The debate over the largest wave ever surfed is intensifying as two massive waves, one at Maverick’s and the other at Pe’ahi (Jaws), raise questions about whether a new world record has been set.
Recent attention has focused on a wave ridden by Alo Slebir at Maverick’s, which has been estimated to be an astonishing 108 feet. However, another contender has emerged from Maui, potentially challenging that claim: a colossal wave surfed by Frenchman Benjamin Sanchis at Pe’ahi on December 23, 2024.
The timing of the wave is crucial, as it occurred on the same day as The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational on Oahu, which drew massive global attention. As a result, Sanchis’s wave at Pe’ahi may not have received the recognition it deserves—leading many to ask whether it could be the new world record-holder, surpassing the 108-footer at Maverick’s.
Fred Pompermayer, a seasoned heavy-water photographer, was on hand to capture both waves and shared his observations. He described the swell as one of the most powerful he had ever witnessed.
Pompermayer recounted the experience, saying: “It was the biggest ocean I have ever experienced throughout my long career chasing big swells. This particular one on December 23, 2024, was special. While all the attention was on the Eddie Aikau, Jaws was massive. That afternoon, the ocean was full of energy, with waves breaking over 80 feet.”
After documenting the historic waves at Pe’ahi, Pompermayer quickly flew to California to capture the action at Maverick’s, where he found similar conditions. “The swell was gigantic and getting bigger through the day. The waves were breaking so far out that I’ve never seen anything like it—it was almost frightening.”
Pompermayer left the final verdict up to others, saying, “I’ll let you guys put a number to those beasts.”
Currently, the Guinness World Record for the largest wave ever surfed is held by Germany’s Sebastian Steudtner, with an 86-foot wave at Nazaré, Portugal, set in October 2020. Since then, several monumental waves have been ridden, but none have been officially recognized as a new world record.
As the debate continues, one thing is certain: both Maverick’s and Pe’ahi are contenders in the quest to claim the title of the largest wave ever surfed.