Surf's up... WAY up.
1. Oahu, Hawaii, United states
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The Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii is considered to be the deadliest wave in the world. It breaks in shallow water by a sharp reef and has claimed seven lives since the 1980s.
2. Nazare, portugal
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Big wave surfers test their limits off of Praia do Norte in Nazare, Portugal, where the biggest waves ever surfed are located. American Garrett McNamara holds the world record for the tallest wave ever surfed at this spot. The wave was 78 feet.
3. Tasmania, Australia
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Shipstern Bluff, on the south side of Tasmania in Australia, produces massive swells that slam into a granite ledge facing a rocky headland. Combined with cold temperatures year round, and plenty of sharks, it is for the experienced surfer only.
4. maui, hawaii, united states
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A surfer rides down a 50-foot wave at Peahi or "Jaws"in Maui, Hawaii. Local surfers named the spot "Jaws" given the unpredictability of the waves, similar to a shark attack.
5. tahiti, french polynesia
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Teahupo'o Reef in Tahiti boasts crystal clear waters, but the waves are monsters, rising up sharply to massive heights, only to break onto a shallow coral reef. There have been five recorded deaths at Teahupo'o since 2000.
6. Oahu, Hawaii, United States
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Big wave surfers flock to Waimea Bay in Oahu, Hawaii for massive and deadly breaks and wave faces that can reach up to 60 feet. The respected Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is held for top surfers on years when the waves top 25 feet.
7. Sydney, Australia
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Cape Fear or "Ours," about 20 miles south of Sydney, Australia, isn't known for the size of the waves, but rather for their power and their ability to slam a surfer into the sheer cliff face that makes up the shoreline.
8. Cape Town, South Africa
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The Dungeons at Hout Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, aren't just massive deadly waves that break over boulders into the frigid water. The waves break near Seal Island, which is a favorite dining spot of Great White Sharks.
9. Monterey bay, california, united states
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Mavericks is host to some of the biggest waves in North America. Waves regularly rise 20 feet or higher and can top off at 100 feet. The surf spot, off shore from Half Moon Bay, CA, is frequented primarily by experienced big wave surfers, two of whom, Mark Foo and Sion Milosky died there.
related gallery: the big waves of nazare
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Nazare's giant waves are increasingly attracting surfers from around the world to Portugal, as they become part of the World Surf League Big Wave Tour.See the images.