Surfing isn't a topic I cover a lot here on the Adventure Blog, but this story is definitely worth mentioning. On Monday, Brazilian surfer Carlos Burle is believed to have set a new record for the largest wave ever ridden. He caught the massive 100 ft (30.5 meter) wave off the coast of Nazare, Portugal, a place that is known for it's giant swells. While the height hasn't been confirmed or made official yet, it is believed to be bigger than the previous record held by Garrett McNamara by more than 22 feet. The video below was shot while Burle was out on his board being chased by the giant wall of water. Definitely some impressive surfing and a scary sight.

It wasn't all that long ago that drones seemed like something out of a science fiction movie. Now they're common place and even average people can own one for personal use. We've seen them becoming increasingly popular with adventure filmmakers, who can now attach a lightweight GoPro camera and capture ariel footage of just about anything. Case in point, check out the beautiful and mesmerizing footage that was shot from a small drone at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz. The video simply looks amazing and I'm happy that photographers now have these tools at their disposal. Great stuff!

Aerial footage of surfers at Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz (DJI Phantom) from Eric Cheng on Vimeo.

I don't cover surfing all that often on the Adventure Blog, mostly because it is a sport that I haven't had a lot of direct exposure to. But one thing I do appreciate is an event that goes out of its way to encourage people to get outside and try something new. Particularly if that event is aimed at young people who just might discover an activity that lights their own passion for adventure and outdoor pursuits.

One such event is coming up next weekend, June 8-9, on Queens Beach in Hawaii. That is when the Roxy Waikiki Classic is schedule to take place, pitting some of the best female surfers in the world against one another, including reigning Longboard champ Kelia Moniz. But what really sets this competition apart is that while the pros will be demonstrating their considerable skills out on the water, amateur surfers are invited to get in on the fun as well. The competition is open to all female surfers ages 6 and up and is absolutely free to enter. There will be appropriate categories for entrants, and prizes and awards will be given away too.

What I absolutely love about this event is that the organizers have eliminated all the hurdles for entry. Amateurs can surf the same waves as the pros and while getting a sense of what it is like to compete in front of a big crowd, all without having to pay a hefty entry fee. That lets them go out and have some fun without having a major investment in how well they do and where they place. If this approach allows the event to draw in just a handful of new surfers to the sport, than it will be a success in my book. The fact that the Waikiki Classic is aimed directly at getting girls more active is just icing on the cake. Event sponsor Roxy is an active and lifestyle apparel brand for ladies, and should be commended for their efforts in this area.

If you happen to be in Waikiki next weekend and you're looking for something to do, drop by the Classic and get in no all of the fun. Not only will there be plenty of action out on the waves, there will be games and activities taking place on the beach as well. Plus, it'll be a good chance to cheer on these athletic ladies, both amateur and pro.

Professional kayaker Tyler Bradt is preparing to embark on his biggest adventure yet. Bradt, who holds the record for the tallest waterfall after run in kayak, has announced plans for what he is calling the Wizard's Eye Expedition – a five year journey around the globe in search of high adventure.

In March of this year, Tyler will set sail aboard a 45-foot, 20-ton steel hulled boat which will serve as his home for the next five years. The plan is to explore the planet, immerse himself in diverse cultures and experiences, while searching for unique possibilities for adventure where ever he goes. That can include anything from paddling wild rivers to diving into lost caves. Tyler and his friends will kite and surf massive waves, climb to the tops of tall cliffs and BASE jump off of them and of course, circumnavigate the globe in the process.

This ambitious project will begin in just a few weeks, when Tyler will set sail on the first leg of his journey from the West Coast of the U.S. to New Zealand. The first year of the expedition will be consumed with that journey and all of the amazing experiences that he finds along the way. Year 2 will send him from NZ to India, while Year 3 will cover India to South Africa. The 4th Year will be a return trip from Africa to the U.S. and the 5th and final year will include sailing through the Northwest Passage and a return to his starting point.

The video below will give you an indication of what Tyler has planned and some insights into what is driving this journey. In its purest form, this is a quest for adventure in the far flung corners of the globe and it looks like it'll be an amazing experience for those involved. I can't wait to follow along and see what they find along the way.

Thanks to my friends at EpicTV for sharing this!


THE WIZARD'S EYE EXPEDITION from Wizard's Eye on Vimeo.

Looking for a video that features eight minutes of people doing amazing, crazy and down right wild things? Then look no further than the compilation vid below. It features numerous clips of men and women surfing, skiing, climbing, jumping and doing oh-so much more. It'll definitely be an interesting source of entertainment and will probably make you drop your jaw in awe at least once or twice.

Looking for some suggestions on where to go and what to do on your next escape? Then check out the Ultimate Adventure Bucket List courtesy of National Geographic Adventure. The list was compiled by Nat Geo editors who asked past Adventurer of the Year winners to share their biggest, best and most outrageous expeditions from the past. The result is 20 great stories that will have you plotting your next excursion as well.

Some of the epic adventures include surfer Maya Gabeira traveling to Alaska to ride big waves off the coast of that state. If that doesn't get your adrenaline flowing that perhaps Dean Potter's account of Free climbing the Eiger in Switzerland or Trip Jenning's paddle down the Pandi River in Papua New Guinea is more your speed. For polar explorer Borge Ousland the dream trip was a solo expedition to the North Pole and for climber Cory Richards it was a trek to the top of Gasherbrum II in Pakistan.

Each of the Dream Trip listings also includes a bio of each of the Adventurers as well as their pick for a single piece of gear that they take with them on their expeditions. Those gear items include everything from GoPro cameras to sunglasses and backpacks and so much more. I found the gear picks to be particularly interesting as it gives you some insight into what these daring men and women value while they're out on the their adventures.

Now obviously these dream trips are beyond the means for many of us, but they can also serve as a source of inspiration. For instance, you may not be ready to try to take on an 8000 meter Himalayan peak, but perhaps Kilimanjaro is the mountaineering adventure you crave. Similarly, you may not have the means to go hiking trails in Iceland, but there are probably some excellent backpacking trails within driving distance that might prove interesting as well. The point is, we can all gain inspiration from this "bucket list" even if we don't have the opportunity to do the same journeys ourselves.