15 Best Surfers Who Can Ride The Big Waves

Stephanie Gilmore, the sun-kissed Aussie surfer, is a legend etched in the sport's history.

With a staggering eight world titles under her belt (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2022), she holds the record for most titles in women's surfing, surpassed only by the surfing icon Kelly Slater. 

Gilmore's surfing is pure poetry in motion. Her graceful style and technical prowess have earned her the nickname "the White Witch." 

Beyond the competitive arena, Gilmore has conquered some of the world's most gnarly waves. In 2014, she tackled the legendary Cloudbreak in Fiji, a barreling behemoth known for its unforgiving power. While the exact height of the wave she rode isn't officially documented, it's estimated to have been a towering 40-foot giant.

Rob Machado, with his laid-back style and effortless flow, embodies the true spirit of surfing. He's not just about trophies and big waves, but about riding with joy, creativity, and respect for the ocean.

While competitive accolades paint a part of his story, it's his impact on the surfing culture and his dedication to environmental causes that truly solidify his legendary status.

Here are some of his achievements:

• 3x U.S. Open of Surfing Champion (1994, 1998, 2001)
• Pipeline Masters Champion (1995): Taming the legendary Banzai Pipeline, nicknamed "Pipeline Masters," is a pinnacle achievement for any surfer, and Machado did it in electrifying style.
• Surfer's Hall of Fame inductee (2000)
• Machado founded the Rob Machado Foundation, dedicated to ocean conservation and clean water initiatives. 

Hailing from Durban, South Africa, Shaun Tomson carved his name into surfing history not just with his prowess on the waves, but also with his pioneering spirit and infectious positivity.

He's a legend who embodies the very essence of surfing: a dance with nature, a pursuit of excellence, and a commitment to giving back.

Here are some of his achievements:

• World Surfing Champion (1977)
• 19 Major Pro Event Wins 
• Youngest(17) and Oldest(43) Pro Event Winner
• Tomson revolutionized tube riding, mastering the art of maneuvering within the heart of the wave, a skill that continues to inspire contemporary surfers.
• Co-founded Project Save Our Surf

Eddie Aikau wasn't just a surfer, he was a Hawaiian legend. Renowned for his bravery, skill, and deep connection to the ocean.

Aaiku patrolled the treacherous waves of Oahu's North Shore, saving over 500 lives during his tenure. His dedication to protecting others earned him the nickname "The Guardian of Waimea."

Fearless and skilled, Aikau conquered some of the biggest waves ever ridden, pushing the boundaries of big-wave surfing and inspiring generations of watermen.

In 1978, while attempting to sail to Samoa to help find a missing Tahiti priest, Aikau's canoe overturned. He paddled towards land on his surfboard, never to be seen again.

To honour his spirit, the "Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational" was created. 

Laird Hamilton isn't your average surfer. He's a wave-taming behemoth, a pioneer of big-wave surfing, and a visionary who has redefined the boundaries of what's possible on a board. 

He co-invented tow-in surfing, using jet skis to pull surfers into previously unrideable waves, opening up a whole new realm of possibilities.

Hamilton revolutionized big-wave surfing, riding monstrous waves at Jaws (Peahi), Mavericks, and Teahupoo with a blend of fearlessness and technical precision.

His aquatic mastery landed him roles in Hollywood movies like "Chasing Mavericks" and "Dukes of Hazzard," bringing the thrill of big-wave surfing to the silver screen.

Mark Occhilupo, affectionately known as "Occy," is a surfing legend from Down Under. With a career spanning over three decades, he's carved his name in surfing history with his aggressive style, competitive spirit, and infectious enthusiasm. 

After years of coming close, Occy finally clinched the coveted World Title in 1999, solidifying his place among the surfing elite.

From Bells Beach to Teahupoo, Occy dominated prestigious competitions around the globe, showcasing his adaptability and competitive fire.

Occy's surfing was a spectacle of power and precision. His trademark bottom turns and high-flying airs left crowds awestruck and competitors intimidated.

Gabriel Medina is a Brazilian surfing dynamo. At just 30 years old, he's already cemented his place among the sport's all-time greats, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide with his electrifying surf style and undeniable talent.

He dominated the junior circuit, becoming the youngest-ever ASP World Junior champion at just 15. 

Medina achieved the unthinkable in 2014, becoming the first-ever Brazilian surfing world champion at just 22, sparking a "Brazilian Storm" that revolutionized the sport.

In 2018, he rode a towering wave estimated at 60 feet at Jaws (Peahi), Maui, cementing his reputation as a true waterman and big-wave charger.

Mick Fanning, the Australian surfing giant, embodies courage, resilience, and pure surfing prowess.

With three world titles (2007, 2009, 2013) under his belt and a near-death encounter with a shark that became etched in surfing lore, Fanning's legacy extends far beyond trophies and wave counts.

In 2015, Fanning's world was turned upside down when he was attacked by a shark during a live-streamed competition in South Africa.

While Fanning isn't known solely for big-wave surfing, he's no stranger to riding monsters. His biggest recorded wave ride is estimated at around 40 feet at Cloudbreak, solidifying his reputation as a well-rounded waterman.

Gerry Lopez isn't just a surfing legend, he's synonymous with one of the sport's most iconic breaks: Banzai Pipeline.

Nicknamed "Mr. Pipeline" for his dominance and pioneering spirit on the treacherous Hawaiian wave, he won the prestigious Pipeline Masters back-to-back, showcasing his mastery of the tube and barrel sections.

He is credited with revolutionizing surfboard design, advocating for shorter and lighter boards that were more maneuverable in big waves, paving the way for modern high-performance surfing.

While Lopez is known for his mastery of Pipeline, he has tackled some of the world's most challenging waves, including Waimea Bay and Tahiti, and estimates riding a 50-foot wave at Cloudbreak in Fiji.

John "John John" Florence, with his explosive surfing style and infectious smile, has carved his name into surfing history as one of the most dynamic and innovative surfers of his generation.

He's a two-time World Champion (2016, 2017), a master of aerial maneuvers, and an inspiration to young surfers worldwide. He is a 5-time Triple Crown of Surfing Champion (2011, 2013, 2016, 2020, 2021). 

While Florence shines in competitions and smaller waves, he's no stranger to riding monsters. He's tackled Jaws (Peahi) in Maui and Teahupoo in Tahiti, showcasing his versatility and courage in challenging conditions.

His biggest recorded wave ride is estimated at around 50 feet at Jaws, proving his reputation as a fearless big-wave charger.

Mark Richards, aka "MR," wasn't just a surfer; he was an artist who painted his lines on the water.

With four world titles (1979, 1980, 1981, 1982) and a style as smooth as silk, Richards redefined surfing from a power game to a ballet of precision and flow.

While known for his mastery of smaller waves, Richards was no stranger to riding challenging conditions. He tackled big waves at Waimea Bay and Tahiti, pushing his limits and demonstrating his versatility as a waterman.

His biggest recorded wave ride is estimated at around 40 feet at Waimea Bay, proving his courage and adaptability.

Duke Kahanamoku wasn't just a surfer; he was an ambassador of the aloha spirit, an Olympic swimming champion, and the man who single-handedly popularized surfing around the world. 

Through films, exhibitions, and demonstrations, Kahanamoku introduced the world to the joy of surfing, showcasing its beauty and cultural significance, earning him the title "The Father of Modern Surfing."

As a swimmer, Kahanamoku secured gold medals in the 100m freestyle and a silver in the 4x200m relay at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.

While known for his graceful rides on Waikiki's swells, Kahanamoku wasn't afraid to tackle bigger waves. He reportedly rode a massive wave estimated at 30 feet at Castle Beach in 1917.

Tom Curren, with his powerful surf style and enigmatic personality, carved his name into surfing history as a champion who redefined surfing power and redefined it with elegance.

He's a three-time world champion (1985, 1986, 1990), and a master of big waves. He has 33 events wins in his career, second in all-time wins behind only Kelly Slater.

Curren's surfing was a spectacle of raw power and technical precision. His powerful bottom turns, explosive airs, and graceful carves created a captivating blend of brute force and finesse.

While Curren dominated smaller wave competitions, his big wave prowess wasn't just a footnote. He rode some of the biggest waves of his era, including an estimated 50-foot behemoth at Jaws.

Andy Irons wasn't just a surfer; he was a tempestuous force of nature who etched his name in surfing history with his fiery competitive spirit and awe-inspiring talent.

A three-time World Champion (2002, 2003, 2004) and master of big waves. He is also a 4-time Triple Crown of Surfing Champion(2002, 2003, 2006, 2005), and 2-time US Open of Surfing champion (1998, 2005). 

While Irons dominated the competitive circuit, his true playground was the big wave arena. He rode some of the world's most ferocious waves, including an estimated 60-foot monster at Jaws.

In 2010, at the peak of his career, Irons' life was tragically cut short.

Kelly Slater isn't just a surfer; he's an icon. With a record-breaking eleven World Titles (1992, 1994-1998, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010-2011), a seemingly endless bag of tricks, and an innovative spirit that's pushed the boundaries of the sport, Slater's name is synonymous with surfing at its absolute pinnacle.

He holds the unique distinction of being both the youngest (20 years old) and oldest (39 years old) World Champion. 

Slater's surfing is a mesmerizing blend of power, precision, and aerial acrobatics. From his trademark bottom turns to his innovative airs, he redefined what's possible on a wave, inspiring countless surfers.

While competition may be his crown jewel, Slater's big-wave prowess shouldn't be overlooked. He's tackled Jaws (Peahi) in Maui and Cloudbreak in Fiji, riding towering waves estimated at 50 feet and proving his versatility and courage outside the competitive circuit.