Surfing
Surfing
8 top big wave surfing spots in the US
If you’re looking for comparable big swells to leave you in awe, check out this list of the top big wave surfing spots in the United States.
Surfer Kai Lenny loves big wave surfing for the personal challenge. “It’s never been about beating someone else. It’s always been about beating myself,” he said.
In the show "Life of Kai," Lenny demonstrates why he is one of the best at big wave surfing, a type of surfing that involves riding waves ranging from nine to 20 feet high. As you might imagine, a high level of skill, physical fitness, mental focus, and experience are required to ride them successfully. Knowing where to go is also crucial!
Kai Lenny surfing in Pe'ahi
© Erik Aeder / Red Bull Content Pool
Fortunately, the United States is home to some of the best big wave spots in the world—playing a huge role in the history of big wave surfing. Of the 10 biggest waves ever surfed, one was off the coast of Hawaii, and the other was off the coast of California.
8 Top Big Wave Surfing Spots in the US
If you’re looking for comparable big swells to leave you in awe, check out this list of the 8 top big wave surfing spots in the United States.
01
Pipeline: Oahu, Hawaii
Eli Hanneman surfs at Pipeline in Haleiwa, Hawaii, USA on January 21, 2022
© Trevor Moran / Red Bull Content Pool
- Waves: Up to 30 feet high
- Surfing Breaks: Reef break
Pipeline is a world-renowned surfing break located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, known for its massive waves, powerful currents, and shallow reef. While the weather can be unpredictable, the best surfing conditions occur during the winter months when the waves are at their biggest. There are several accommodations near Pipeline, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. Oahu is where 70 percent of the local population and Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, are located.
02
Jaws: Maui, Hawaii
Kai Lenny surfs big waves in Pe'ahi, HI, USA on January 22, 2020
© Erik Aeder / Red Bull Content Pool
- Waves: Up to 60 feet high
- Surfing Breaks: Reef break
Jaws, also known as Pe'ahi, is located on the north shore of Maui and is notorious for its massive swell. The waves break over a shallow reef, creating a fast and powerful ride that is not for inexperienced riders. Winter is the best time to surf at Jaws, which is when the swells peak in size. It’s often a host site for the WSL Big Wave World Tour, a competition Lenny surfs in Season 1 Episode 2 of Life of Kai. Wind and swell direction are crucial in determining whether the waves will be rideable.
19 min
Showdown at Peahi
Kai Lenny competes in the WSL Big Wave World Tour event at his home break of Peahi (Jaws) in Maui.
03
Waimea Bay: Oahu, Hawaii
Kelta O'Rourke surfs at Red Bull Magnitude at Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii
© Christa Funk / Red Bull Content Pool
- Waves: Up to 30 feet high
- Surfing Breaks: Beach break
Waimea Bay is famous for its massive waves that peak in size from November to February, which is the best time to surf in Oahu thanks to the powerful winter swells generated in the Pacific. It has played host to the Red Bull Magnitude Challenge. The waves at Waimea Bay break over a shallow reef, creating a thrilling ride for experienced surfers. Occasional rain and strong winds are common during these months, but the massive waves that turbulent weather generates is one of the reasons the Bay draws surfers from all over the world. It’s a popular vacation spot so there are always plenty of rentals to choose from.
04
Mavericks: Half Moon Bay, California
Justine Dupont taking off on a big wave at Mavericks, California
© Fred Pompermayer / Red Bull Content Pool
- Waves: Up to 60 feet high
- Surfing Breaks: Exposed reef break
Mavericks is a renowned big wave surf spot located off the coast of Northern California. The waves are created by a unique underwater rock formation, which causes them to break in an especially powerful manner. The best time to surf at Mavericks is during winter, from November to March. The nearby town of Half Moon Bay offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts.
05
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
- Waves: Up to 15 feet high
- Surfing Breaks: Beach break
New Smyrna Beach, Florida is known, above all, for its consistent year-round waves. Located on the Ponce Inlet just south of Daytona Beach, the waves here, which break left and right at various points along the beach, are reliable no matter which season you visit. It’s why it has earned the nickname “the wave magnet,” by locals. For this reason, it’s also a hotspot that surfers from all over visit, so be prepared to compete for waves. Being a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of hotels and things to do like renting electric bikes along the beach. There’s even a surf school if you bring a friend or two with less experience.
06
Nelscott Reef: Lincoln City, Oregon
- Waves: Up to 40 feet high
- Surfing Breaks: Reef break
Some may be surprised that Oregon surfing makes this list, but thanks to a massive underwater rock shelf off the coast, Nelscott Reef in Lincoln City offers some amazing big wave surfing. Swells are steady and large from October to March, which are the prime months to surf—though strong winter winds and storms can create dangerous conditions. In fact, this area is known for its powerful, unpredictable swells and weather, so surfers with minimal big wave experience may want to cut their chops elsewhere. Visitors can always explore the gorgeous and foggy PNW coast if the sea is too rough. A good mix of local accommodations and chain hotels are all over this area, so you’ll have plenty of options on any budget.
07
Westport: Grays Harbor, Washington
- Waves: Up to 30 feet high
- Surfing Breaks: Beach break
Westport in Grays Harbor in Washington state is another northwest gem to check out. October through April are the best months to catch big swells, though similar to Nelscott Reef, brutal winds and aggressive storm patterns can make it a little unsafe. Expect the best surf days to also be accompanied by wind and possibly rain. The best big waves are generally breaks found inside the sandbar at this location, which offers 50 miles of coastline. Along this strip, the town of Westport has plenty of hotels, cool lighthouses, and local wildlife that will make any trip worth it.
08
Montauk: Long Island, New York
- Waves: Up to 20 feet high
- Surfing Breaks: Exposed reef break
Believe it or not, some of the best big wave surfing is located only 120 miles from the heart of Manhattan. Northeastern Atlantic Ocean swells hit Montauk, the easternmost point of Long Island, New York, at just the right angle to generate powerful and consistent waves. September through April are the best months to visit. Just be ready for cold water! Temperatures average around 50°F. This little hamlet is home to some of the world’s best fishing, and seafood restaurants—although it’s also one of the most expensive places to stay in New York—so if you’re on a budget, you may need to drive in and out.
09
Tips for Big Wave Surfing
Big wave surfing can be an exhilarating and thrilling experience, but it’s not for everyone. Here are some tips for beginners who are interested in getting into big wave surfing:
- Equipment and Gear: Due to the sheer power of swells you’ll be surfing, you’ll need a surfboard with enough volume and length to glide on waves. A leash to keep your board close to you and a good wetsuit to keep you warm in cold water are also essential. A safety vest is recommended for beginners.
- Safety Tips: Always check local weather conditions, the size and direction of the waves, and the tide. Never surf big waves alone.
- Training and Preparation: It’s a good idea to start with smaller swells and gradually work your way up to big wave surfing. Develop your strength and endurance through cardio, swimming, and perhaps even weight training. Practicing holding your breath for extended periods to increase your lung capacity isn’t a bad idea, either. There are plenty of benefits to swimming.
It’s not a sport for the faint of heart, surely. But if you’re looking for the biggest waves to surf, the USA is home to some amazing spots.
Need more inspiration? Check out the big wave surfing series Surf Sessions.
