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Shipstern Bluff -

This surf spot, also known as Devil's Point or Shippies, is located in Tasmania, Australia.

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Shipstern Bluff -

The wave breaks on a shallow reef. Unlike much of Australia, the weather is usually cloudy and cold in this part of Tasmania.

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Shipstern Bluff -

The shape of the ocean floor has some particular characteristics. It makes the wave mutate as it breaks, creating "steps" that can be very challenging to surf.

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Pipeline - Also known as Banzai Pipeline, or simply Pipe, this world-renowned surf spot is located in O'ahu's North Shore in Hawaii.

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Pipeline - The spot is famous for its perfect hollow waves that break on a razor-sharp coral reef. 

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Pipeline - So far, Pipeline has claimed 11 lives, with many others having suffered serious injuries there.

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Mavericks - This dangerous surf spot can be found off the coast of Half Moon Bay in Northern California.

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Mavericks - In addition to massive waves, there are also other threats, including The Cauldron, a deep hole in the bottom of the ocean. Also, beware of great whites!

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Mavericks - Professional surfer Mark Foo drowned while surfing Mavericks after his leash became entangled on the rocks during a wipeout.

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Teahupoo (Teahupo'o) -

This beautiful, yet extremely dangerous, surf spot is located in Tahiti.

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Teahupoo (Teahupoʻo) - This heavy, perfect wave breaks on a very shallow reef and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

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Teahupoo (Teahupoʻo) - Surfing this wave can be extremely difficult, as it's very fast and powerful. You can get the barrel of your life, or the worst wipeout ever.

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Jaws (Pe'ahi) - This surf spot can be found in Maui, Hawaii.

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Jaws (Pe'ahi) -

The Jaws Challenge is an important event in the World Surf League's Big Wave Tour.

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Jaws (Pe'ahi) - Due to its quick break and its size, it can be a very dangerous wave. Even Jet-Ski rescues can be tricky, as the wave breaks in front of a 91-meter (300-foot) high cliff.

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Praia do Norte - This spot is located in Nazaré, Portugal. Praia do Norte produces some of the biggest waves on the planet, and is a mecca for big wave riders.

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Praia do Norte - It became popular in 2011 after American surfer Garrett McNamara broke the world record (at the time) for the largest wave ever surfed.

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Praia do Norte - The giant waves are created by a deep underwater canyon. The canyon is around 5,000 m (16,000 ft) deep, and stretches for about 230 km (140 mi).

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Praia do Norte - The swells are funneled through the Nazaré canyon and form huge waves when they reach the shore. It's also worth noting that Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa currently holds the world record for biggest wave ever ridden, set at 24 m (80 ft), which was also recorded at Praia do Norte.

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Dungeons - This spot is located off Hout Bay, not far from Cape Town, South Africa.

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Dungeons - The spot receives regular swell, and huge waves break about a mile off the coast.

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Dungeons - The waves break near a seal colony, which means that there are plenty of sharks in the water!

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Waimea Bay - This spot can be found in Haleiwa, on the North Shore of O'ahu, Hawaii.

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Waimea Bay - The spot is famous for its huge surf and dangerously heavy shore break.

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Waimea Bay - Waimea Bay is one of the most popular spots for big wave surfing in Hawaii.

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Western Australia - Western Australia is home to some of the heaviest breaks in the whole country.

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Western Australia - Many surf spots remain undisclosed, but waves such as The Right and Cyclops are well known.

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Western Australia -

Heavy waves, known as "slabs," and shark-infested waters make Western Australia one of the most dangerous places in the world to surf.

See also: The rich history of surfing

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