Hawaiian surfer breaks wave-riding record in Portugal

AP

A Hawaiian surfer has been recognised by Guinness World Records for riding what's believed to be the biggest wave ever ridden.

The BBC reports that Garrett McNamara, 44, caught the 78ft wave at Nazare, off the coast of Portugal, last November - beating the previous record by more than 12 inches.

The wave was located above a underwater canyon that's famous for being the world's biggest wave generator.

However, Mr McNamara - who began surfing at the age of 11 and turned professional six years later - has described his achievement as a stroke of luck.

He said: "Everything came together. Everything felt right."

He added: "I knew it was big, but I didn't know how big."

He later sent video footage and photographs to surfing expert Sean Collins, who guessed the wave was 85-90ft tall.

Last week McNamara was awarded $15,000 for his achievement at the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards in California.

Click on the image below to see video footage of the record-breaking ride...

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