Riding the Largest Waves: from California to Portugal

In the wake of Garrett McNamara possibly breaking his own world record for the largest wave surfed, mapsales.com takes a look at geographical features that cause large waves, and where to find them!

How do Waves get so Large?

Zoom in on this Portugal Wall Map to find where McNamara set his world record in 2001: Narare, Portugal.

“There is an underwater canyon 1,000 feet deep that runs from the ocean right up to the cliffs. It’s like a funnel. At its ocean end its three miles wide but narrows as it gets closer to the store and when there is a big swell it acts like an amplifier,” McNamara explains. The ocean floor is far from flat; geographical features play a large role in determining how waves crash and how large they can get. Zoom in on this World Physical Ocean Floor Map to see the variations of our oceans!

His newest record, possibly over 100 feet, took place yesterday also in Praia do Norte, Nazare, Portugal. The previous world record by mark Parsons occurred in Cortes Bank, California. California is well-known for their surfing competitions, including the Mavericks Invitational big-wave competition, which restarted this year after a series of waves crashed spectators in 2010. Even wave-watching can be dangerous when the waves range from 20 to 90 feet!

While previous world records have been documented all over the world, Portugal may increase in popularity for thrill-seeking surfers looking for the largest waves. Take a look at this Portugal Wall Map to plan your next trip!

Previous World Records for Tallest Wave Surfed

1. Garrett McNamara, 78 ft wave

Nazaré, Portugal in November 2011

2. Mark Parsons, 77ft wave

Cortes Bank, California in January 2008

3. Pete Cabrinha, 70ft wave

Jaws Beach, Maui in January 2004

4. Brag Gerlach, 68 ft wave

Todos Santos, Mexico in December 2005

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