TÜV Rheinland^®

Big Wave

The force of the ocean: awe-inspiring, dangerous – and addictive for seekers of the ultimate adrenaline rush. For many years, “the Big Blue” has lured surfers looking to ride the perfect wave. In February 2011, the Frenchman Benjamin Sanchis found and tackled such a wave – 20 meters in height – just off the south west coast of France. For his spectacular ride, he received the “Surfer’s Oscar” at the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards in Los Angeles. And even though the sport has gained momentum in Europe and America since the 1950s, humans have surfed for hundreds of years: James Cook, for example, mentioned wave riders on Hawaii in his travel journals – back in the 18th century.