New world record claimed for largest wave ever surfed
A new wave measurement technology developed by Porsche measured a giant wave by Sebastian Steudtner in February.
Sebastian Steudtner currently holds the world record for the tallest wave ever surfed, measuring around 86 feet (26.21 meters) in height. This record has been validated by both the World Surf League and Guinness World Records, the authorities responsible for such validations. It’s important to note this because there are various methods for measuring waves, and there’s fierce competition to claim this record. Many have asserted that they have surpassed this figure.
Steudtner, Chumbo and others race for biggest wave
Since then, several individuals have laid claim to the world record. For instance, Vinicius dos Santos and Lucas ‘Chumbo’ Chianca stated in 2022 that they surfed waves measuring 29.68 meters and 29.67 meters in height, respectively, although these claims have not been officially validated by the WSL and GWR. Moreover, a video circulated in 2018 featuring Steudtner allegedly surfing a 35-meter wave, which becomes viral whenever shared, despite lacking official recognition (and six years having passed since).
On 24 February, during the passage of Storm Louis over the Iberian Peninsula, Brazilian surfer Chumbo garnered significant media attention by asserting that he surfed a wave measuring between 30 to 40 meters in height. Meanwhile, awaiting official measurement, Steudtner has joined the race to break his own record, claiming that one of the waves he surfed that day measured 28.57 meters in height.
Porsche’s new drone wave measurement system
In Steudtner’s case, he presents a new technology for wave measurement. On that day in Nazaré, Portugal, a prototype drone born from the joint project between the Steudtner team and Porsche Engineering was utilized. This technological device has been developed to determine wave height quickly and accurately. Previously, measurements of this kind relied on analyzing video sequences and still images.
According to company representatives, the drone is equipped with cameras, control elements, and storage units. It also utilizes sensors from vehicles, belonging to the most modern driver assistance systems. Within a 100-meter radius, the device can detect all areas of the wave and the surfer.
In the same statement, however, they clarify that confirmation of new world records is the responsibility of official sports governing bodies. They offer their cooperation to these organizations: “We are open to sharing our technical expertise on drone development with experts. Our goal is to further increase transparency in big wave surfing and provide more quickly accurate measurement data,” stated Marcus Schmelz, Project Director at Porsche Engineering.
In February, my team and I surfed the impossible waves. After years of training and development, we finally had the opportunity to ride the impossible. I surfed the biggest waves of my life, and together with my team and partners, we redefined what is possible.
Mission Wave Alpha project
The drone is just one part of the “Mission Wave Alpha” project, in which Steudtner collaborates with partners Porsche, Porsche Engineering, Schaeffler, O2, DVAG, and X-BIONIC to take surfing to a new dimension.
The goals are diverse, ranging from riding the biggest waves to improving safety in the water, as well as advancing materials and board design. Within this framework, he has also created the “Caçador RS” board, which he rode that day, claiming it can reach speeds of 100 km/h / 62 mph, compared to the previous 80 km/h / 50 mph.