Winter time brings surfers from all over the world to the North Shore of Oahu. The Bonzie Pipeline is a world famous big wave destination that, like many places, starts to produce monitor waves during the winter months. The waves are still big during the summer and fall, but not nearly as big as they get during the winter time.
Pipeline is located on Ehukiai Beach and features 3 shallow reefs that form the monster size barrel waves that have made it a top destination for experienced surfers. There are two big International contests held each year at Pipeline, the Triple Crown of Surfing and the Billabong Pipeline Masters both occur during the Winter Big Wave Surfing season. We recently made a trip out to Pipeline in early October just to check it out, the waves are big, but they were not yet totally huge. I would have jumped in with a boogie board, if I had not caught a cold a few days earlier. It’s probably the only place on this list I would have the nerve to even enter the water.
Jaws (also known as Pe’ahi)
The second Big Wave destination in Hawaii is Jaws, located on the Northern Coast of the Island of Maui. Most surfers that tackle Jaws do so with Jet Ski’s as the tow. It’s a badge of honor to actually paddle surf at Jaws. Jaws has some of the biggest waves in the world that can get up to 60’. While the swell is bigger in the winter as well, Jaws produces massive big waves year round. As far as big wave destinations go, Jaws has bigger waves than Pipeline.
Nazare, Portugal
The biggest waves in the Word hit the beach of Nazre Portugal during the winter time. Waves can reach up to 100’ and surfers race down them at over 50 miles an hour. Surfers from around the world flock to this once peaceful fishing village in hopes to break the world record for the biggest wave ever surfed. Presently the record holder is Sebastian Steudtner of Germany. He surfed an almost 100-foot wave, breaking his own record in the process. Riding this massive 93.73-foot (28.57m) wave in February 2024, Steudtner surpassed his previous world record of 86.4 feet set in 2020.
Waimea Bay: Oahu, Hawaii
Not as famous as Pipeline or Jaws, Waimea bay is a beautiful beach destination on the North Shore of Oahu that can also products 30’ waves during the Winter months. We made a trip out here during October as well, and the waves were not nearly in the 30’ range. Yes, way bigger than the south shore, but nothing that would be considered big wave.
Mavericks: Half Moon Bay, California
The most famous of the big wave destinations in the mainland US. Mavericks waves can reach 60’ and are formed by a created by a unique underwater rock formation. The waves are huge here all year round, but like almost all destinations, they get bigger during the summer time.
Teahupoo | Tahiti, French Polynesia
Host of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Teahupoo is a very shallow reef that produces consistent big and “heavy waves”. It’s a dangerous place to surf and located in a somewhat remote village.
Belharra France
Located on the Atlantic Coast, this is one of the more famous surfing spots in Europe. It’s our first spot on the list that is located off shore. It’s located about 1.5 miles off the coast, and is only surfable with a ski tow.
Mullaghmore Ireland
Located in the far north of Ireland, waves can reach up to 50’ and has recently landed the country’s first ever major Big Wave surf competitions. The weather makes this place a popular destination in the summer time.
Shipstern Bluff Australia
Considered one of the wildest and most dangerous places to surf in the world. Located in the southern end of Tasmania, it’s a 20 mile boat ride out to the surfing. The waves are known for their unusual step formations, which add an extra level of difficulty.
Dungeons South Africa
The only place in Africa to make the list. The surfing is also located off shore and heats up when the weather turns cold. It’s located near Cape Town, and is also an offshore wave.