António Laureano: Meet The Big Wave Surfer From Portugal
António has surfed some of the biggest waves at Nazaré
António Laureano is a big wave surfer from Portugal who has made a name for himself by riding some of the largest waves in the world. He gained international recognition in 2020 when he claimed to have surfed a 101.4-foot wave at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal, which would be the biggest wave ever ridden if confirmed. Laureano’s passion for surfing began at a young age when he saw his father surfing the waves of Nazaré, and he has been chasing big waves ever since.
Despite his young age, Laureano has already achieved a lot in the surfing world. He was the youngest surfer ever to be nominated for the XXL Big Wave Awards at just 15 years old, and his entry in the biggest wave category put him in the company of some of the world’s most renowned big wave surfers. Laureano’s story is a great representation of the Nazaré Chargers, a group of surfers who are willing to risk their lives to ride some of the biggest waves in the world.
Laureano’s world record attempt in 2020 was a testament to his dedication and skill as a surfer. He has continued to push himself to new heights and inspire others to do the same. This article will explore Laureano’s journey as a big wave surfer, his achievements, and what makes him stand out in the surfing world.
António Laureano’s Career
António Laureano is a Portuguese big wave surfer who has made a name for himself in the surfing community. He has been surfing since he was a child and has been chasing the biggest waves in the world for many years. He usually goes by Tony to his friends and family.
Early Career
António Laureano started his surfing career in Portugal, where he learned to surf in the North Beach area. He attended the University of Lisbon and later moved to Porto, where he continued to surf and hone his skills. He began competing in local surfing competitions and quickly made a name for himself in the Portuguese surfing community.
Big Wave Surfing
António Laureano’s passion for big wave surfing led him to Nazaré, a small fishing village in Portugal that is known for its massive waves. He was inspired by surfers like Garrett McNamara and Rodrigo Koxa, who had set world records for surfing some of the biggest waves in the world.
In 2020, Laureano surfed what is believed to be the biggest wave ever ridden at Praia do Norte in Nazaré. The wave was measured at 101.4 feet (30.9 meters) and was ridden during a session on October 29, 2020. The wave was captured on film and images of the ride quickly went viral.
World Record Wave
Laureano’s 101.4-foot wave has been recognized by the surfing community as a potential world record. The Guinness World Records and World Surf League are currently reviewing the footage and measurements to determine if it is indeed the biggest wave ever surfed.
The measurement of the wave was done using specialized software and a scale reference on the crest and trough of the wave. Laureano rode the wave using a surfboard and was towed into the wave by a jet ski.
His achievement has been celebrated by the surfing community and has brought attention to the big wave surfing scene in Nazaré. Other big wave surfers like Kai Lenny, Justine Dupont, and Maya Gabeira have also been pushing the limits of big wave surfing in Nazaré, making it a popular destination for surfers around the world.
Laureano’s ride has also been documented in the documentary “100 Foot Wave”, which chronicles the quest to surf the biggest wave in the world and the adventure and nature of the sport.
Nazaré and Big Wave Surfing
The Location
Nazaré is a small fishing village located on the Atlantic coast of Portugal. It is known for its giant waves that attract big wave surfers from all over the world. The waves are formed by the underwater Nazaré Canyon, which is 5,000 meters deep and 230 kilometers long. The canyon acts as a funnel, concentrating the energy of the waves and creating massive swells that can reach heights of over 100 feet.
The Waves
The waves at Nazaré are some of the biggest in the world, making it a popular destination for big wave surfers. The waves are created by a combination of factors, including the underwater canyon, the shape of the coastline, and the prevailing winds. The waves are not only big but also powerful, with a lot of energy concentrated in a small area. This makes them challenging to surf, even for experienced surfers.
The Community
The community at Nazaré is tightly knit and supportive of the big wave surfers who come to ride the waves. The surfers are often accompanied by jet ski drivers who help them catch the waves and tow them out of danger if necessary. The local fishermen also play an important role, providing valuable information about the conditions of the sea and the waves.
The big wave surfing community at Nazaré is made up of surfers from all over the world, but the Portuguese surfers have a special connection to the waves. António Laureano, a Portuguese surfer, claimed to have surfed the biggest wave ever at Praia do Norte in Nazaré. The wave was measured to be 101.4 feet (30.9 meters) high, which, if confirmed, would surpass the previous record of 80 feet set by Brazilian Rodrigo Koxa in 2017. Laureano’s achievement was celebrated by the local community and earned him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
The big waves at Nazaré are not only a challenge for surfers but also a subject of interest for scientists. Oceanographers from the University of Porto have been studying the waves and the currents that create them, using data from buoys, jet skis, and satellites like Landsat 8. They have also been studying the foam that forms on the surface of the waves, which can provide valuable information about the currents and the channel through which the waves travel.
Nazaré is a unique location that attracts big wave surfers and scientists alike. The waves are some of the biggest and most powerful in the world, and the community is supportive of those who come to ride them. The location continues to be a subject of interest and research for scientists, who are studying the waves and the currents that create them.
