Witness the Astonishing Sights of Rio's Most Dangerous Ocean!

I can safely say that Gardenal is the most dangerous wave in Brazil if not one of the most dangerous in the world. Powerful waves are a source of fascination when they break along our shores.

So what causes dangerous waves and how can you stay on top of wave conditions?

Wind is the principal cause of this ferocious wave development. The size of the waves is determined by three factors:

- wind speed (strength)—the intensity of the wind transferring momentum to the ocean surface;
- duration—the length of time the wind blows; and
- fetch—the distance over which the wind blows.

Generally speaking, the stronger the wind, and the more time and distance the wind has to blow, the larger the swell waves generated. Winds can also cause small 'messy' waves or chop in the immediate area (i.e. sea waves).