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Heart stopping moment surfer wipes out while riding notorious wave off the coast of Portugal

AN unidentified pro rider is seen tumbling head over heels through the foam and whitewash at a surfing event in Portugal.

Surfers were riding huge waves at a surf competition in Portugal. Picture: AFP PHOTO / FRANCISCO LEONG
Surfers were riding huge waves at a surf competition in Portugal. Picture: AFP PHOTO / FRANCISCO LEONG

THIS is the bone-crunching moment a thrillseeking surfer wipes out while trying to ride one of the world’s biggest waves.

The unidentified pro rider is seen tumbling head over heels through the foam and whitewash behind the crashing wave, The Sun reports.

This surfer didn’t fare so well. There were no reports of injuries. Picture: EPA/PAULO CUNHA
This surfer didn’t fare so well. There were no reports of injuries. Picture: EPA/PAULO CUNHA
NOPE. Picture: AFP PHOTO / FRANCISCO LEONG
NOPE. Picture: AFP PHOTO / FRANCISCO LEONG

The swell, at Praia do Norte, near the town of Nazare in central Portugal, is where the world record is held for the biggest wave ever ridden.

Photographs of the daredevil’s stunt were taken by Paulo Cunha, who was on hand to capture the day’s riding after storm conditions attracted big wave surfers from around the world.

The massive waves are known to reach 80ft (24m) in height. Picture: EPA/PAULO CUNHA
The massive waves are known to reach 80ft (24m) in height. Picture: EPA/PAULO CUNHA
The powerful waves can push surfers deep underwater should they wipe out. Picture: AFP PHOTO / FRANCISCO LEONG
The powerful waves can push surfers deep underwater should they wipe out. Picture: AFP PHOTO / FRANCISCO LEONG

In 2011, American surfer Garret McNamara broke his own record when he surfed a whopping 78ft monster wave on the beach.

The site’s notorious waves are formed by an underwater canyon measuring 16,000ft wide by 140 miles long.

Hawaiian McNamara set the world record several years ago, though he helped Briton Andrew Cotton when he made an attempt on the title in February.

This article was reproduced with permission from The Sun.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/natural-wonders/heart-stopping-moment-surfer-wipes-out-while-riding-notorious-wave-off-the-coast-of-portugal/news-story/1cb91e9f34486e111157a9e2264831ce