The Discovery of Cortes Bank and the Biggest Wave on Earth

Cortes Bank is a seamount located about 100 miles southwest of San Diego, California. It is a massive underwater mountain that rises from the seafloor to a depth of about 50 feet. Cortes Bank is a popular destination for surfers, divers, and fishermen, and it is also an important habitat for marine life.

Ghost Wave: The Discovery of Cortes Bank and the Biggest Wave on Earth

by Chris Dixon

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18171 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	280 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The first recorded sighting of Cortes Bank was in 1542 by the Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Cabrillo was sailing along the coast of California when he spotted a large, dark object in the distance. He sent a boat to investigate, and the crew returned with reports of a large rock formation that was covered in kelp and seaweed. Cabrillo named the formation "Isla de San Lucas" (Island of Saint Luke).

In the years that followed, Cortes Bank became a popular destination for Spanish and Mexican fishermen. The fishermen would use the bank as a place to catch fish and gather abalone. In the late 1800s, Cortes Bank was also used as a hunting ground for sea otters. The otters were hunted for their fur, which was highly prized in the fashion industry.

In the early 1900s, Cortes Bank was surveyed by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. The survey revealed that the bank was actually a seamount, and not an island as Cabrillo had thought. The survey also found that the bank was home to a variety of marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and seabirds.

In the 1960s, Cortes Bank became a popular destination for surfers. The surfers were drawn to the bank by its consistent waves and relatively shallow water. In 2008, Cortes Bank was the site of the biggest wave ever recorded. The wave was ridden by surfer Mike Parsons, and it was estimated to be over 100 feet tall.

Today, Cortes Bank is a popular destination for surfers, divers, and fishermen. It is also an important habitat for marine life. The bank is home to a variety of fish, invertebrates, and seabirds, and it is also a popular spot for whale watching.

The Biggest Wave on Earth

The biggest wave ever recorded was ridden by surfer Mike Parsons at Cortes Bank in 2008. The wave was estimated to be over 100 feet tall, and it was the first wave ever to be recorded over 100 feet.

Parsons was surfing at Cortes Bank when he saw a large swell coming in. He paddled out to the edge of the swell and waited for the perfect wave. When the wave came, Parsons paddled hard and caught it. He then rode the wave for over a minute, before finally falling off.

Parsons' ride was a historic moment in surfing. It was the first time that a surfer had ever ridden a wave over 100 feet tall, and it showed the world just how big waves can get.

Surfing at Cortes Bank

Cortes Bank is a popular destination for surfers from all over the world. The bank is known for its consistent waves and relatively shallow water. The waves at Cortes Bank are typically between 6 and 10 feet tall, but they can get much bigger during storms.

The best time to surf at Cortes Bank is during the winter months, when the waves are at their biggest. However, the bank can be surfed year-round.

If you are planning to surf at Cortes Bank, it is important to be aware of the dangers. The bank is located in a remote area, and there is no lifeguard on duty. The waves at Cortes Bank can also be very powerful, and they can easily knock you off your board.

If you are a beginner surfer, it is best to start out at a smaller beach. Once you have gained some experience, you can then start surfing at Cortes Bank.

Diving at Cortes Bank

Cortes Bank is also a popular destination for divers. The bank is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and seabirds. The water at Cortes Bank is typically clear, and the visibility can be up to 100 feet.

The best time to dive at Cortes Bank is during the summer months, when the water is at its warmest. However, the bank can be dived year-round.

If you are planning to dive at Cortes Bank, it is important to be aware of the dangers. The bank is located in a remote area, and there is no divemaster on duty. The currents at Cortes Bank can also be very strong, and they can easily sweep you away.

If you are a beginner diver, it is best to start out at a smaller dive site. Once you have gained some experience, you can then start diving at Cortes Bank.

Fishing at Cortes Bank

Cortes Bank is also a popular destination for fishermen. The bank is home to a variety of fish, including yellowtail, bluefin tuna, and albacore. The fishing at Cortes Bank can be very good, but it is important to be aware of the regulations.

The fishing regulations at Cortes Bank are designed to protect the marine life. The regulations include a bag limit on the number of fish that you can catch, and a minimum size limit on the fish that you can keep.

If you are planning to fish at Cortes Bank, it is important to be aware of the regulations. The regulations are posted at the launch ramp, and they are also available online.

Marine Life at Cortes Bank

Cortes Bank is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and seabirds. The fish at Cortes Bank include yellowtail, bluefin tuna, albacore, and rockfish. The invertebrates at Cortes Bank include lobsters, crabs, and sea urchins. The seabirds at Cortes Bank include pelicans, cormorants, and gulls.

The marine life at Cortes Bank is protected by the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary was established in 1980 to protect the marine life and habitat in the area. The sanctuary includes Cortes Bank and the surrounding waters.

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary is a popular destination for boaters, fishermen, and divers. The sanctuary is home to a variety of marine life, and it is a great place to learn about the ocean.

Cortes Bank is a unique and beautiful place. It is a popular destination for surfers, divers, fishermen, and boaters. Cortes Bank is also an important habitat for marine life. The bank is home to a variety of fish, invertebrates, and seabirds. Cortes Bank is a special place that should be enjoyed by all.

Ghost Wave: The Discovery of Cortes Bank and the Biggest Wave on Earth

by Chris Dixon

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18171 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	280 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE