German Surfer Sebastian Steudtner Claims New World Record with 93.73-Foot Wave

German big wave surfer Sebastian Steudtner may have broken his own world record by surfing a colossal 93.73-foot (28.57-meter) wave at Nazaré, Portugal on February 24, 2023. The potentially record-breaking wave was measured using a new drone technology developed by Porsche Engineering in collaboration with Steudtner's team.

Steudtner previously held the world record for the largest wave surfed, a 86.4-foot (26.21-meter) behemoth he caught at the same location in Nazaré in 2020. If officially ratified by the World Surf League and Guinness World Records, Steudtner's 2023 wave will surpass his own record by over 7 feet.

The innovative drone prototype used to measure the wave is equipped with cameras, control units, and sensors from vehicle development. It allows for quick and precise measurement of the wave height and tracking of the surfer throughout the ride. "This drone technology is a real breakthrough," Steudtner said. "It provides accurate data faster than ever before and really increases transparency in our sport."

Steudtner has been working extensively with Porsche over the past three years to expand the limits of big wave surfing. Together, they developed a new surfboard called the 'Caçador RS' that enables Steudtner to reach speeds up to 62 mph (100 km/h), a significant improvement from his previous top speed of 49 mph (80 km/h). These high speeds are essential for riding the enormous waves at Nazaré.

Why this matters: Steudtner's potential new record showcases the rapid advancements in both surfing and measurement technology. The collaboration between elite athletes and leading engineering companies is driving innovation and redefining what's possible in extreme sports.

While the official determination of a world record by the World Surf League and Guinness World Records is a lengthy process that could take several months, Steudtner expressed appreciation to Porsche for their support. "This feat was made possible through our collaboration," he said. "I'm grateful to Porsche for supporting my vision and helping me contribute to the further development of big wave surfing." The German surfer's ambitious 'Mission Wave Alpha' project ultimately aims to surf waves up to twice the size of the current world record.

Key Takeaways

• German surfer Sebastian Steudtner may have surfed a 93.73-ft wave, breaking his own record.
• New drone tech from Porsche enabled precise measurement of the wave height and surfer tracking.
• Steudtner's collaboration with Porsche led to a new surfboard enabling speeds up to 62 mph.
• The record is pending official ratification by the World Surf League and Guinness World Records.
• Steudtner's "Mission Wave Alpha" aims to surf waves up to twice the size of the current record.