Big Wave Surfing

Monster Swells Conquered

Big wave surfing is when surfers ride waves which are 20 foot plus. Usually a custom board known as a gun or Rhino chaser is used to surf these monster waves. The bigger the wave you are surfing on generally the faster it is traveling through the water. Because of this you need a board that is longer in order to paddle fast enough to actually catch it. Tow-in surfing is also part of big wave surfing but involves the rider being towed onto the actual wave by a small high powered zodiac or jet ski.

Having a wipeout on a big assed wave can literally push a surfer under the surface as much as 30-40 feet and you must be able to hold your breath for long periods of time, be super fit to handle the extreme turbulence you’ll experience, be able to orientate yourself soi you can head towards the surface and also be able to swim exceptionally well. This is particularly important as a surfer needs to get air before the next wave comes through which can be between 20-30 seconds. Getting caught under in a multiple set series of breaks is extremely dangerous.

Tow-in surfing is also part of big wave surfing but involves the rider being towed onto the actual wave by a small high powered zodiac or jet ski.
Having a wipeout on a big assed wave can literally push a surfer under the surface as much as 30-40 feet and you must be able to hold your breath for long periods of time, be super fit to handle the extreme turbulence you’ll experience, be able to orientate yourself soi you can head towards the surface and also be able to swim exceptionally well. This is particularly important as a surfer needs to get air before the next wave comes through which can be between 20-30 seconds. Getting caught under in a multiple set series of breaks is extremely dangerous.

Famous Surfing Spots

• Waimea Bay, Hawaii
• Mavericks, California
• Teahupoo, Tahiti
• Cloud 9, Philippines
• G-Land, Bali
• The Wedge, California

Reknowned Big Wave Surfers

• Laird Hamilton
• Eddie Aikau
• Ken Bradshaw
• Jeff Clark
• Greg Noll
• Milton and Michael Willis
• Ross Clarke-Jones
• Cheyne Horan
• Michael Rhyan
• Shane Dorian
• Mark Foo

Big Wave Surfing Movies

• Riding Giants (2004)
• Billabong Odyssey (2004)

• BILLABONG XXL (Biggest Tube of The Year) Contest
  BILLABONG XXL (Biggest Tube of The Year) Contest. You have to check out the filthy drops and knarly pits these surfers are tearing apart.