Hawaii or Tahiti? Actually, it's Cornwall: The astonishing 50ft waves rolling off the coast of England

By Chris Slack
Updated: 16:24 EDT, 30 October 2011

Crashing down onto the beach with a lone surfer engulfed by the water, these huge waves appear to be more suited to the coasts of Hawaii, Tahiti or Australia.

But these 50ft monsters are striking a coast much closer to home, that of the famous Fistral Beach near Newquay in Cornwall.

The waves struck the Cornish coast earlier today in a phenomenon known as the 'Cribbar', which is named after a reef located at the north end of the beach.

Surf's up! Richard Sills rides the monster wave known as the Cribbar at Fistral Beach in Cornwall

Wall of water: South African Richard Sills emerges from the huge wave as it crashed down around him as he took on the challenge

Taking on the challenge: Another surfer rides the waves, which only occur around once every 18 months when conditions involving the Atlantic swells and the onshore winds match up

They occur just once every 18 months when conditions involving the Atlantic swells and the onshore winds combine to cause the perfect surf conditions.

Professional surfer Richard Sills decided to take on the dangerous challenge of surfing the wave, which also has the name 'widow maker'.

The South African, who has won a number of international titles, is pictured riding the breaking wave before emerging from the wall of water still, amazingly, balanced on his board.

The Cribbar is considered by surf experts to be the UK's biggest wave spot and is well renowned for its volatility, ferocity and power. As such they warn that the wave is strictly for the pros.

The wave became the stuff of legend back in 1966 when three visiting Australian surfers stumbled upon the waves.

Ever since experienced surfers from across the globe have come to take on the challenge.

Stuff of legend: Surfers have been taking on the challenge of the Cribbar since it was discovered by a trio of Australian surfers in 1966

Foamy: Sills lies on his board among the white water that gave a snow like effect as it lay atop the water underneath

Fistral Beach is well known for its surfing and has held major international surfing competitions in the past while is also home to the British Surfing Association.

It is however something of a geographical freak as many of the world's premier surfing spots are in tropical climbs.

Hawaii regularly boasts of having 15 foot waves at the world famous location known as the pipeline at Oahu on the islands.

The spot is both notorious and famous for its waves that break in shallow water to form large curls of water that the surfers ride inside of.

And in Tahiti, the location at Teahupo'o regularly has waves exceeding 10 feet and plays host to several world competitions.

Other famous surf locations include Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka and Bells Beach in Australia.