Wilem Banks: Possible Biggest Wave Paddled at Jaws
- Wilem Banks, a Santa Cruz County sauna builder, could be in line for a world record this fall.
- The question now is whether Banks' wave surpasses Aaron Gold's 63-foot ride at Peahi or Shawn Dollar's 61- to 62-foot wave at Cortes Bank.
- Banks recounted his experiance to podcaster Kyle Thiermann, offering insight into the conditions that day.
Wilem Banks, a Santa Cruz surfer, may have ridden the biggest wave ever at Jaws, challenging surfing’s historical record if the recent ride is actually measured to be the largest. The Big Wave Challenge, with its awards ceremony set for September in Newport Beach, will officially assess the wave’s size and determine the surfer’s place within the record books. Banks, a skilled surfer and even a sauna builder, impressed onlookers with his impeccable positioning and technique on that fateful day. News Directory 3 reports this as well. The wave’s true measure will settle his potential role in surfing history. Banks discussed the challenge of navigating the deep water conditions leading into the drop on a recent podcast. Discover what’s next for Banks and the future of big-wave surfing soon.
Santa Cruz Surfer eyes Big Wave Record at Jaws Challenge
Wilem Banks, a Santa Cruz County sauna builder, could be in line for a world record this fall. Last December, Banks, a woodworker, paddled into what might be the largest wave ever ridden during his fourth session at Jaws, the famed big-wave surf break.
The question now is whether Banks’ wave surpasses Aaron Gold‘s 63-foot ride at Peahi or Shawn Dollar’s 61- to 62-foot wave at Cortes Bank. The 2025 Big Wave Challenge crew will determine Banks’ potential role in surfing history when the awards are announced in Newport Beach in September.
Banks recounted his experiance to podcaster Kyle Thiermann, offering insight into the conditions that day. “Jaws comes from such deep water, you don’t really realize the position you are on the reef until the wave is pretty close to you,” Banks said. “As that thing was approaching, I was like, am I inside or am I too far out? In my mind, I was probably not going to go as I paddled over (the first wave) but as it approached, I realized I was in a pretty prime spot.”
Regardless of whether it’s a record-breaker, Banks’ positioning, drop, balance, and technique have drawn praise. His skill in navigating the choppy conditions was masterful.
What’s next
The big Wave Challenge awards in September will determine if Banks’ ride earns him a place in surfing history and what his ultimate role will be in the sport.