German surfer Sebastian Steudtner has set a new world record for the biggest wave ridden, with his monster wave in Portugal topping 26 metres.

Germans aren't usually associated with surfing but Sebastian Steudtner has etched his name in the Guinness World Records, credited with riding the largest wave ever surfed.

Steudtner rode a monster wave at Praia do Norte in Nazare, Portugal in October 2020 which measured 26.21 metres (86ft) from trough to crest.

The World Surf League has officially verified the ride as part of the Red Bull Big Wave Awards.

Steudtner's wave was calculated to be 1.82m bigger than Brazilian Rodrigo Koxa's previous mark, achieved at the same location in November 2017.

Steudtner was presented with a certificate by an official Guinness World Records adjudicator at a ceremony in the grounds of the lighthouse which overlooks the famed Praia do Norte break.

Announcing the milestone mark on Wednesday, the WSL also announced nominees for 2022 Ride of the Year, Biggest Tow, and Biggest Paddle, with the award winners to be revealed in July 7.

Among the finalists for Ride of the Year is Mikey Brennan at his home break of Shipstern Bluff in Tasmania in March this year.