Justine Dupont’s record-breaking ride
French surfer Justine Dupont stunned the surfing world on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, when she rode one of the biggest waves ever recorded at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. The colossal wave, estimated to be over 80 feet high, showcased Dupont’s exceptional skill and fearless approach to big wave surfing.
As she dropped into the towering wall of water, Dupont maintained perfect control, carving through the face of the wave with precision. Spectators on the cliffs of Nazaré watched in awe as she navigated the immense force of the ocean, demonstrating why she is considered one of the best big wave surfers in the world.
Following the ride, Dupont expressed her excitement and gratitude, calling it one of the most incredible moments of her career. “It was an unbelievable wave, and I’m so happy to have made it to the bottom and completed the ride,” she said. “The power of Nazaré is something you can never fully prepare for, but today everything came together perfectly.”
Her performance is already being compared to some of the greatest rides in big wave history, and there is speculation that it could set a new world record for the largest wave ever surfed by a woman. If confirmed, this achievement would further cement Dupont’s legacy in the sport and inspire a new generation of female surfers to push the limits of what is possible in big wave surfing.
The power of Nazare’s waves
Nazaré has long been known as one of the most formidable big wave surfing locations in the world. Situated off the coast of Portugal, Praia do Norte is home to waves that regularly exceed 60 feet, with some reaching over 100 feet under the right conditions. The unique underwater geography of the region, particularly the Nazaré Canyon, plays a crucial role in amplifying the size and power of these waves.
The canyon, which plunges to depths of around 5,000 metres, channels and magnifies incoming ocean swells, creating the monstrous waves that have made Nazaré a mecca for big wave surfers. Unlike other famous big wave spots such as Jaws in Hawaii or Mavericks in California, Nazaré’s waves are known for their unpredictable nature, often forming massive, shifting peaks that challenge even the most experienced surfers.
Australian big wave surfer Ross Clarke-Jones, who has competed at Nazaré multiple times, has described the waves as some of the most powerful he has ever encountered. “The energy in the water here is unlike anywhere else,” he once said. “You’re not just dealing with the height of the wave, but also the sheer force behind it. If you wipe out, you’re getting held down for a long time.”
Safety is a major concern at Nazaré, with jet ski rescue teams playing a critical role in ensuring surfers can escape the impact zone after a ride. The waves break with such intensity that a single mistake can lead to a brutal wipeout, making split-second decision-making essential. Many surfers train extensively in breath-hold techniques and physical endurance to prepare for the extreme conditions they face at this break.
Despite the risks, Nazaré continues to attract the world’s best big wave surfers, drawn by the challenge and the opportunity to ride some of the most awe-inspiring waves on the planet. With each passing season, the limits of what is possible in big wave surfing are being pushed further, and performances like Justine Dupont’s latest ride only add to the legend of this incredible surf spot.
The future of women’s big wave surfing
Women’s big wave surfing has seen remarkable progress in recent years, with athletes like Justine Dupont leading the charge. Her performance at Nazaré is a testament to the increasing skill, dedication, and fearlessness of female surfers who are pushing the boundaries of what was once considered possible in the sport.
For decades, big wave surfing was dominated by men, with only a handful of women gaining recognition in the field. However, the landscape is changing rapidly. More women are training specifically for big wave conditions, improving their physical endurance, breath-hold capacity, and technical skills to take on the world’s most dangerous waves. Events like the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge and the WSL Big Wave competitions have provided a platform for female surfers to showcase their talent on a global stage.
One of the biggest challenges for women in big wave surfing has been access to sponsorship and resources. Historically, female surfers have received less financial support compared to their male counterparts, making it harder to afford the necessary training, equipment, and safety teams required for tackling waves like those at Nazaré. However, with performances like Dupont’s gaining widespread attention, the industry is beginning to take notice, and more brands are investing in women’s big wave surfing.
Australian big wave surfer Laura Enever, who has also made a name for herself in extreme surf conditions, has spoken about the importance of visibility and opportunity. “The more we see women charging these waves, the more young girls will believe they can do it too,” she said. “It’s about breaking barriers and proving that we belong in this space just as much as the men.”
Technology and safety advancements are also playing a crucial role in the evolution of women’s big wave surfing. Improved inflatable vests, jet ski rescue protocols, and breath-hold training techniques have made it safer for surfers to push their limits. These developments are allowing more women to enter the sport with confidence, knowing they have the tools and support to take on massive waves.
With each groundbreaking ride, female surfers are not only redefining the sport but also inspiring the next generation. Young girls watching Dupont’s historic wave at Nazaré will see that big wave surfing is no longer just a man’s game—it’s a space where women can thrive, compete, and set records of their own. As the sport continues to grow, the future of women’s big wave surfing looks brighter than ever.
Justine Dupont’s record-breaking ride
French surfer Justine Dupont has once again proven why she’s one of the best in the game, taking on a monstrous wave at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Dupont paddled into what could be one of the biggest waves ever ridden by a female surfer, carving her way down a towering wall of water with absolute precision.
The wave, estimated to be well over 20 metres, roared through the infamous break, but Dupont handled it like a true pro. With perfect positioning and nerves of steel, she dropped in, held her line, and rode the beast all the way through, leaving the crowd on the cliffs in awe. If confirmed, this ride could set a new world record for the largest wave ever surfed by a woman.
“It was one of those waves where everything just lined up perfectly,” Dupont said after the session. “The speed, the power—it was incredible. Definitely one of the best waves of my life.”
For those who know Nazaré, this wasn’t just another big wave—it was a monster, the kind that only the bravest surfers dare to take on. And Dupont didn’t just survive it—she absolutely owned it. If there was ever a moment that cemented her as one of the greatest big-wave surfers of all time, this was it.
The significance of Nazaré’s giant waves
Nazaré isn’t just another surf spot—it’s the colosseum of big-wave surfing. This Portuguese fishing village has become the ultimate proving ground for surfers chasing the biggest, heaviest waves on the planet. Thanks to an underwater canyon that plunges over 5,000 metres deep, the waves here don’t just roll in—they explode, stacking up into towering walls of water that can reach over 30 metres high.
For surfers, Nazaré is both a dream and a nightmare. The power of these waves is unmatched, and wiping out here isn’t just a bad day—it’s like getting hit by a freight train, then dragged through a washing machine set to ‘obliterate’. But for those who dare, the reward is legendary status in the big-wave world.
Australia has its fair share of heavy waves—think Shipstern Bluff or The Right—but Nazaré is in a league of its own. The sheer unpredictability of the break, combined with the insane speed of the waves, makes it one of the most dangerous surf spots on the planet. It’s not just about skill; it’s about having the guts to commit when a 20-metre wall of water is chasing you down.
“It’s like dropping into a moving skyscraper,” said one big-wave veteran. “You either make it, or you get absolutely annihilated.”
For Justine Dupont, conquering Nazaré isn’t just about records—it’s about pushing the limits of what’s possible in surfing. And with waves like these, the limits are only getting bigger.