The deadliest surf spots on the planet

Shipstern Bluff
Pipeline
Mavericks
Teahupoo (Teahupo'o)
Teahupoo (Teahupoʻo)
Jaws (Pe'ahi)
Praia do Norte
Dungeons
Waimea Bay
Western Australia

Surfing in extreme conditions can be a life-threatening experience, but many thrill-seeking surfers still keep chasing the biggest swells and the most challenging waves on the planet in search of the ultimate ride. Click through this gallery and get to know the most dangerous surf spots in the world.

Shipstern Bluff

This surf spot, also known as Devil's Point or Shippies, is located in Tasmania, Australia.

The shape of the ocean floor has some particular characteristics. It makes the wave mutate as it breaks, creating "steps" that can be very challenging to surf.

Pipeline

The spot is famous for its perfect hollow waves that break on a razor-sharp coral reef.

Mavericks

This dangerous surf spot can be found off the coast of Half Moon Bay in Northern California.

Professional surfer Mark Foo drowned while surfing Mavericks after his leash became entangled on the rocks during a wipeout.

Teahupoo (Teahupo'o)

This beautiful, yet extremely dangerous, surf spot is located in Tahiti.

Teahupoo (Teahupoʻo)

This heavy, perfect wave breaks on a very shallow reef and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Jaws (Pe'ahi)

This surf spot can be found in Maui, Hawaii.

Due to its quick break and its size, it can be a very dangerous wave. Even Jet-Ski rescues can be tricky, as the wave breaks in front of a 91-meter (300-foot) high cliff.

Praia do Norte

This spot is located in Nazaré, Portugal. Praia do Norte produces some of the biggest waves on the planet, and is a mecca for big wave riders.

It became popular in 2011 after American surfer Garrett McNamara broke the world record (at the time) for the largest wave ever surfed.

The swells are funneled through the Nazaré Canyon and form massive waves when they reach the shore. Notably, German surfer Sebastian Steudtner currently holds the world record for the biggest wave ever ridden, a 26.2-meter (86-foot) wave, surfed on October 29, 2020, at Praia do Norte. This record surpassed the previous 24-meter (80-foot) wave ridden by Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa in 2017.