Will Durkee is an American professional big-wave surfer from Santa Cruz, California. He is recognized for his fearless approach and commitment to riding some of the world's largest and most dangerous waves.
Career Durkee emerged on the international big-wave scene, gaining attention for his performances at iconic breaks around the globe. He is particularly known for his exploits at:
- Nazaré, Portugal: A notorious big-wave spot famous for its enormous swells. Durkee has been a consistent presence there, often featured in video edits and news reports showcasing rides of unprecedented scale.
- Mavericks, California: A legendary cold-water big-wave break near his home state, where he has honed his skills.
- Jaws (Peʻahi), Maui, Hawaii: Another premier big-wave destination where Durkee has demonstrated his ability to navigate massive, powerful waves, both paddling and tow-in surfing.
Durkee has been a fixture in the big-wave community, frequently appearing in surfing media and documentaries that chronicle the pursuit of giant waves. His dedication to the sport has led to nominations for prestigious accolades within the surfing world, including categories in the World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Awards for feats such as "Ride of the Year" and "Biggest Paddle/Tow."
Surfing Style Durkee is characterized by his aggressive yet calculated approach to extremely large surf. He is often praised for his technical skill combined with an unwavering courage, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in big-wave surfing. His presence in the lineup at the most challenging conditions marks him as one of the sport's leading practitioners.