When you think of big wave surfing, you might picture someone from Hawaii or California riding the gnarliest waves. But in a surprising twist, the record for the biggest wave ever surfed belongs to a German surfer, thanks in part to Porsche.
Sebastian Steudtner, a German big wave surfer, recently rode what is likely the largest wave ever measured, towering at an astonishing 93.73 feet in Nazaré, Portugal. This incredible feat was made possible with cutting-edge drone technology developed by Porsche Engineering and Team Steudtner.
Expressing his gratitude for the partnership with Porsche, Steudtner stated, “True to ‘Driven by Dreams,’ and with Porsche as a partner, I have been able to fulfill my dream of contributing to the further development of my sport.”
Steudtner’s previous record, also set in Nazaré in 2020, was an impressive 86.4 feet. Hailing from Nuremberg, Germany, Steudtner moved to Hawaii at the age of 16 to pursue his passion for surfing, despite facing challenges and skepticism from others.
Porsche’s involvement in advancing big wave surfing began three years ago with the development of drone technology to measure wave height accurately.
This innovative solution, equipped with onboard cameras, control units, and storage devices, allows for precise measurements of both waves and surfers within a radius of over 325 feet.
Before this technology, wave records relied on visual analysis of photos and videos, which lacked accuracy. Porsche’s contribution promises to revolutionize the certification process by providing more reliable data.
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Additionally, Porsche collaborated with Steudtner to design a high-performance surfboard, the ‘Caçador RS,’ using advanced simulation methods and wind tunnel validations. This new board enables Steudtner to reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, crucial for riding larger waves safely.
Steudtner’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of big wave surfing, coupled with Porsche’s innovative technologies, has elevated the sport to new heights. Together, they are pioneering advancements in safety and performance, inspiring surfers worldwide to dream bigger and ride higher waves.
