Hey everyone,

Today I want to share something that brings me a deep sense of fulfillment: the record for the largest wave ever surfed on a wooden surfboard.

In 2023, I built a special wooden board for Ian Cosenza — a board designed specifically to take on the giant waves of Nazaré.

He ended up riding some massive waves there with that board, but little did I know that those waves would later come to symbolize an important milestone in the world of surfing.

I was at the training center in Nazaré, and after documenting Ian’s wave, we decided to place that board at the lighthouse of Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo.

That fort, steeped in history and with a long past, was originally built in 1577 as a coastal defense (against threats like the French Invasions). The image of Saint Michael the Archangel was even vandalized in 1834 during the conflicts between liberals and absolutists in Nazaré.

Nowadays, the fort features a lighthouse (thanks to local fishermen in the early 20th century) and no longer serves its original military function.

In 2014, it was opened to the public and has since become a destination for big wave enthusiasts from around the world.

So I tried to get the wooden board I made for Ian Cosenza displayed at the lighthouse inside the fort, but the staff said it wouldn’t be possible due to lack of space.

However, they did offer one alternative: I could place the board in another location — but only if I built a stand for it.

So I told them I’d figure out a way to make a stand within 24 hours, since my flight back to Brazil was the next day.

Luckily, we found a metal workshop, and the man working there, Isidro, agreed to help. Together, we managed to build the stand. I truly believe it was a stroke of luck and that the universe aligned to make it all work out.

While Isidro was finishing the stand, we went to pick up Ian’s board at Porto de Abrigo with my friend Bosco, and then headed to the lighthouse to choose the perfect spot for the installation.

Once the stand was ready, we picked it up and made it happen. In the end, everything worked out!

It’s truly an honor to be part of this story.

David Weber.