It takes a hell of a lot of grit, determination, and effort to smash a world record. Even something as daft as building a tower of matchsticks or doing the egg and spoon race backwards can be pretty impressive and require a hell of a lot more training than you might otherwise suppose. But when the record you want to beat is for surfing, then you have to be at the top of your game, and brave enough to conquer a wave that could tear you to shreds if you make one false move.
This week, an incredible video of a surfer has gone viral, after it showed her breaking a world record by surfing a gigantic, 68-foot-high wave. 31-year-old surfer Maya Gabeira, who hails from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, was filmed surfing the break called Prai do Norte in Nazare, Portugal in January 2018 - but the amazing footage has only just gone viral on social media after Gabeira received an official recognition from the Guinness World Records committee.
Commenting on her incredible feat, Gabeira stated: "To set the world record has been a dream of mine for many years. But of course, after the accident in Nazaré 2013, it felt like a very distant dream. It took a lot of work to have a season like last year, to be 100% again, and to complete it with a Guinness World Records title is quite special. It's been quite a journey, but I can honestly say that in 2013 when I first came to Nazaré my life changed like never before."
She added: "Of course, there was an accident, injuries and so on, but also I moved to Nazaré to be closer to the wave. I dedicated most of my time to the spot and I had years to focus on improving, on safety and on being around the best people to get where I wanted to be. That time was priceless, it taught me a lot and slowly I got back to my feet. Back to surfing at 100% and in a spot that I honestly consider the biggest and most challenging wave I ever surfed."
Following the stunt, a Guinness World Records Adjudicator presented Gabeira with a certificate at a special ceremony overlooking the waves of Praia do Norte, which declared her new world record holder for the Largest Wave Surfed Unlimited (Female), along with the WSL Women's XXL Biggest Wave Award.
Sophie Goldschmidt, the WSL CEO stated: "Maya exemplifies the courage, commitment, and progression of female athletes around the world and we are so proud to celebrate her today as the new Guinness World Records title holder for the Largest Wave Surfed Unlimited (Female).
Pretty impressive right? Personally, I think I'll stick to wading in up to my knees and then wading out again. That's enough of a challenge for me.