7 Most Gnarly Slabs Around the World

Cover image: espn.com

Have you ever heard of a wave described as a slab? If so, it was probably in reference to some of the world's most monstrous waves, infamous for their thick lips and dangerous rides. Slabs are short, heavy, and can range in size, however, the craziest known to man can reach XXL heights. Here is a list of the most gnarly slabs in the world.

Shipstern’s Bluff, Tasmania, Australia

No surprise, many of these gnarly slabs are found in Australia, where not only the ocean is menacing, but everything else around you wants to kill you. Shipstern’s Bluff is fast with impossibly challenging steps and boils, a tube that swallows you whole, and the weight equivalent of 50 semi-trucks of water. Russel Bierke, a famous slab tackler, calls the break one of the most technical slabs in the world. Furthermore, it's cold, sharky, and in a remote location. Not even Cody Mavericks is brave enough to charge this beast.

Teahupo’o, Tahiti

Known as the perfect slab, Teahupo’o is the gem of the big wave surf world. Deepwater swells rush up and explode into a thick-lipped, hollow tube that crashes down onto a shallow reef. Its picturesque left barrels are home to some of the most notorious rides in the world. In 2000, Laird Hamilton rode the Millenium Wave at this famous spot, and Jamie O'Brien surfed through a tube while lit on fire.

Mullaghmore Head, Ireland

This Irish beast is cold, heavy, unpredictable, and beautifully terrifying. Its location in the North Atlantic is extremely exposed to large north swells between October and March, and when it gets big, the frigid winds, rain, and dark clouds enhance what is already an ominous wave. The face has unforgiving bumps and boils, it can reach heights of 60 ft, and with a lip like Teahupo'o, Mullaghmore is no break for the meek. Despite its late arrival to the big wave scene, it has earned itself a reputation as one of the gnarliest breaks few are brave enough to surf.

Cyclops, Australia

This wave looks and acts like a monster rising from the bottom of the sea. A huge, dry barrel, described as barely surfable, even the bravest heavy wave chasers like Russel Bierke refuse to ride it. If you make the drop, you still have to manage the fast, steep, sucking tube, and if you fall, you'll be dragged across shallow, sharp, barnacle-covered rocks. It is 6 hours away from the nearest hospital and in shark-infested waters. The only surfers crazy enough to charge are truly one of a kind.

El Gringo, Chile

El Gringo came to the spotlight in a 2007 Rip Curl search that left many surfers with broken boards and bruised egos. The Chilean ledge launches itself onto a shallow rocky shelf covered in sea urchins. Known as the Pipeline of South America, it is a serious slab.

Ours – Cape Fear, Sydney, Australia

Home to the 2016 Ripcurl Cape Fear Event and featured in the documentary Bra Boys, Ours is too terrifying to not watch. Similar to Shipsterns, this wave seems like an impossible ride with unpredictable steps, boils, and a heavy tube that wants to swallow you whole.

The Right, Australia

Another heavy barrel, the Right has been described as the terrifying lovechild of Shipsterns and Cyclops. It's not only big and mean with bumps and boils like Shipsterns, but it is also known for one of the longest hold-downs. Surfers can be held underwater for 40 or more seconds. Though this doesn't sound very long, when you're being thrown down and around so deep underwater your eardrums blow out, 40 seconds is an eternity.

Did reading about the world’s most gnarly slabs inspire you to hit the waves? Remember to check out the Jamie O’Brien Surf App here for anywhere, anytime surf coaching.