6 Most Dangerous Surfing Waves in the World

As most know, approximately 70% of the globe is covered with water. With endless opportunities for access to water, only specific parts of the world feature killer waves. Experienced surfers who seek the ultimate adrenaline rush, take their chances with some of the biggest and most dangerous waves found mainly in tropical environments. If seeking to ride, or watch from the shoreline, the most dangerous waves in the world, be sure to check out these bold and daring waves. But be forewarned, these are some of the most dangerous waves out there, tread carefully or you will get hurt, or worse.

Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii
Located off the north shore is known as the mecca or surfing in Hawaii, and possibly the world. The pipeline, or tubular wave is created from a shallow water and coral reef, which creates the pipe-like design. Waves can reach up to 30-feet in height and only the best of the pros come to conquer these waves. The waves usually break over one of three reefs causing a treacherous impact if plunged toward the bottom.

Teahupoo, Tahiti
Pronounced, “Choo Poo,” this one is known as the “heaviest wave in the world.” The shape of the wave is unique, due to the semi-circular angle of the reef. The wave looks as if it sucks up the whole ocean even though swells rarely get above 10 feet in height. Since 2000, there have been five recorded deaths.

Shipsterns Bluff, Australia
Located on the coast of Tasmania, Antarctic waters plunge forth into giant swells, some rising up to 25-feet in height. Known as “the wave at the end of the world,” the swells rise vertically out of chilly, icy, and great white shark infested waters. The uneven reef causes bubbles in the waves, which misleads many surfers navigating the drop down.

Mavericks, California
This section of Californian water requires blood and bruises to take on these 25-foot crests (some top off at 80-foot in height). It is known that the waves travel for five days in deep water before hitting the shallow reef and eventually crashing with a startling “boom.” The left section of Mavericks is rarely ridden as the rides are too fast and waves are unpredictable.

Cyclops, Western Australia
The Cyclops’ waves are located in a remote coastal region in Western Australia. The waves are near impossible to paddle and not even a jet-ski tow has any luck getting through. Precision and concentration are vital as if you piss off, or miss, this one-eyed monster, you’ll blow straight forward into a bed of rocks, hours away from the closest hospital.

Dungeons, Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa is known for surfing and shark infested waters, making it only natural for something dangerous to occur here. Dungeons host up to 45 (even at times up to 70) foot swells plunging from the cold South Indian Ocean. This site is home to the annual Big Waves Contest, where pros hit the waves in hopes of a shark-less swell.