German Surfer Sebastian Steudtner Claims New World Record with 28.57-Meter Wave

German big wave surfer Sebastian Steudtner has surfed what is possibly the biggest wave ever measured at 28.57 meters (93.73 feet) off the coast of Nazare, Portugal on February 24, 2024. The height of the wave was measured using state-of-the-art drone technology developed by Porsche Engineering and Team Steudtner.

If confirmed, this would break Steudtner's own previous world record of 26.21 meters (86.4 feet) set in Nazare in 2020. Official confirmation of the new record is still pending, according to a press release from Porsche.

Steudtner expressed his appreciation to Porsche for their partnership, which has allowed him to fulfill his dream of contributing to the further development of his sport. He used a special board made by Porsche that was capable of reaching speeds of up to 100 kph.

The process of determining an official world record involves the World Surf League and Guinness World Records and could take up to several months. "The official confirmation of the new record is still pending," Porsche stated in their press release.

Porsche has been systematically developing a startup ecosystem since 2016 and has recently created a new Car IT department to advance digitalization in collaboration with Research and Development. Their partnership with Steudtner and the development of the drone technology used to measure the wave height showcases their commitment to innovation.

Why this matters: Steudtner's potential new world record highlights the advancements in technology that are allowing for more precise measurements in the world of big wave surfing. It also underscores the growing partnership between athletes and major companies like Porsche in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in extreme sports.

The feat was accomplished through a collaboration with Porsche Engineering and the development of a prototype drone equipped with advanced technology to precisely measure the height of waves and track the surfer. Steudtner also used a specially designed surfboard made by Porsche capable of reaching speeds up to 100 kph. The German surfer now awaits official confirmation of his achievement from the World Surf League and Guinness World Records, a process that could take several months.

Key Takeaways

• German surfer Sebastian Steudtner surfed a 28.57m wave, possibly a new record.
• Porsche Engineering developed drone tech to precisely measure the wave height.
• Steudtner used a Porsche-made surfboard capable of 100 kph speeds.
• Official confirmation from World Surf League and Guinness World Records pending.
• Partnership showcases Porsche's commitment to innovation in extreme sports.