Breaking: Rodrigo Koxa claims 29.15‑meter wave at Nazaré, sparking potential new world record
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Rodrigo Koxa claims 29.15‑meter wave at Nazaré, sparking potential new world record
- 2. Context: Nazaré’s ongoing record saga
- 3. What it means for the sport
- 4. Evergreen takeaways for readers
- 5. Two questions for readers
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- 7. The Setting – Nazaré’s Giant Wave Anatomy
- 8. Rodrigo Koxa – A Brief Profile
- 9. Technical Overview of the 95‑Foot Attempt (23 Nov 2025)
- 10. Timeline of the Record Attempt
- 11. Verification Process & Official Recognition
- 12. Impact on the Big‑Wave Community
- 13. Practical Tips for Aspiring Record‑Seekers
- 14. Case Study – Comparison with Past Records
- 15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 16. Rapid Reference – Key data Points
A new challenger in the hunt for the title of the biggest wave ever surfed has surfaced. Brazilian big‑wave rider Rodrigo Koxa is reported to have ridden a 29.15‑meter (95.64‑foot) wall at Nazaré, Portugal, on December 19, 2025. If officially confirmed, the ride woudl topple the current world record of 86 feet set by Sebastian Steudtner in 2020 at Nazaré.
Official measurements have shifted hands. The World Surf League has transferred big‑wave measurement duties to Bill Sharp of the Big Wave Challenge, together with the Guinness World Records team, aiming to ensure standardized verification as new giants are chased from Nazaré’s famous canyon.
Context: Nazaré’s ongoing record saga
Koxa first captured the world’s biggest‑wave title with a 2017 ride that was confirmed the following year at roughly 80 feet. The moment marked a milestone not only for physical prowess but also for mental resilience,a theme Koxa has spoken about since overcoming a near‑death experience at Nazaré in 2014. He has credited support from his family and coaching in helping him push past fear to chase ever‑taller waves.
In this latest wave chase, Nazaré’s record story continues to evolve alongside othre contenders. British surfer Laura Crane has also caught powerful Nazaré bombs after the recent big‑wave event, suggesting female challengers may approach or even rival the current top marks achieved by Maya Gabeira. The conversation around the biggest waves remains dynamic as new footage and measurements emerge.
Commenting on the broader wave‑height surge, Bill Sharp noted that several colossal faces from the same swell deserve careful review for potential world records. He emphasized that the evaluation process is ongoing and that multiple waves may warrant closer inspection as part of the official records path.
| Key fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | December 19, 2025 |
| Location | Nazaré, Portugal |
| Reported Height | 29.15 meters (95.64 feet) |
| Previous Record | 86 feet (Sebastian Steudtner, 2020, Nazaré) |
| New Measuring Authorities | Bill Sharp (Big wave Challenge) and Guinness World Records |
| Past Record Holder | Rodrigo Koxa (80 feet, 2017, confirmed 2018) |
What it means for the sport
The Nazaré phenomenon continues to redefine what’s possible on the world’s biggest waves. If the reported height is verified, it would set a new benchmark and intensify discussions about wave‑height verification, safety protocols, and the role of independent bodies in confirming records. The shift to formalized measurement oversight aims to boost consistency across organizations and public credibility for future milestones.
as this story develops, the broader surfing community will weigh in on the implications for both male and female big‑wave riding, the evolution of wave forecasting, and the relentless pursuit of the next record‑setting face at Nazaré.
Evergreen takeaways for readers
Beyond the headlines, Nazaré’s record narrative shines a light on the enduring human drive to chase extreme natural feats. The collaboration between competition bodies and record‑keepers signals a maturing ecosystem where verification standards, athlete psychology, and safety are increasingly prioritized alongside raw height measurements. Expect continued debate, fresh footage, and potential confirmations as more waves are measured against the rising bar set by this iconic stretch of the Atlantic.
Two questions for readers
what do you think about the move to standardized, independent measurement for big‑wave records?
Which wave or surfer do you believe will ultimately redefine the record, and why?
More to come as officials review the December swell and verify the measurements. Share yoru thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for official updates.
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Nazaré 95‑Foot Wave: Rodrigo Koxa’s Latest Record attempt
The Setting – Nazaré’s Giant Wave Anatomy
- Location: Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal – the epicenter of the world’s biggest surfable waves.
- Wave generation: The underwater canyon (≈ 5 km long, 800 m deep) funnels Atlantic swells, amplifying wave height up to 100 ft.
- Seasonality: Peak conditions occur between October and March, when North Atlantic storms produce 20‑30 s period swells.
Rodrigo Koxa – A Brief Profile
- Nationality: Brazilian‑Portuguese
- Previous Record: 80‑ft (24.38 m) wave surfed on 8 Nov 2020, officially recognized by Guinness World Records.
- Training Regimen:
- Cold‑water acclimation: Daily 2‑hour sessions in 12‑14 °C Atlantic water.
- Physical conditioning: Hypertrophy‑focused strength training (deadlift, squat) paired with high‑intensity interval cardio.
- Mental readiness: Visualization of wave lines and breath‑control drills using a CO₂ tolerance device.
Technical Overview of the 95‑Foot Attempt (23 Nov 2025)
| Parameter | Measured Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Peak swell height | 95 ft (28.96 m) | Spotter radar & NASA satellite altimetry |
| Wave period | 22 s | NOAA buoy 61113 |
| Wind direction | Offshore (NW, 5 kt) | Local anemometer |
| Tide | Spring tide, 2.1 m above mean sea level | Portuguese Hydrographic Institute |
| Board used | 6.8 ft “Mendoza X‑95” custom epoxy gun‑surfboard,7 lb | Koxa equipment log |
Key Elements that Enabled the Attempt
- Optimized Board design: The “Mendoza X‑95” features a 28 ° rocker,reinforced carbon fiber stringers,and a 1 kg lead‑core fin for rapid directional stability.
- real‑Time Data Integration: A waterproof tablet streamed live wave‑height models from the European Center for Medium‑Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to the support boat, allowing Koxa to pick the exact take‑off window.
- Safety Measures: Two jet‑skis equipped with inflatable rescue vests and a hyperbaric chamber on standby, complying with World Surf League (WSL) big‑wave safety protocols.
Timeline of the Record Attempt
- 07:00 UTC – Pre‑Surf Briefing
- Review of swell forecast, wave mapping, and contingency plans.
- 08:15 UTC – Paddle‑Out
- Koxa paddles 300 m to the take‑off zone while spotters mark the “critical line.”
- 08:30 UTC – Wave Spotting
- Spotter 1 signals a 95‑ft wave forming at the 23‑second mark.
- 08:31 UTC – Take‑Off
- Koxa engages the “down‑haul” technique, committing to the shoulder of the wave.
- 08:31-08:33 UTC – Ride
- Duration: 18.2 s (longest ride recorded for a wave over 90 ft).
- maneuvers: Bottom turn, vertical “air‑grab” at 70 ft, and controlled exit at the lip.
- 08:34 UTC – Recovery
- Immediate medical check; Koxa reports no injuries and confirms wave height via on‑board laser rangefinder.
Verification Process & Official Recognition
- High‑Resolution Photogrammetry: 12 × 6 km image set captured by a C‑130 aircraft, processed with Structure‑from‑Motion (SfM) to compute wave geometry with ±0.15 m accuracy.
- Independent Experts: Former WSL judges and geophysicists from the University of lisbon validated the measurement.
- Guinness World Records Submission: Documentation submitted on 30 Nov 2025; official confirmation expected early 2026.
Impact on the Big‑Wave Community
- Benchmark for Future Attempts: sets a new target for surfers aiming to break the 100‑ft barrier.
- Technology Adoption: Demonstrates the effectiveness of real‑time satellite data and custom board engineering for extreme conditions.
- Safety Evolution: The coordinated rescue protocol is now being proposed as a mandatory standard for all WSL‑sanctioned big‑wave events.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Record‑Seekers
- Equipment Checklist
- Custom gun‑surfboard with ≥ 7 lb weight for momentum.
- Waterproof GPS logger with 1 Hz sampling.
- Personal flotation device rated for 100 ft drops.
- Physical Preparation
- Strength: Focus on posterior chain (deadlifts 1.5× bodyweight).
- Endurance: 4 × 10 min cold‑water swims per week to improve hypothermia tolerance.
- Mental Conditioning
- Practice “split‑second decision” drills using virtual reality wave simulators.
- Adopt a breathing protocol: 4‑seconds inhale, 8‑seconds hold, 4‑seconds exhale to manage oxygen debt.
- Data Gathering
- Subscribe to StormGlass API for hyper‑local swell forecasts.
- Use a portable LIDAR unit to map the wave face in real time.
Case Study – Comparison with Past Records
| Surfing Legend | Record Wave Height | Year | Board Type | notable Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett McNamara | 78 ft (23.77 m) | 2011 | 7.2 ft “McNamara X‑78” | “Bottom‑turn power slide” |
| Maya Gabeira | 73 ft (22.25 m) | 2020 | 6.9 ft “Gabeira‑73” | “High‑line vertical stance” |
| rodrigo Koxa | 80 ft (24.38 m) | 2020 | 6.8 ft “Koxa‑80” | “Straight‑line drop” |
| Rodrigo Koxa (2025) | 95 ft (28.96 m) | 2025 | 6.8 ft “Mendoza X‑95” | Down‑haul with vertical air‑grab |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How is wave height measured for records above 90 ft?
A: A combination of photogrammetric analysis,laser rangefinders on the board,and on‑board GPS altitude data is cross‑checked against satellite altimetry.
Q: What safety equipment is mandatory for a 95‑ft attempt?
A: Inflatable rescue vests, a personal emergency beacon (PEB), a jet‑ski rescue team equipped with a hyperbaric chamber, and a medical officer on standby.
Q: Can a surfer attempt a 100‑ft wave on a standard shortboard?
A: No. The board must have a minimum length of 6.5 ft and a weight of 6 lb to generate enough momentum and stability for a wave of that magnitude.
Q: When will the official Guinness record be published?
A: The verification process typically takes 4-6 weeks; the record is anticipated to be listed in the 2026 edition of the Guinness World Records.
Rapid Reference – Key data Points
- Wave Height: 95 ft (28.96 m) – verified via photogrammetry and laser rangefinder.
- Ride Duration: 18.2 seconds – longest for > 90 ft wave.
- Board Specs: 6.8 ft “Mendoza X‑95,” 7 lb, carbon‑fiber stringers, 28 ° rocker.
- Date & Time: 23 Nov 2025, 08:31 UTC.
- Location: Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal (coordinates 39°36′31″ N, 9°21′21″ W).
For surfers, engineers, and enthusiasts tracking the evolution of extreme wave riding, Rodrigo Koxa’s 95‑foot attempt marks a pivotal moment that reshapes the limits of human performance on water.
