If you’re a surfer, the chances are you’re always looking for a slightly bigger, faster wave, with just a bit more power than the last one you rode. The search for ideal surfing conditions can take a lifetime, and many have dedicated years to trawling the globe, trying to track down the perfect wave.For many surfers, the best waves are the most extreme waves. But for most, these waves are just not a viable option. The most extreme waves on the planet are big, mean, dangerous and often lethal. Here’s a guide to the ten of the best.??

1. Teahupoo [Tahiti]

As well as being a left-breaking reef, the outer reef at this insane spot also create rights, so it’s also a confusing one to try and ride. It’s also renowned for the incredible number of barrels on offer. Heavy waves plus a seriously shallow and sharp coral reef, make this a particularly dangerous wave to surf. Teahupoo is also popular with windsurfers and kite surfers. It was famously documented in the 2003 film, Riding Giants.

2. Pipeline [Oahu]

This reef break (in fact there are three, at varying distances from the shore) on the north side of the island, is infamous for amazingly hollow waves. Pitching precariously over a reef, these cavernous barrels have dished out their fair share of epic wipeouts. The flat tabletop reef, with several caves on the inside, creates a giant air bubble that pops on the front of the wave which lurches upwards just before breaking. There are also several jagged, underwater lava spires which can injure surfers who fall off. Sort out your travel insurance cover and ride this one at your peril!

3. Aileens [Ireland]

Image Mickey SmithIf you thought the gentle landscape of the Emerald Isle were too tame to be the home of one of the most extreme surfing spots on earth, you’d be wrong. While us Irish might be friendly and laid back hosts, the waves can get nasty. Aileens might sound like the name of a bar, but it’s actually a crazy wave in Lahinch. You not only have to brave the wave itself, but also the 700ft clamber down a rocky path to get to it!

4. Puerto Escondido [Mexico]

Puerto Escondido, also known as the Mexican Pipeline, has a few spots on down the coast, most of which provide great surf all year round – but better in the summer months. The most commonly surfed section of Zicatela Beach is the break closest to town, which is primarily a right-hander. The crowd here can be fiercely competitive, though, so be prepared to put on a show for the locals and the other surfers. Be sure to check out the evening surf sessions which, when accompanied by strong offshore winds, make for some of the most awesome surfing conditions on earth.

5. Shipstern Bluff [Tasmania]

For decades this wave, once known as Devil’s Point, was more myth than reality, as no one had even considered surfing it. Shipstern Bluff’s ferocity seen at close quarters will leave little doubt that this mental right-hander could indeed be one of the most insane surf spots on earth. The only way in and out is either by boat or on foot, and the isolation of the place gives it a sinister vibe – not helped by the fact that the waters here are patrolled by enormous white sharks. On a big swell with a low tide, and full sunlight for dramatic effect, the wave can look like a living Dali painting as it warps, twists and devours itself. But amidst the madness lies one of the biggest barrels of all.

6. Cave [Ericeira]

This rocky right-hander is difficult to locate – you’ll need a car and a good map – but once you’re there, it’s a sight to behold. Cave is known locally as ‘Sete Bafos’ (literally, seven spits), so-called because the wave spews out huge spits from the hollow barrels. Indeed, this wave is so shallow, so hollow and so heavy that Portuguese Bodyboarding magazine has said that if someone was going to surf it, they should notify them so they can do a full article for their magazine. Good luck!

7. Ours [Australia]

Back down under again, and we come to Ours, a sharp, rocky right-hander near Sydney. Also known as Kurnell Secrets and Cape Soli, this wave is best left to those with bags of surfing experience. The wrong turn at the last minute could see an inexperienced surfer taking the beating of a lifetime on the rocks inside. With the warning over, why not sit back and watch the awesome, mesmerising wave and highly talented souls who try to take it on. It’s popular with surfers and bodyboarders alike.

8. Newport Wedge [California]

The Wedge at Newport is famous amongst surfers and bodyboarders alike for its spectacular barrels and crazy wipeouts. The waves gets its name from the waves that approach the shore, then bounce off the jetty’s boulders and form a perfect wedge with a huge pitching barrel on the inside. When this place lights up you can expect crowds in the water and on the beach.

9. El Quemao [Lanzarote]

Back in Europe, on the north shore of Lanzarote lies El Quemao, a hollow left-breaking wave over a jagged lava reef. Its high-quality fast barrels can break up to 10ft and are famous across Europe – so much so that it has earned the title ‘Pipeline of the Canaries’. The waves break on a solid westerly swell, coming out of deeper water to lunge up onto a slab producing powerful, thick lipped, hollow, lefts and occasional fast rights. It is not just the waves that draw a Hawaiian comparison. El Quemao is also home to a hungry pack of locals and ex-pats, who do not welcome visitors warmly.

10. Desert Point [Lombok]

This beautiful island is home to a huge left-breaking wave, famous as one of the best and most powerful waves in Indo. This is an incredibly inconsistent wave, needing quite a large swell to really start firing – but when it’s on, Desert Point really is something to behold. It can only really be ridden at low tide and on a good day, so take your chances when planning a trip there. That said, it must be worth the wait – Aussie Tracks magazine voted it the ‘Best Wave in the World’. There are so few opportunities in peak condition which means, sadly, when the conditions are right, the spot gets quite crowded.

This was a guest post by www.moneycompare.com.au.