Garrett McNamara Sets Record: Surfer Rides 90 Foot Wave (VIDEO)

On his website, Garrett McNamara is a self-described "extreme surfer." Interestingly enough, this may be the understatement of the century. The American professional surfer broke the world record for "Largest Wave Surfed" by conquering a 90 foot behemoth. "Extreme" doesn't quite do this feat justice.

WATCH VIDEO ABOVE

According to Gizmodo, the previous world record was set by Mike Parsons in 2008 for surfing a paltry 77-foot wave.

McNamara's amazing feat took place in Praia do Norte, Nazare, Portugal, during the ZON North Canyon Project.

According to the Portuguese Hydrographic Institute, as reported in Drift Magazine, "the proximity of the 'Nazare Canyon' to Praia do Norte creates a situation that greatly increases the swells intensity."

"Greatly increases" is probably another understatement.

"I feel so blessed and honoured to have been invited to explore this canyon and its special town," McNamara told Surfer Today. "The waves here are such a mystery."

Comments

[JnthnH]

03:01 PM on 11/29/2011

Garret, or somebody in his camp, claimed it. 90 feet. World record. That's real humble of you GMac. What a kook.

[woodnwire]

09:51 PM on 11/13/2011

how do you measure the height of a wave ?

[BuckyJamesDio]

02:26 PM on 11/13/2011

"Vaya con Dios, Bodhi."

[jwb2013]

07:32 AM on 11/13/2011

Miguel del Toro rode a MUCH bigger wave in Patagonia. Sorry Garrett....you know it too. say hi to Liam, Bernie and Malia for me.( you tube has the wave on video )

[riokiid56]

07:25 AM on 11/13/2011

That wave wasn't 90 feet. For one, the video was taken from above, which make the wave look bigger. It was probably a good 60 feet. Waves that size are regularly ridden at Jaws in Hawaii, at Mavericks in Northern California, at Ghost Trees in Northern California, at Todos Santos in Mexico, and at unknown spots in Peru.

Still, I'll never go near such a monster, not even in a boat capable of rolling with the punches.

McNamara is an animal. Did you see the video of him surfing the glacier spawned wave in Antarctica, or is it Alaska?

[nobodysgirl]

02:19 PM on 11/11/2011

Wow. I"m glad he got it and glad he survived it!

[Laguna Beach Lady]

11:56 AM on 11/11/2011

It's Over ~ My opinions aren't about judging and being they are my opinions I'm not speaking for anyone else. And I never referred to Garret as "stupid" you're the one that keeps mentionining that word. You have a right to your opinion and I have a right to mind. I'm not inferring that you're wrong or that I'm right. It's a matter of opinion. And to show respect ~ let's agree to disagree. Shall we?

[StephenJK]

08:18 AM on 11/14/2011

Calm down lady. No one's attacking you or your opinion.

[Laguna Beach Lady]

11:01 AM on 11/14/2011

StephenJK ~ It's Over remarks did in fact challenge my opinion. And, I'm calm but I don't appreciate anyone attacking my opinion. It's a matter of showing respect and class.

[manumoka]

11:18 AM on 11/11/2011

steel cajones!

[sloreader]

03:48 PM on 11/13/2011

Steel furniture drawers?

[Its Over]

06:52 AM on 11/11/2011

I've never surfed waves even close to that size but in the 80's living in Hawaii I remember
some wipeouts on mere 15 foot waves and being held under while getting thrashed by the wave for what seemed like an eternity.

These guys have huge gaho nes.

[belldn3]

09:09 PM on 11/10/2011

EXTREME!!!!!!

[mbdlawyers]

08:38 PM on 11/10/2011

terrifying and exhilirating

[Mark Twainer]

02:18 PM on 11/10/2011

Surfing dog!?

[Laguna Beach Lady]

02:11 PM on 11/10/2011

I'm not certain if Garrett McNamars is stupid or daring. However, this was totally awesome. I hope he's got good life insurance though.

[Its Over]

06:51 AM on 11/11/2011

In my life the times I have felt the most alive were the times I was closest to de
ath.

Its not stu
pidity that drives people who do extreme sports, it is many things.

[Laguna Beach Lady]

09:25 AM on 11/11/2011

I am all for giving a sport your best effort ~ but carlessness for ones life isn't smart. Whether you're the first or last to do it. Does Garrett have a family? Maybe they would look at "it" a little differently. And not everyone feels so alive so close to death.

[rokteer]

12:26 AM on 12/03/2011

How cliche'

[edm40]

02:06 PM on 11/10/2011

insane

[CadOps]

02:03 PM on 11/10/2011

Totally.