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Surfer Russell Bierke Wiped Out Riding Giant 60ft Wave At Nazaré In Portugal

Surfer Russell Bierke Wiped Out Riding Giant 60ft Wave At Nazaré In Portugal

Bierke is well used to gravity-defying swells – and the nasty wipeouts that can come with them – but said this one was particularly gnarly

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

There are big waves, and then there are the waves you get at the legendary surfing beach at Nazaré, Portugal - where both bones and records are constantly getting broken.

The latest footage to come from the famed surf-spot is of Aussie big wave surfer Russell Bierke, who was hit by one of the biggest waves out there on the day.

The drama on 7 November was apparently the main highlight of the day at the beach, where waves were exceeding 60ft in height.

Bierke, 21, is well used to gravity-defying swells - and the nasty wipeouts that can come with them - but said this one was particularly gnarly.

Speaking to filmmaker Pedro Miranda, who captured this footage, Bierke said: "This was by far my longest hold down ever! I barely got a breath before the second wave landed on me. Feeling pretty sore today, got a good whiplash when I skipped in front of the wave, but no injuries which is good."

He added: "Felt like I could barely walk up the beach when I got there."

Bierke managed to keep control for a moment on the wave, but was then forced underwater. He was able to resurface just in time to catch a quick breath, only to be faced by the next big wave - the impact of which thrust him under once again.

Eventually, he was rescued by award-winning Brazilian big wave surfer Lucas 'Chumbo' Chianca, who arrived on a jet-ski to help him.

Then, of course, Bierke has to scramble around the shallows trying to chase his board, which is probably the hardest bit of the clip to watch.

Praia do Norte beach near the fishing village of Nazaré has become famous across the globe for its huge waves.

Back in 2011 Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara set a world record for the largest wave ever surfed, which at the time was 78ft.

In 2017, that record was then broken by Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa, who set the bar even higher when he rode an 80ft wave.

Rodrigo Koxa rode an 80ft wave, breaking the world record.
Instagram/rodrigokoxa

The record was confirmed at the World Surf League's Big Wave Awards in California earlier this year, when the World Surf League said in a statement: "The award goes to the surfer who, by any means available, catches the biggest wave of the year.

"Not only did Koxa win this year's honour, but he now holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest wave surfed."

Man, I get vertigo just thinking about it. NO THANKS.

Featured Image Credit: Newsflare

Topics: SPORT, World News, Surfing, News, Portugal