Nazaré: how the giant-wave season works, when to go, where to watch, and why that wave is special

When the sea rises in winter, the surfing world turns to a small town on the Portuguese coast: Nazaré. Some of the largest waves ever surfed form there. In this article we explain why it happens, when the season is, how the contests work and how to watch safely.

Record figures and contest dates change, so always check official sources before you quote them.

Why does Nazaré have giant waves?

The secret is underwater. Off Praia do Norte lies the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater canyon about 230 kilometres long, with depths that can pass five thousand metres. It is the largest in Europe. This canyon channels and amplifies the energy of swell from storms in the middle of the Atlantic. When that swell reaches the area closer to the coast, where the bottom rises abruptly, the wave grows in an extraordinary way.

The result is a wall of water that can reach enormous dimensions, seen up close from the cliff.

When is the big-wave season?

The so-called Big Waves Season usually runs from October to March, when storms in the North Atlantic generate larger, more frequent swells. Giant waves do not happen every day. They depend on a combination of a large swell, a favourable wind and the tide. On some winter days the forecast points to waves of about 20 metres at Praia do Norte.

We are now at the start of the 2026/2027 season.

How do you surf a wave like this?

Tow-in

At Nazaré, many of the larger waves are surfed tow-in: the surfer is towed by a jet ski into the wave, because waves of this size move too fast to be caught by paddling. A second driver, and a safety team, accompanies each session.

Paddle-in

There are also surfers who catch waves by paddling, on larger surfboards and with specialised technique, although that is an even more demanding approach.

Equipment and safety

Big-wave surfers use inflatable flotation vests, and the teams are trained in rescue. Even so, it is an extreme-risk sport: there have been serious accidents and deaths at Nazaré.

Contests

The Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is the giant-wave contest on the WSL calendar. It only runs when conditions are considered ideal, with a contest window that stretches through the season, in the tow-in format. When the forecasts are confirmed, the organisation calls the event and the contest happens on a single day, often with only a few hours or days of notice. The window for the 2025/2026 season stayed open until 31 March 2026.

Besides this contest, Nazaré hosts other events and invited-surfer sessions throughout the winter.

Records: what we know

Records for the largest wave surfed are a delicate subject. They depend on measurements, validation and bodies such as Guinness World Records. The numbers therefore vary by source. What is documented:

• 2011: the American Garrett McNamara surfed a wave of about 24 metres (78 feet) at Nazaré, a record that put the town on the world surfing map.
• 2017: the Brazilian Rodrigo Koxa surfed a wave of 24.38 metres at Praia do Norte, which was recognised as a record.
• 2020: the German Sebastian Steudtner surfed a wave of 26.21 metres, recognised as a record.

The recognised men's record currently belongs to Sebastian Steudtner. Meanwhile, other waves surfed at Nazaré, such as a measurement of 29.15 metres attributed to Rodrigo Koxa in the 2025/2026 season (which earned him the Biggest Men's Wave award at the Big Wave Challenge 2026), are waiting for official ratification. Athletes such as Justine Dupont and Maya Gabeira also surf at Nazaré, and they stand out among the women in big-wave surfing.

Where to watch the giant waves safely

The best place to watch is the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, the fort with the red lighthouse that has become the symbol of Nazaré. From there you have a panoramic view of Praia do Norte and the waves.

Tips for a visit

1. Check the forecast before you go. Not every winter day has giant waves. Forecast sites and local channels help.
2. Arrive early on days of a large swell or a contest: thousands of people can gather.
3. Do not go down to the beach on a big day. Praia do Norte is not a swimming beach. It has very strong currents and is reserved for giant-wave surfers.
4. Respect the safety perimeters and the instructions of the authorities and the organisation.
5. Dress warmly: the wind at the lighthouse can be strong and cold.
6. Allow for the journey: Nazaré is about 120 kilometres north of Lisbon.

Frequently asked questions

When are there giant waves at Nazaré?

Usually between October and March, when storms in the North Atlantic generate larger swells. They do not happen every day.

Can I go and watch without paying?

Access to the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo may be paid and may have its own hours. Check prices and hours on the official channels before you go.

Can I surf at Praia do Norte?

It is not recommended. It is reserved for professional giant-wave surfers.

What is tow-in?

A technique in which the surfer is towed by a jet ski into the wave, used on waves that are very large and very fast.

Who holds the record?

The recognised men's record belongs to Sebastian Steudtner. Other, more recent measurements are waiting for ratification.

From small seas to large waves

Every great surfer started the same way: with a large surfboard, small waves and a good coach. If you want to take the first step, book your lesson at origemsurfschool.com/en/booking or see the surf lessons for every level.