Contrary to what most people think, surfing is not a predominantly dangerous sport. In fact, you are more likely to die crossing the street rather than pursuing your passion of wave riding. Tragedy strikes at times that you least expected. However, there are surf spots that are considered the deadliest where the risk of dying is at its peak.
Pipeline
This has been a surf spot in the early 60's and fatalities have occurred since then. It has an incredibly powerful wave which is said to be the deadliest in the world. Among the lives that were lost by death-defying waves in Pipeline, located on the north shore of Oahu are Malik Joyeux, a professional surfer from Tahiti; Joshua Nakata, a bodyboarder; Jon Mozo, admired surf photographer; Joaquin Velilla, a Puerto Rican surfer and Moto Watanabe, a Japanese pro surfer.
Teahupo'o
Despite being one of the deadliest surf spots, Teahupo'o in Tahiti has taken one surfer's life by far. The sheer thickness of wave is what makes it so dangerous for surfers. In addition to the dangerous and terrifying wave is the local folklore back in the old tribal warfare days which has "Teahupo'o" translated into English as "chop the head". That sounds eerie!
Puerto Escondido
Among the five deadliest surf spots, Puerto Escondido, dubbed as the "Mexican Pipeline", may have the only wave that claimed the lives of as many surfers as the real pipeline. This includes those talented surfers' lives as well.
Mavericks
Considering the number of great white sharks that are frequently in the area, it's still the enormous 20-plus-foot wave that is likely to kill surfers in Mavericks. This intimidating ice-cold surf spot has claimed the lives of big-wave surfers like Mark Foo in 1994 and Sion Milosky in 2011. Due to these tragedies, Mike Parsons speculated that the wave has a tendency to hold surfers underwater for a span of time when it's low tide which can be fatal.
Waimea Bay
This surf spot located on the north shore of Oahu took the life of surf pioneer Dickie Cross. The first surfing fatality back in 1943. Cross, together with Woody Brown got stuck in a giant wave near Sunset Beach. The two started paddling to Waimea Bay so they could get in but cross didn't make it and was never seen again. Another unfortunate incident happened again in 1995 when Donnie Solomon, an up-and-coming Californian pro surfer got caught by more than 20 feet wave.
Despite the risks, it's the rush, danger and sheer of joy from flying in these deadly waves that keep the surfers from coming back. Even if it means their last fateful ride.
