Ernie Anastos and Rosanna Scotto were in the middle of a report on Hurricane Sandy’s looming arrival in New York’s tri-state area when, suddenly, they noticed that someone could be seen surfing off the coast of Long Island.

44-year-old Hawaii pro surfer Garrett McNamara has just been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for riding the tallest wave ever, attaining the record by surfing a 78-foot beast off the coast of Portugal. The wave was caught in November, and was one foot taller than the previous record-holder.

Some videos of huge waves are a bit anti-climactic. This one, however, delivers: the 5-foot-10 McNamara looks like an ant compared to the current he’s trying to tame, and he briefly disappears in the wave’s break. But he emerged unharmed, and would soon become the proud owner of one of the more awesome world records a human being can own. [AP]

Anybody who has ever felt like giving up on an athletic endeavor need only look to Derek Rabelo, a Brazilian surfer who can ride with the best of them on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Derek doesn’t let a little thing like not being able to see keep him down. It’s a truly awesome story, so check it out after the jump.

Female surfers are getting prettier, which means its time for everyone to get concerned.

Andy Irons, a legend in the surfing world, was reportedly found dead in a hotel room in Dallas.