The questions have been all around. Has Garrett McNamara broken the world record for the biggest, largest, or highest wave ever surfed?
The best scientific approach is to start by identifying the bottom of the wave. That is the lowest point you can spot in any wave.
Then, it's time to get to the peak or the highest point on the crest of the wave.
Of course, you may adopt other measuring models, but normally, you don't get photographs or video footage from the back of the wave.
That's why wave records are usually confirmed by measuring the wave face.
To get things into perspective, you also have to identify and measure the surfer's height. We've decided to consider 1.75 meters in Garrett McNamara's case. Fair enough.
Finally, from the take-off point, we've measured the wave down the falls.
The wave height measuring system is not perfect and never will be, but it's fair to consider that GMAC rode the biggest wave ever at Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal, on November 1, 2011.
Watch the complete video of Garrett McNamara's big wave ride. Have your say.