Russian big wave surfer Andrey Karr rode a monster of a wave at Nazaré last week. Locals described this wave as one of the biggest “bombs” of the day, alongside Tom Butler’s possible record-setting wave, in what is now the biggest swell of the season.
Whether Butler’s wave lands a world record or not, this was by far the biggest wave ever surfed by a Russian surfer, no doubt about it. I don’t like to dive into these world record claims and premature measuring contests and general claiming. The size will officially be measured in April 2019 after the footage is properly analyzed by the WSL. But I am sure this was the biggest day of the season (so far), and the biggest waves of the day were Tom Butler’s and Andrey Karr’s.
Andrey is one of the most radical guys I know. He’s been coming to Nazaré for three consecutive winters and the guy has a very committed attitude. I’m really happy for him getting a proper monster bomb here at Nazaré and I’m sure he’ll shake things up in Russia as they are now well represented in the big wave race.
Andrey was teamed up with American Toby Cunningham that day, who towed him into this monster wave.
“I saw that wave a long way out and saw it dredging off the ledge and made sure I gave Andrey the speed he needed to get down the face,” Toby said. “While chasing him on the shoulder I got to see it barrel so large that I could see the lighthouse for a split second through the barrel. I picked him up the second he kicked out of the wave.”
Andrey Karr is 31 and from Moscow, Russia. He’s a professional big wave surfer but more commonly referred to as the poly-extreme athlete. He’s also an experienced charger in many radical sports such as BASE jumping, wingsuit flying, high-lining, and speed flying.
