It is high time for the big wave surfing lovers, as multiple such challenges are on the calendar in the coming days. However, it is also the time when the big swells in the Pipe already created nuisances, resulting in life-endangering accidents for surfers. At this point, the TUDOR Nazare Big Wave challenge was the most recent event on the calendar. The World Surf League organizers already expected 35-45-foot swells from the emergence of the event. Meanwhile, the place garners another esteemed glory, and that is the birthplace of multiple surfing records. 

However, one of those records made on Nazare just received a shift over recently. This time, a kite surfer moved aside the ever-achievable 70-foot surfing height to see himself in the Guinness Book of Records. 

The new kite surfing record on big waves comes into place

So when Nazare surfing was already culminating in immense popularity, Patri McLaughlin dropped his record, dissipating the one that was made in Nazare earlier. It was the record for kite surfing. Spilling more beans on the record, the professional kite surfer added in his IG post, “One year ago on January 22nd, 2023 I caught this wave. I knew then that it was the biggest wave I’ve ever caught, and probably the biggest wave ever kited.” That wasn’t all, as McLaughlin penned the surprise parts later. “I woke up this morning January 22nd, 2024 exactly one year later to an email that I am now the official Guiness World Record holder for the biggest wave ever kitesurfed. It was measured at 72 ft 4 inches.” Even he had attempted that feat just after surviving an appendectomy operation a few weeks ago. 

Previously, the record in kite surfing was from Nunu “Stru” Figueiredo (62 feet) made in Nazare in 2017. However, the official recognition from the Guinness Book of Records authority came much later. But this time, Patri McLaughlin had his name carved in the celebrated record books from an unfamiliar place.

The big waves and its challenges 

The accidents that took place on the gigantic waves recently evoked serious questions in the place. Stealing the limelight, Most accidents happened in the pipelines located in Hawaii. On that estimate, Nazare didn’t make much of a furor among the surfers in calling the red signal. Moreover, in Nazare, Rodrigo Koxa had once attempted to surf over 80-foot-high waves in 2017. The official recognition was bleak for that rare feat. In that comparison, the swells in the Pipe remained much lower. 

Read more: Despite Multiple Accidents in One Week, Surfing Icon Kelly Slater All Set to Break Barriers at Pipeline in 2024

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So, on that comparison, Patri McLaughlin’s feat in Peahi, Hawaii, came as serendipity. Now that place might lure the surfers to try their prowess when the pipelines are already having unpopular days. 

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