As this magical, monster, what Bodhi might term 50 year storm-swell continues to pound Europe, leaving a battered but extremely lucky Maya Gabeira in its wake, news reaches us that Justine Dupont may have surfed the biggest wave ever ridden by a woman in Europe. A 45 foot beast at Belharra off south west France pictured above. Jeez to the power of steeze!!

After said feat, 23 year old Justine Dupont, from Lacanau, France had this to say:

 I wasn’t nervous, I felt confident. I had complete trust in François driving and was looking forward to catching my first waves at Belharra.

I just wanted to make sure I had the strength to tackle these types of waves. When I looked up and saw how big the wave was, I just focused on making the drop. Now that I know I have the leg muscle strength to make these waves, I’m super committed to surfing bigger and better waves.

She also did Q & A with Billabong:

Were you nervous travelling out to Belharra in the dark this morning?

Not really, I felt confident and just really wanted to catch and make a few waves.

Had you surfed Belharra before?

No, we had been out to check it out last winter, but I didn’t actually catch any, so I was just really happy to catch a few waves.

Did you fall on any waves out there?

Yes on my first wave I fell. The straps were a bit loose for my feet, so I was a bit unsteady, and it was bumpy, so I came off.

What’s that like?

Well I had an inflatable vest on, so I felt safe, plus with Francois Liets driving the ski I knew I was okay. I didn’t panic or anything.

What were you thinking when you looked up and saw that massive wall on your last one? 

When I looked over my shoulder and saw how big it was, I just thought about making the drop. I wasn’t really sure if I would have the muscle strength in my legs to make it. We aren’t as strong as the men, so once I made it, I felt more confident that I had the strength to ride waves as big as these.

Have you been training specifically for big waves?

Not really, I am keeping fit and working in the pool, but as I am competing in shortboards and longboards, you just can’t focus on one aspect.

Did you see the massive waves ridden in Nazare as well? Is that something you would consider?

I did, but I have complete faith in Francois and where he thinks the best waves are for me. I am still learning and have to make sure I don’t take things to fast. There is maybe time for that later if I am ready and prepared. But hopefully I’d love to ride some waves that big.

What now?

I am staying in France and waiting for more swells with the Billabong Adventure Division. Hopefully we get the chance for Belharra again. Then later next month I have a week in Hawaii before travelling to compete in China.

WATCH THE EPIC RIDES HERE: