Australian surfer Laura Enever has made history by breaking the world record for paddling into the largest wave ever ridden by a woman. The achievement was verified by both the World Surf League and the Guinness World Records, recognizing her incredible ride on a colossal 13.3-meter wave in January.

At 31, Enever, who spent seven seasons on the WSL Championship Tour, shifted her focus to big wave surfing. Her record-breaking ride took place at Outer Reef on the North Shore of Oahu earlier this year, but the confirmation only came recently.

I knew it was big when I paddled into it, and then when I dropped in, I looked down and knew it was definitely the biggest wave I’d ever caught," Enever said.

Not everyone shared the same satisfaction with this award. Maui surfer Albee Layer voiced his opinion, highlighting that while he recognizes Laura’s achievements, he believes the big wave surfing community should review its definition of a "completed wave," especially when it comes to setting records. He added that he knows it sounds critical but emphasized the importance of properly addressing this matter to preserve the future of the sport.