Surfer riding a wave in Nazaré, Portugal

© Rui Caria/Getty Image

Where there's a will, there's a wave. Nazaré, Portugal

Today's image shows an intrepid surfer riding a wave at Nazaré, Portugal. This town on the Atlantic coast is known for its giant waves, which can reach over 30 metres in height. Thanks to these impressive breakers, several surf records have been broken here, including the biggest wave ever surfed, which was over 26 metres. Surfing involves riding a wave using a board, regardless of the stance. Ancient surfers often rode waves on their belly and knees. Today, surfing typically means riding a wave standing on a surfboard, known as stand-up surfing.

With more than 7,500 kilometres of coastline, encompassing its island groups, India presents a plethora of prime surfing locations. The peak of wave activity is typically between May and September, coinciding with the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Some popular surfing spots in India include Mangalore, Manipal, Kapu Beach, Sasihithlu and Murdeshwara in Karnataka; Mahabalipuram, Covelong and Manapad in Tamil Nadu; Kovalam and Varkala in Kerala; as well as Little Andaman and Lakshadweep.