Surfing is one of the most incredible sports for many reasons. The balance, concentration, and physical ability necessary to be successful when riding a difficult wave needs to be 100% on point. The majesty and unpredictability of the ocean’s waves can make surfing easily one of the most dangerous and thrilling expositions of athleticism.

Recently, a Brazilian surfer, Rodrigo Koxa has set the new world record for riding a huge wave that many speculators are saying should have killed him. On November 8th, off the coast of Nazare, Portugal, Koxa rode this 80-foot wave that can only be compared to the size of a monstrous and towering building.

At the World Surf League’s Big wave Awards in Los Angeles, Koxa was honored for his accomplishment.

Along with receiving praise, recognition, and awards for the ceremony, he also is now the record holder in the Guinness World Records for the largest wave ever surfed.

In a statement that he released about his feat, Koxa stated that “I try to surf big waves all my life and I had a huge experience in 2014 where I almost died at Nazare. Four months later, I had bad dreams, I didn’t travel, I got scared, and my wife helped my psychologically. Now, I’m just so happy and this is the best day of my life. Thank you to World Surf League, it’s a dream come true.”

The previous record holder for the largest surfed wave was Garett McNamara from Massachusetts who set the record with a 78-foot wave in 2011 in Nazare.