Santa Cruz Surfer Alo Slebir Rides Largest Wave of the Season

Alo Slebir, a surfer from Santa Cruz, achieved a remarkable feat on December 23, 2023, when he rode a wave measured at 76 feet at Mavericks off the coast of Half Moon Bay. This impressive ride has been officially recognized as the largest wave ridden during the 2024-2025 surfing season, according to the World Surf League (WSL). Despite the excitement surrounding this accomplishment, it did not surpass the record for the largest wave ever ridden, which remains at 86 feet, set in 2020 by a German surfer at Nazare, Portugal.

The announcement was made during the Big Wave Challenge awards ceremony held on Saturday night in Newport Beach, where surfers gathered from around the world. The crowd reacted with surprise when the final measurement was revealed, as earlier estimates had suggested Slebir’s wave could be as tall as 108 feet. Bay Area surfing photographer Frank Quirarte, who captured Slebir’s ride, noted that the initial height assessments may have stemmed from different reference points.

Slebir, who is 24 years old and works in construction during the off-season, expressed a pragmatic view of the situation. “If it happens, it happens, and if not, I got to ride the tallest wave of my life and I’ll never forget it,” he stated before the final height calculation was announced. His wave, while not a record, earned him the title of “Men’s Biggest Wave Winner” for the season.

Significance of the Ride and Community Impact

The swell that produced Slebir’s wave was part of one of the largest recorded in the Pacific Ocean, which coincidentally caused significant damage to the Santa Cruz Wharf. This dual impact of nature highlights both the thrilling and destructive power of big waves.

Quirarte’s photograph of Slebir’s ride was also recognized, earning him the award for “Biggest Wave Photo” of the night. The event underscored the passion and dedication within the surfing community. While some may focus on records and accolades, Quirarte emphasized that the essence of surfing lies in the love of the sport itself. “Last night will be long forgotten and the big wave season will start up again in about another month,” he remarked, looking forward to future challenges.

Determining the exact height of a wave involves complex assessments, as surf experts have pointed out. The crest is relatively easy to measure, but establishing the trough can be more challenging. For Slebir’s ride, photos taken from six different angles were utilized to arrive at the official measurement.

While the quest to conquer a 100-foot wave continues, Slebir’s accomplishment serves as a reminder of the exhilarating experiences that surfing offers. The anticipation of future swells and the potential for new records ensures that the spirit of adventure remains alive in the surfing world.