This is the home to the world’s most powerful waves

Everything you need to know about Nazaré in Portugal

Discover how the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge has transformed this quiet Portuguese village into a global surfing capital

Nazaré, Portugal, is once again primed to host the sport’s most legendary contest: the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge. Thanks to the power of the Nazaré Canyon, massive swells funnel directly toward Praia do Norte, where waves regularly reach unprecedented heights, providing an epic arena for the world’s best to showcase their skills.

This natural phenomenon attracts surfers and spectators alike, with the iconic red lighthouse at Fort São Miguel Arcanjo standing as a symbol of the awe-inspiring spectacle. As the waves grow taller, so does the anticipation for another unforgettable showdown.

A “green alert” was issued by the World Surf League (WSL) for the much-anticipated 2024/2025 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge, taking place at Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal, on Tuesday, February 18. This signalled the arrival of the world’s top 18 big wave surfers, all set to compete in one of the most thrilling events of the year.

Snapshot

1. Surfing’s Ultimate Test: Nine elite duos will brave Praia do Norte’s towering waves in a unique team-based format.
2. From Quiet Fishing Village to Surfing Mecca: Once a small fishing town, Nazaré now draws surfers and fans from around the globe, thanks to its colossal waves.
3. Nazaré: Surfing’s Perfect Storm: The Nazaré Canyon’s powerful swells create waves of unprecedented height and challenge, making it a global big wave hotspot.
4. The Legacy of Garrett McNamara: The surfer’s record-breaking 78-foot wave put Nazaré on the map, forever changing the world of big wave surfing.
5. What’s Next for Nazaré?: As surfers chase the elusive 100-foot wave, Nazaré continues to lead in surfing innovation and redefine the sport’s boundaries.

The origins of surfing in Nazaré trace back to the late 1960s, when visiting American surfers first took to the gentler waves of Praia do Sul (South Beach) during the calmer summer season. However, Praia do Norte, with its unique bathymetry influenced by the canyon, remained largely untouched due to its wild and unpredictable nature. It wasn’t until Hawaiian big wave surfer Garrett McNamara arrived in the mid-2000s that Nazaré began its transformation into a big wave Mecca.

Inspired by local bodyboarder Dino Casimiro, McNamara set out on an exploratory trip to Nazaré in 2011. Standing atop the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, he witnessed waves towering over 50 feet, breaking unpredictably over the sandbars. Unlike the consistent reef breaks of Jaws or Mavericks, Nazaré’s sandy ocean floor creates waves of immense variety and challenge.

“It’s all sand,” McNamara explains. “When everything comes together, magic happens.” His subsequent 78-foot wave ride earned him a Guinness World Record and catapulted Nazaré into the global spotlight.

With the World Surf League’s continued investment in events like the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge, the town has further cemented its status as a big wave epicentre. The refurbished Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo now serves as a museum and training facility, while Nazaré’s local surfers and international legends alike flock to the town every winter to chase the biggest swells.

The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge features nine teams of two competitors each, alternating between surfing and driving the jet ski. The competition consists of six 40-minute heats, where athletes will rely on their teamwork, strategy, and skill to navigate the towering waves of Praia do Norte.

While most big wave events are individual, this team-based format highlights the importance of collaboration in tow-in surfing. The sport itself has evolved significantly, with advanced safety measures, jet ski technology, and even drones ensuring surfers can perform at their best while minimizing risks.

As the world waits for the elusive 100-foot wave to be conquered, Nazaré remains at the forefront of surfing innovation. With its untamed waves, breathtaking landscapes, and iconic figures in the sport, Nazaré’s allure remains irresistible to surfers and spectators around the world. The Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge exemplifies the sport’s evolution, where the pursuit of the world’s biggest waves takes centre stage. (Red Bull Content Pool)