Laura Crane, a 30-year-old surfer from Devon, England, may have set a new world record for the largest wave ever surfed by a woman after conquering a towering swell at Nazaré, Portugal. The feat occurred during the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge on Saturday and is currently under review by officials.
On Saturday, during the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge in Portugal, Laura Crane was towed into a massive wave that could eclipse the current women’s record. Riding at speeds exceeding 30 mph, she navigated the perilous face of the wave, describing it as “one of the most perfect big waves” she had ever surfed. The moment was emotional; upon safely exiting, she cried tears of joy, overwhelmed by the adrenaline and significance of the ride.
The wave is now being assessed by the Big Wave Challenge group, which collaborates with Guinness World Records. The current record is held by Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira, who surfed a 73.5-foot wave at Nazaré in February 2020. Crane believes her wave was taller, and with similar angles, comparisons are feasible, though verification may take months or even years as experts analyze footage and data.
Crane’s journey to this point has been fraught with challenges. She became the first British woman to surf Nazaré’s infamous waves in 2024 but suffered a broken ankle at the same spot later that year during training. Her comeback involved intense physical and mental preparation, including breath-hold training and psychological resilience exercises to stay calm under extreme pressure.
Beyond physical injuries, Crane has faced systemic issues in surfing, such as sexism that often prioritizes appearance over athleticism. She developed an eating disorder as a teenager, exacerbated by pressure to conform to certain body standards in the sport. After a hiatus that included a stint on reality TV and a battle with sepsis in 2019, she returned to surfing with renewed determination.
Nazaré itself is a legendary big wave spot, known for its underwater canyon that generates waves as high as ten-story buildings. The location has attracted surfers worldwide but also poses severe risks, with injuries and even deaths, such as Marcio Freire’s in 2023. Crane’s success here underscores the dangerous allure of big wave surfing.
If confirmed, Crane’s record would be a landmark for women’s surfing and British sports. She has invested significant time and resources into her career, and moments like this validate her efforts. Her story inspires others, particularly women, to pursue extreme sports despite obstacles.
Looking ahead, Crane plans to remain in Nazaré for another swell before returning home for Christmas, hoping the record confirmation will be the “best Christmas present ever.” The surfing community awaits the official verdict, which could cement her place in history and push the boundaries of what is possible for female athletes in big wave surfing.
