A scientific study measures Vini dos Santos’ wave at almost 100 feet

A new scientific study presented at the International Workshop on Waves, Storm Surges & Coastal Hazards has reignited the debate over the largest wave ever surfed. The research, led by Brazilian oceanographer Douglas Nemes, concluded that the wave ridden by Vini dos Santos on February 25, 2022, in Nazaré, Portugal, measured 29.68 meters – almost the fabled 100 feet – surpassing the current world record of 26.21 meters set by Sebastian Steudtner in 2020 at the same spot.

The measurement was conducted using a method Nemes has developed over 20 years of research, previously validated in other contexts such as the massive wave surfed by Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca at Laje da Jagua, regarded as the largest ever in Brazil. “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,” said Nemes during the event held at the University of Cantabria.

A comeback from injury and a moment in history

For Vini, the experience was deeply personal. “When I saw the photo of that wave, I knew it could be historic,” he said. “I was coming back from a serious injury, and that wave was a way of rising above the hardest moment of my life.” The Brazilian had suffered a severe accident in the water just days before what could now be his defining ride.

The moment was captured by photographer Mike Jones and later analyzed by a technical team using surveying tools, GPS data and image analysis to estimate the height of the wave based on the surfer’s stance as a metric reference.

Waiting for Guinness World Records to weigh in

The possible official recognition of the record remains pending. The Guinness World Records organization has yet to validate the data, while the World Surf League has already stated it will not be involved in the certification process. Still, the scientific validation has placed Vini dos Santos squarely in the global conversation about the biggest waves ever surfed.

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