Female star snares world record for largest wave ever surfed

Maya Gabeira has written herself into the record books by riding an insane 21-metre wave.

The Brazilian star produced the feat back in January at the infamous Nazare break in Portugal.

On Tuesday it was recognised by the World Surf League, with Gabeira winning the women’s XXL Biggest Wave Award.

The Guinness Book of World Records has also announced it as the biggest wave ever surfed by a female.

“To set the world record has been a dream of mine for many years,” Gabeira said on Tuesday.

Even more remarkable is the fact Gabeira was nearly killed at the same spot in 2013.

The Brazilian surfer broke her shin bone and was knocked unconscious in a crash while riding a similar wave five years ago.

“After the accident in Nazaré 2013, it felt like a very distant dream,” she said.

“It took a lot of work to have a season like last year, to be 100 per cent again; and to complete it with a Guinness World Records title is quite special.”