A Brazilian surfer, taking advantage of conditions created by a violent storm that ravaged Europe, caught and rode a wave estimated to have been a staggering 100 feet high earlier this week.
Carlos Burle, 45, took on the monster swell Monday at Praia do Norte, near the fishing village of Nazare, Portugal.
It is believed to be the biggest wave ever ridden, and easily tops the previous record, a 78-foot wave ridden by Hawaiian Garrett McNamara at the same location in 2011.
The day had plenty of excitement: Earlier Burle was surfing with fellow Brazilian Maya Gabeira when she was knocked unconscious by the strong waves and nearly drowned.
Gabeira was dragged onto shore and given medical attention on the beach before being taken to hospital. She sustained a broken ankle, according to The Telegraph.
“It was luck. We never know when we will be catching the wave. I still hadn’t surfed any wave and everyone had already had their rides. Maya almost died,” Burle told Surfer Today. “For me, it was a big adrenaline moment to get back there after what happened.”
The Portuguese beach is well-known in surfing circles as a mecca for large waves because it picks up the full brunt of the violent Atlantic storm swells. The recent St. Jude storm created ideal conditions for monster waves.
Burle’s previous best was a 72-foot wave he rode in 2001 at Mavericks, in Northern California, according to Surfer Today.
His wave at Praia do Norte will be analyzed by the Guinness World Records.
(Top: Brazilian Carlos Burle takes on a wave estimated to be 100 feet in height at Praia do Norte, near the fishing village of Nazare. Photo credit: Getty Images.)
The Cotton Boll Conspiracy 
I lived in Hawaii for three years. I was too afraid to even attempt the 15 or 20 foot waves. You cannot imagine the crushing power of those waves. I cannot believe this guy got a hold of a 100 foot wave that must have been amazing.
I spent high school living in Santa Cruz, Calif., and surfed a few times; just getting out to the waves was often an exhausting experience. And I never tried to ride anything more than a 6-8 foot wave, and that was difficult enough.
And, yes, the power of the ocean is incredible. The people who ride the monster waves know that if they fall there’s a decent chance they could be killed. But it must be some feeling when they pull it off.
I was in the pipe line for like a half of a second. It was awesome.
I’m from a country with 1.232 billion population, yet only 2 successful circumnavigators till date. Perhaps, that would tell you about our awareness about water sports and adventures.having read this, I’m excited. Perhaps, i need to learn more of this..
wow
Yes, “wow” about sums it up. That, and a few choice four-letter words.