Santa Cruz Surfer Alo Slebir Rides Season’s Biggest Wave

A stunning wave ridden by Santa Cruz surfer Alo Slebir on December 23, 2023, at Mavericks off the coast of Half Moon Bay has been officially recognized as the largest wave surfed during the most recent season. The announcement came from the World Surf League on Saturday night during the Big Wave Challenge awards ceremony in Newport Beach, California. Despite its size, the wave fell short of setting a new world record for the largest wave ever ridden.

The wave, initially estimated to be as tall as 108 feet, was officially measured at 76 feet, according to the World Surf League. This height not only misses the elusive 100-foot mark, often referred to as the “Holy Grail” of surfing, but also falls 10 feet short of the current world record of 86 feet, set by a German surfer at Nazare, Portugal in 2020.

Surfers and enthusiasts gathered at the awards ceremony, where Slebir was celebrated as the “Men’s Biggest Wave Winner” for the 2024-2025 season. Notable surfing photographer Frank Quirarte, who captured Slebir’s remarkable ride, expressed surprise at the official measurement, stating it “shocked the crowd.” Quirarte’s photograph of the wave also earned him the title of “Biggest Wave Photo” of the evening.

Despite the accolades and attention, Slebir remained humble about his achievement. “If it happens, it happens, and if not, I got to ride the tallest wave of my life, and I’ll never forget it,” the 24-year-old construction worker said prior to the announcement. His ride was not only a personal milestone but also occurred during one of the largest swells recorded in the Pacific Ocean, which coincidentally resulted in damage to the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Determining wave height can be a complex process, as surf experts have noted that while the crest is easier to measure, pinpointing the trough can be more challenging. Bill Sharp of the Big Wave Challenge explained that various angles of Quirarte’s photographs were used in assessing the wave’s height, contributing to the final measurement.

Despite the disappointment surrounding the wave’s official height, Quirarte emphasized the joy of surfing itself. “People surf for the love of the sport, not the accolades,” he remarked, adding that the big wave season will continue and present new opportunities for surfers. “Last night will be long forgotten, and the big wave season will start up again in about another month. We’ll do it all over again.”

The quest to conquer the 100-foot wave remains ongoing, as surfers around the world continue to push the limits of their sport. Slebir’s ride, while not a record-breaker, has certainly made waves in the surfing community and left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it.