessible by boat so you must be a daredevil. It is also known as Red Bull’s Big Wave event since 2000.

7. Mullaghmore Head Ireland

Mullaghmore Head was the site for the first big waves tow-in surf contest in Ireland. Its 20-25 foot waves are fast, producing stronger barrels then ever.

 

8. Priae De Norte (north canyon) in Portugal

Home to the biggest wave ever surfed by Garrett McNamara. The wave caught by McNamara is estimated to be about 90 feet (30 meters).

9. Shipsterns Bluff, Australia

Or Devils Point; located on the southeastern coast of Tasmania on the Tasman Peninsula Australia between Cape Raoul & Tunnel Bay. Known for Australia’s biggest and strongest waves.

10. Teahupoo, Tahiti

Tahiti's Teahupoo (pronounced cho-po) located in the quiet town of Teahupoo, is known for its heavy waves. Known for its consistent barrels, Teahupoo has some of the largest big waves known to man.