Every surfer’s dream is to ride the longest wave possible, even if that implies having to fly across the globe. While most rides only last a few seconds, there are still a few nuggets to be found, as long as you know where to find them…
Here is our countdown of the world’s 9 longest waves
To find your perfect wave, try our WaveFinder search engine!
Scorpion Bay, Baja California, Mexico
In the dry heat of Baja California’s desert is hidden one of the world’s longest waves…Scorpion Bay is an amazingly long surfing wave that has 4 to 5 distinct points and takeoff spots. When a decent-size swell lines up properly and hits Baja California’s coastline, this wave becomes one of North America’s longest point break.
Its remote location and lack of infrastructure also prevents it from being overcrowded. Definitely worth the trip…
Read our surfing guide to Baja California Sur, Mexico
Pavones, Costa Rica
On the southern end of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is located this small town which is home to one of Central America’s best and longest wave…
Being so remotely located, Pavones is somehow sheltered from most of the heavy crowds that can be found further up north. On a good southwesterly, this is point break peels nicely providing waves as long as a few hundred meters.
Read our complete guide to Pavones, Costa Rica
Pororoca
This tidal wave located in the Amazon River is only surfable twice a year when conditions align. When it does, it is a fast, dangerous river wave that can sometimes reach 12ft+ in size. Due to the extreme conditions that come with it, this wave is not suitable for everyone.
With a proper technique, equipment and support team, one can catch a wave and ride it for as long as 10km! The record for the longest ride at the Pororoca is just under 40 minutes for an astonishing 12,5 kilometers total length.
Also read: The World’s 10 Best Right-Hand Waves
The Bono Tidal Bore
Similar to the Pororoca, The Bono tidal wave is also a river surfing spot located in the Indonesian Kampar River.
Almost 100 km away from the sea, this wave is also very fickle and only works under some precise tidal conditions. Surfing tour companies even offer their services to help surfers catch the longest wave of their life!
Also read: The 10 Biggest Waves In The World
Superbank, Gold Coast, Australia
Coolagantta, at the southern end of Gold Coast, Queensland, is home to one of the world’s longest and most consistent wave. This one definitely is not a hidden gem but still deserves a great spot on our countdown for its remarkable length and quality.
On a good cyclone swell, one can surf from Snapper Rocks all the way down to Kirra…An insane 1.5 km ride…
Raglan, New Zealand
First put on the map by cult surf film “Endless Summer” in 1966, Raglan quickly became New Zealand’s best surf town. It is also home to the country’s longest wave.
Read our complete surfing guide to Raglan, New Zealand
The surf spot that made Raglan famous is Manu Bay, just a short drive out of town. On an epic day, this wave connects all the way from Indicators, the furthest peak, into Whale Bay and finishes in Manu Bay for a filthy leg-burning ride.
Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Hands down, the world’s longest barreling wave is right here in Skeleton Bay, Namibia. This wave is very fickle and doesn’t work all that often. However, when it does…dear lord! Many South Africans make the trip up here when big swells show up on the radar. Even then, only a few of those swells are actually gonna line up properly for Skeleton Bay.
When to go: The best time to surf Skeleton Coast is on a big south-westerly swell which will happen from May to October.
Read our complete surf guide to Namibia
Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Not only is Jeffrey’s Bay one of the world’s longest wave, it also probably is one of the five best waves on the planet, period.
Read our complete surf guide to Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
This point offers everything from long, fast walls, barrel sections and even some ramps to aim for the sky. Definitely not for beginners…
Chicama, Peru
With a filthy length of 4 km, Chicama is known as the world’s longest wave…
Located near a small fishing village in the north of Peru, Chicama needs a decent SSW swell to peel nicely down the point. When it does, the wave is so long that boats are up for hire to get you back to the takeoff spot…
When to go: May to September is the best time to surf Chicama.