Big wave surfing hits the big time

In the wake of Garrett McNamara’s well-publicized record-breaking waves, the sport of big wave surfing just keeps getting bigger. I don’t know how many people are actually rushing to get into the sport, but at least in part due to its extremeness, big wave surfing is everywhere you turn.

It’s easy to see why. Check out National Geographic’s Extreme Photo of the Week, featuring Mark Healy tubed at big wave surfing Mecca Teahupoo, Tahiti. A dangerous pastime that (unsurprisingly) has claimed the life of more than one skilled surfer over the years, big wave surfing is more of a spectator sport.

Extreme sport, spectacle or just plain nuts, there are in fact huge differences between wave heights in big wave surfing. 20-foot (6.2-meter) waves are considered the minimum height in order to be officially considered “big”. That’s comparatively tame when compared to McNamara’s 90-foot (30-meter) purported feat.

This impressive selection of big wave surfing photos from Padang Padang, Bali looks to be on the lower end of that scale or maybe even below it. Compare those with some of the shots from the winners of the 2013 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards and you’ll see what I mean.

Padang Padang’s waves are described as “powerful” or even fear inspiring, and are best left to pros and experts. Seeking out the biggest waves at Teahupoo, on the other hand, is akin to storm chasing.

Here’s what Mark Healy had to say about his run that was captured by National Geographic:

This was a very special wave for me because it was the largest I have ever ridden at Teahupoo. It took a culmination of experience from my years there to ride it successfully. After I caught this wave, I got on the Jet Ski and towed my friends into some waves and ran safety. You can’t get too greedy. I got what I had come for that day.

The article also mentions how some surfers at Teahupoo that day ended up in the hospital. Too greedy or just par for the big wave surfing course?

big wave surfing

Big wave surfing, Teahupoo, Tahiti. Pic: Duncan Rawlinson (not the Nat Geo shot)

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