The largest wave surfed successfully without a tow in measured 19.2 m (63 ft) from trough to crest and was ridden by Aaron Gold (USA) at a break known as "Jaws" off the coast of Maui, Hawaii, USA, on 15 January 2016. The record was confirmed at the 2016 World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Awards gala held at the Grove Theater in Anaheim, California, USA, on 23 April 2016.
Aaron's feat surpassed the previous 61-ft record set by Shawn Dollar (USA) at Cortes Bank, San Diego, California, USA, on 21 December 2012.
