Raging waves larger than skyscrapers were once myths, like the Kraken, tales of which sailors whispered over beers in dimly lit, smoke-filled bars.
They were once considered legends; but scientists and the use of modern technology have proven their reality. In a new report from EcoNews, they show that satellites over the Pacific Ocean detected, “average waves in excess of 19 meters (62 feet), with some individual wave crests possibly reaching or exceeding 35 meters (115 feet).”
That happened in December 2024, when the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational and Maverick’s Day of the Decade also lit up big waves in Waimea Bay.
According to a press release regarding the ESA findings:
“During recent storms, satellites recorded waves with an average height of nearly 20 meters, the largest waves ever measured from space. Furthermore, satellite data now shows that waves act as storm ‘messengers’: Even though a storm may never make landfall, its waves can travel great distances, bringing destructive energy to distant coastlines.”
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On December 21, 2024, the largest wave was detected over the Pacific Ocean. When it comes to surfing and how these waves land, Eddie Aikau held a competition on December 22 of that year and Landon McNamara won this iconic event. A day later, the same giant wave hit California, and Alo Slebir rode what many consider to be the largest wave ever recorded. Its official timing was a few feet shy of the record.
However, this swell is still on the books. Perhaps these scientists could be recruited to do wave forecasting in some capacity? Bank of Cortez strike? Maybe one day.
The search for 100-foot waves has achieved mythical status in the sport of surfing, just as ferocious waves once existed among sailors. But now, with new data from satellites, 100-foot waves (and a few others) have emerged.
So, one would think, it’s only a matter of time before it surfs.
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This article was originally published by Surfer on February 27, 2026 and first appeared in the News section. Click here to add Surfer as a preferred source.