Nazaré – Foto: R.M. Nunes / Shutterstock.com
A scientific study conducted by oceanographer Douglas Nemes indicates that Brazilian surfer Vinicius “Vini” dos Santos may have ridden a wave with a height of 29.68 meters, equivalent to 97.37 feet. The feat occurred in February 2022, during the passage of Storm Eunice at Praia do Norte, in Nazaré, Portugal. The mark, if officially homologated, would surpass the current men’s world record, which belongs to German Sebastian Steudtner with a 26.21-meter wave, also surfed at the iconic Portuguese spot.
The scientist’s work was presented at the University of Cantabria, in Spain, using a precise mathematical model. This model applied the mathematical analysis to compare the athlete’s height with the volume of the wave, a method that seeks precision in measuring events in Nazaré.
A new study suggests that Vini Dos Santos rode a nearly 100-foot wave, breaking the current world record, at Nazaré, Portugal in 2022. https://t.co/opof6MF71Y
— SURFER (@Surfer) October 9, 2025
Innovative methodology supports the record measurement
The research that assessed the Brazilian’s performance did not use visual estimates but rather a method developed over two decades of oceanography research. The process is the same applied in other big wave measurements, ensuring consistency and technical rigor in the calculations.
Douglas Nemes, who led the study, explained that the methodology applied to Vini dos Santos’ wave is standardized and is being used in any other big wave location. Wave mechanics equations are applied, and the height calculation is repeated over a hundred times for validation.
Wave details and the expectation for homologation
The wave surfed by Vini dos Santos drew global attention at the time due to its sheer size. The surfer was towed in by a jet-ski to catch the monster in the midst of Storm Eunice, a climatic event that intensified the swell in Nazaré.
The study result, which indicates 29.68 meters, places the Brazilian’s wave in contention for formal recognition in the Guinness Book and the World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Awards. Final homologation depends on the analysis by competent international surfing bodies, which use rigorous criteria for record certification.
- The wave was surfed in February 2022, at Praia do Norte, Nazaré.
- The study indicates a height of 29.68 meters (97.37 feet).
- The current men’s record is 26.21 meters, achieved by German Sebastian Steudtner in Nazaré.
- Oceanographer Douglas Nemes used a mathematical model comparing the athlete’s height with the wave’s height.
Giant surfing scene and the Brazilian legacy
Praia do Norte in Nazaré has established itself as the main stage for big wave surfers, thanks to the “Nazaré Canyon,” an underwater canyon that potentiates wave formation. The Brazilian community has a strong presence at the location.
Names like Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca, Pedro Scooby, and women’s record holder Maya Gabeira, who surfed a 22.4-meter wave in 2020, have already demonstrated the country’s excellence in big wave surfing. The potential mark by Vinicius dos Santos not only elevates the sport’s standard in the country but also drives new research in ocean science for the assessment of historical peaks.
The surfer from Santa Catarina, who lives in the region to follow the big swells, expressed satisfaction with the measurement, emphasizing the effort and dedication required to face the challenges of Nazaré. The anticipation for the final homologation decision is stirring the surfing community.
