A British surfer from Devon is on the cusp of sporting history, awaiting confirmation that she has conquered the largest wave ever ridden by a woman.
The Ride of a Lifetime in Nazaré
Laura Crane tackled what she called "one of the most perfect big waves" during the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge in Portugal on Saturday 14 December 2025. The monumental ride took place after the competition was temporarily paused, with Crane being towed into the towering wall of water by her teammate, Antonio Laureano, on a jetski.
Speaking after her feat, the surfer expressed a firm belief that the wave she rode surpassed the existing female world record. That benchmark of 73.5 feet (22.4 metres) was set by the Brazilian big-wave legend Maya Gabeira back in 2020, also at the famous Portuguese break known for its monstrous swells.
The Path to Official Recognition
The crucial process of verification is now underway. Officials from the Big Wave Challenge, working in partnership with Guinness World Records, will meticulously assess video footage and data from Crane's ride. Their analysis will determine whether the British athlete has indeed established a new global benchmark for female big-wave surfing.
This involves precise measurements of the wave's face height from trough to crest, a complex task often reliant on specialist technology and photographic evidence. The surfing community now awaits the judges' final verdict with keen anticipation.
A Potential Landmark for British Surfing
If confirmed, this achievement would mark a landmark moment not just for Laura Crane but for British surfing as a whole. It would place a UK athlete at the very pinnacle of one of the world's most extreme and respected water sports.
Crane, who has previously represented Team GB, has demonstrated exceptional skill and courage in tackling the fearsome conditions at Nazaré. A successful record claim would cement her status among the global elite of big-wave surfers and inspire a new generation in the UK to take on the ocean's mightiest challenges.
