The Ocean's Double Whammy: Ireland's Terror and Nazaré's Majesty
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, the ocean serves up a gut punch and a standing ovation. Let's talk about two jaw-dropping moments in big wave surfing that had everyone on edge—from Ireland's cold chaos to Portugal's liquid colossi.
First up, Kai Lenny, the water wizard himself, recently took on a wave that even he’s calling contender for “most dangerous ever.” The scene? Ireland’s infamous Mullaghmore, where Nate Florence’s Slab Tour rolled into Riley’s—a spot so sketchy it practically wears a ‘do not attempt’ sign. Kai borrowed a board (because delayed board bags are the universe’s way of keeping us humble) and chased waves that locals called “borderline.”
One wave later, Kai found himself in the drink with a rescue ski as his only hope. “I was asking a higher power to come and get me,” he laughed post-rescue, with Peter the hero who yanked him from the vortex. You can get the full breakdown over at The Inertia.
While Kai was dodging doom in the Atlantic, Nazaré was throwing its own party. The Nazaré Big Wave Challenge saw waves unload in the 45-60 foot range, with Lucas Chianca taking home Best Performer after surviving a wipeout he called “one of the heaviest of my life.” Justine Dupont dominated the women’s field for the second time this year, and the safety team earned their keep in the chaos. Francisco Spinola from WSL summed it up: “The athletes rose to the challenge in the best waves of the day.” You can see the action shots right here.
And if that’s not enough, Red Bull’s docuseries *Nazaré: Making Giants* dives into the culture and characters behind these giants. Season 4 spotlights local prodigies and up-and-comers chasing their shot at the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge. It’s a raw look at how this small Portuguese village became the world’s big wave capital—watch the madness on Red Bull.
From Ireland’s close calls to Nazaré’s awe-inspiring fury, these moments remind us: surfing isn’t just about riding waves—it’s about respecting their untamed spirit. Whether you’re chasing barrels or behind the lens, the ocean’s lessons are endless. Share your own stories with us—what’s the wildest wave you’ve ever witnessed?