

The Nazaré Coast in Portugal is globally renowned as a prime surfing destination, attracting big wave surfers from around the world due to its colossal waves. This past Sunday, unfortunately, Brazilian surfer Will Santana experienced a significant accident while attempting to ride an immense wave at this famed location. Details surrounding the specifics of the accident are still emerging, but the inherent risks of surfing such powerful waves are well-documented at Nazaré.
Reports from April 6, 2025, confirm that Will Santana did indeed suffer an accident while surfing a large wave in Nazaré. While the specific “Gigantes de Nazaré” event might have concluded its official competition days, the powerful waves that attract surfers to this location persist during this time of year, and surfers continue to challenge them.
Surfer suffers shocking accident while chasing the biggest wave of the day
Therefore, it’s plausible that Santana’s accident occurred during a period when surfers were still actively riding big waves at Nazaré, even if it was after the formal competition rounds of the main event. The “Gigantes de Nazaré” (Giants of Nazaré) event typically takes place during the big wave surfing season in Nazaré, Portugal, which generally runs between October and March, taking advantage of the North Atlantic swells that produce the massive waves the area is famous for.
The story of Nazaré’s rise to surfing prominence began in 2011 when Hawaiian big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara successfully rode a massive wave estimated to be around 24 meters (approximately 78 feet). This groundbreaking feat, captured on video, instantly put the once-quiet Portuguese fishing town on the global surfing map. McNamara’s accomplishment wasn’t just about riding a big wave; it highlighted the unique geological formation of the Nazaré Canyon, an underwater trench that funnels and amplifies North Atlantic swells, creating the colossal and unpredictable waves the area is now famous for.
Since McNamara’s historic ride, Nazaré has consistently attracted the world’s most daring surfers, all eager to challenge its monstrous waves. The location has become synonymous with big wave surfing, hosting prestigious events like the “Gigantes de Nazaré” (though the name and specific format have evolved over time, including the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge and the Tudor Nazaré Big Wave Challenge).
Reports from early 2018 indicated that Portuguese surfer Hugo Vau may have ridden an exceptionally large wave, nicknamed “Big Mama,” at Nazaré. Initial estimates placed the wave’s height at around 35 meters (approximately 115 feet). This feat, if officially confirmed, would have surpassed the then-Guinness World Record held by Garrett McNamara.
This news was originally published on this post .
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