In February of 2022, a supercharged extratropical cyclone, dubbed “Eunice,” spiraled across the Atlantic and sent extra-large waves to Nazaré, Portugal.
During that swell, Vinicius “Vini” Dos Santos rode a wave so big, that some wondered if it was a new world record. Soon after the ride, speculations about the size put it at 97-feet, which would smash the standing record held by Germany’s Sebastian Steudtner from a wave in October of 2020, also at Nazaré, that clocked in at 86 feet.
Now, a new study has substantiated the Brazilian Dos Santos’ 2022 wave height, validating it at 29.68 meters (97.37 feet). Did they get it right?
The study was conducted by Brazilian oceanographer Dr. Douglas Nemes and presented at the International Workshop on Waves, Storm Surges & Coastal Hazards. Through the study, Dr. Nemes’ methodology included a mathematical model for the athlete (Dos Santos assuming the surfing position on land, then measuring his height), then projecting that height onto multiple images of the wave, defining the peak crest and trough measurements, and finally coming up with a number.
“This study represents a significant milestone within the scientific community, and for Vini dos Santos, who may have surfed one of the planet’s biggest waves,” Dr. Nemes said during the presentation, which was held at Spain’s University of Cantabria.
Check out the footage of the wave below:
Reviewing the tape, the wave is undeniably gigantic. However, Dos Santos remains mostly on the shoulder. And then, a second trough appears mid-face, nearly cutting the wave face in half, and Dos Santos takes that line. Let the speculation commence.
It should be noted that the world of big wave measurements, and world record declarations, recently switched hands from the World Surf League to Bill Sharp of the Big Wave Challenge, who will be working directly with Guinness World Records.
Related: Surfer Rides 93.73 Foot Wave. New Record for Biggest Ever?
Since Steudtner’s 2020 world record wave — and the German’s follow-up, alleged 93.73-footer as measured by Porsche — there have been nearly a dozen rides that have challenged it in terms of size. Most recently, Alo Slebir’s monster at Maverick’s comes to mind. Although before the WSL handed over the reins, they decreed the wave to be 76-feet, 10-feet shy of the official record to the surprise of many.
Will the tricky business of big wave measurements see a shift this coming winter season?
Stay tuned.
Related: No 100-Foot Wave? Inside Alo Slebir’s Monster at Maverick’s