Biggest Wave Ever? California Surfer Takes on 108-Foot Giant [WATCH]

California surfer Alessandro ‘Alo’ Slebir may have just set a new world record for the largest wave ever ridden, though it will take time before the claim can be officially confirmed.

The current world record for the tallest wave ever surfed stands at 86 feet, a record set by Sebastian Steudtner at Nazaré, Portugal.

However, while Nazaré’s break is right off the beach—making it theoretically easier to measure from a fixed position—the process of certifying the record took 18 months due to the detailed review required to accurately measure such an immense wave.

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On December 23, Slebir rode a wave at Mavericks in Half Moon Bay, California, that some estimate to be around 108 feet tall, which would potentially break the current record.

However, as is often the case in surfing, measuring the height of a wave is a challenge, especially when trying to do so based on photographs and video footage, as there is typically no fixed location to measure from.

23-year-old Californian Alessandro Slebir may have broke the world record for largest wave ever surfed.

The wave was part of the storm that demolished the Santa Cruz Wharf last month.

The wave is believed to be 108 ft tall, according to Mavericks Rescue Team, which would beat… pic.twitter.com/VRhtvbeYpS

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 3, 2025

Despite this, many experts have noted the massive size of the wave, though it remains uncertain whether it will officially be recognized as a world record.

In a video shared of the December 23rd swell at Mavericks, Slebir’s possible record-setting wave can be seen around the 0:52 mark.

Mavericks, one of the most famous big wave surf breaks in the world, is known for producing some of the largest waves, and Slebir’s ride adds to the storied history of the location.

Lester Black from SF Gate caught up with Slebir after the ride to ask about the potential world record.

Despite the speculation and excitement surrounding his wave, Slebir seemed largely unconcerned with the idea of setting a record. “Regardless of the number, it really doesn’t matter how big the wave was to me. It was really the biggest wave of my life and that’s all I really care about at the moment,” Slebir told SF Gate.

While the surfing community eagerly waits for official confirmation, it is clear that Slebir’s achievement is significant in its own right. Even without the title of “world record holder,” the wave represents a major personal accomplishment for the Santa Cruz surfer.

For now, experts will need to assess the footage and measurements, and it could take up to a year before the wave’s official size is confirmed.

As the discussion continues, Slebir’s ride has already become a topic of interest for surfing enthusiasts and experts alike.

The process of measuring and certifying such a record is an intricate one, requiring detailed analysis of video footage and other data.

Until then, the surfing world will continue to debate whether the 108-foot wave ridden by Slebir is truly the largest ever ridden, or if it falls short of Steudtner’s current record. Only time will tell.

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