Nic Von Rupp has just conquered the biggest wave of his career—one that could potentially be the largest wave ever surfed. While the surfing community continues to analyse the data, one thing is certain. Von Rupp’s feat at Nazaré, Portugal, was nothing short of historic.
Chasing the Biggest Waves in the World
Nazaré is renowned for producing some of the largest waves on the planet. This makes it the ideal home for the Tudor Nazaré Big Wave Challenge. Last week, the waves reached a monstrous peak, with the Hermínia swell measuring up to 30 meters. While the inconsistency of the conditions prevented the larger competition from taking place, it didn’t stop the world’s most fearless surfers from seizing the opportunity to push their limits.
READ MORE: The Surfers Workout Plan You Need to Try Now
Leading the charge was none other than TUDOR ambassador Nic Von Rupp and his team, Mountains of the Sea. While many hesitated, waiting for the ocean to settle, Von Rupp was the first to hit the waves when the swell peaked. With a highly skilled team monitoring the conditions both from the water and from the cliffs, he tackled one of the most dangerous yet rewarding waves of his life.
“This was only possible because of an amazing team—it’s all about the team,” Von Rupp emphasised. “The connection I felt with the ocean that day was so strong; the news said that no one was going to be out on the water, but this was only possible because of the team.”
A Potential Record-Breaking Ride
On that fateful day, two multi-parametric buoys recorded the largest waves ever measured at Nazaré. The data is still being processed. Early indications suggest that two of the waves surfed by Von Rupp could be among the biggest ever recorded—perhaps even setting a new world record.
For Von Rupp, this moment was the culmination of years of preparation. He has faced massive swells, and refined his mental and physical endurance. With the Tudor Nazaré Big Wave Challenge approaching, he is more ready than ever to push his limits once again.
The Legacy of Nic Von Rupp and TUDOR
A Swiss national, Von Rupp has been part of the TUDOR family since 2022. He joined forces with the Swiss watchmaker ahead of the TUDOR Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge. His performance at the event was nothing short of exceptional. He earned the Best Team Performance award and a coveted TUDOR Pelagos watch, which he has worn ever since.
His list of accolades continues to grow. They include a perfect 10-point score at The Perfect Chapter, an invite-only barrel-surfing contest, and multiple wins at the XXL Big Wave Awards. In 2023, Von Rupp collaborated with TUDOR on a project that delves into his relentless pursuit of excellence. “In this game, there is no triumph without challenge. You must risk it all and work hard with every sunrise,” he says. This mindset has earned him a reputation as one of the most daring surfers of his generation.
Von Rupp’s extraordinary journey has also been chronicled in HBO’s documentary series 100 Foot Wave. It takes audiences inside the world of conquering Nazaré’s legendary swells. When he’s not riding some of the biggest waves on the planet, he’s helping others refine their technique. He even brings his expertise to Alaïa Bay, a surf park in the Swiss Alps, during Watches and Wonders, the world’s largest watch show.
TUDOR: Born to Dare
TUDOR’s Born To Dare ethos reflects both its rich heritage and its commitment to pushing boundaries. From land to sea, the brand has accompanied adventurers and athletes in some of the most extreme conditions. The vision of its founder, Hans Wilsdorf, was to create watches built for the most daring lifestyles. This ambition continues to define the brand today.
With a global roster of high-profile ambassadors, including David Beckham, Jay Chou, the All Blacks, the TUDOR Pro Cycling Team, and Alinghi Red Bull Racing, TUDOR continues to support those who embody the spirit of daring adventure. Nic Von Rupp’s relentless pursuit of the extraordinary is a perfect reflection of this philosophy.
As the world waits for official confirmation of the wave’s record-breaking status, one thing is undeniable. Nic Von Rupp has once again cemented his place in the history of big-wave surfing.
