Thrill-seekers flock to Portuguese fishing town to take on challenge of its massive waves

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Three-mile deep underwater canyon and strong currents produce huge waves off coast of Nazare, Portugal
Extreme surfers are now heading to the area to ride the giant swells now rolling in from the Atlantic Ocean
Among those in the area is American surfer Garrett McNamara, who set record for the biggest wave ever ridden

Published: 01:15 EST, 3 September 2014 | Updated: 04:55 EST, 3 September 2014

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Daredevil surfers are flocking to the coast of Portugal to ride giant waves up to 100-foot high.

Incredible photos show the thrill-seekers riding the huge swells off the coast of Nazare, a fishing town north of Lisbon.

A 125-mile long underwater canyon - which is up to three miles deep - combines with strong Atlantic currents to create the enormous waves.

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A deep underwater canyon and strong currents sweeping in from the Atlantic Ocean create huge, 100-metre waves off the coast of Nazare, Portugal at this time of year

Pictures taken by photographer Rui Boino show surfers dwarfed by the huge wages, which crash around them as they try to stay on their surfboards

Extreme surfers are flocking to the coastline to ride the massive swells, which also attract spectators who marvel at the incredible natural forces on display

London-based photographer Rui Boino captured images of brave surfers attempting to conquer the huge swells.

The 38-year-old said: 'I always try to capture the unique expression, emotions and reactions from the subject. I loved photographing Nazare, despite the loud crashing of the waves, I find it so relaxing. You need to be there to see and feel the power.'

In the peak summer months, the beaches of Nazare attract thousands of sun-seekers, but the scene transforms in the autumn and winter, as the Atlantic winds pick up, causing the waves to grow in size and power.

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World famous American surfer Garrett McNamara, 47, is currently taking on the waves with friends. In January 2013, Garrett broke the world record for the largest wave ever surfed at Nazare, riding a 100ft swell.

Mr Boino added: 'Although beautiful, the power of waves is one of the most significant forces of coastal change. Whilst waves are great to watch for its strength and magnitude they are destructive too.'

Garrett McNamara's world record breaking wave

Jetskiers pull alongside the surfers as they race down the huge swells, which grow bigger in Autumn as the winds coming in from the Atlantic start to pick up

The highest wave ever ridden was recorded in the area last year when US surfer Garrett McNamara managed to stay on top of a 100ft swell in the region

The wild seas can prove dangerous though and local emergency services have had to rescue surfers knocked unconscious by the crashing waves in the past

The area attracts surfers from all around the world at this time of year, with some travelling from as far away as Australia and Hawaii to enjoy the giant waves