Big wave surfing is a different side of surfing. With big wave surfing the waves are more significant than 20ft. This is, of course, very dangerous. Only the most experienced surfers can surf waves of these sizes. There are quite a lot of hazardous situations that can occur during big wave surfing.
Hazards
Since the waves are that large the waves push the surfers down 20 – 50 ft. below surface. This brings the surfers in a situation where eardrums can burst within a split second. Apart from this danger, the surfers have to be exceptionally well trained since they sometimes need to hold their breath for a staggering three-wave streak pounding on them. This requires the surfers to hold their breath for more than 5 minutes. Some surfers describe this phenomenon as being inside a washing machine for too long.
Tow-in
The waves in big wave surfing are too strong and big to paddle into them. A surfer has to be towed into the wave by a jet ski. This also requires the surfers to hold on the pad that’s behind the Jet Ski. This can be extremely hard because of the current.
Areas of big wave surfing
Areas of big wave surfing are Nazaré in Portugal, Mavericks in California, Jaws in Hawaii and many more. The swell is monitored weeks in advance since there is a widespread culture of surfing the biggest wave there is. Only the bravest, most experienced dare to battle the biggest waves on earth.
Competition
Since 2005 competitions are held for big wave surfing. Surfers all across the world gather in the surfing town of Huntington Beach in California for the annual WSL (World Surf League) big wave awards.
There are seven categories:
- Women’s Performance
- Best Overall Performance
- Tube of the Year
- Biggest Paddle Wave
- Ride of the Year
- Wipe-out Award
To watch big wave surfers conquer the biggest waves of the world, you can click on the below.
(WSL)