On May 5, 2025, professional surfer Quentin Turko rode what may be the biggest wave ever surfed at Silverbacks, the infamous Caribbean slab just off Isla Bastimentos in Bocas del Toro, Panama. The moment, now making waves in international surf media, was captured in Surfer Magazine and praised as one of the most impressive rides ever seen in the region.
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Turko, a native of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, is known for chasing heavy barrels rather than flashy tricks. For the past two winters, he’s worked as a surf guide and boat operator at Red Frog Bungalows, an eco-resort on Isla Bastimentos. That role put him in close proximity to Silverbacks – a remote, deep-water reef break that only comes alive a few times each season, and always with serious consequence.
In the article by surf journalist Zander Morton, Turko described the wave as “something you have to feel to understand.” He explained that the wave breaks far offshore in a deep-water channel and that its true size and speed can’t be fully appreciated on camera.
The long-awaited swell finally hit during a special session shared with surfing royalty – including the Florence brothers. Turko launched into one of the day’s most intimidating walls, pulling into a massive barrel that many consider a landmark moment in Panamanian surfing.
“It was the biggest wave I’ve ever seen break there,” Turko said. “I just knew I had to go for it. It was a fun and special session.”
This ride not only underscores the raw power of Silverbacks but further cements Bocas del Toro as a premier destination for big-wave surf travelers. Known for its lush tropical backdrop, Afro-Caribbean culture, and eclectic expat scene, the region combines wild nature with a laid-back island lifestyle.
Silverbacks is not for beginners. It’s a fast, heavy, often unpredictable wave breaking over sharp reef – drawing only the most seasoned surfers willing to test their limits. But for those who come prepared, it offers some of the most thrilling rides in the Caribbean.
Watch the full ride, filmed by John John Florence’s crew, here.
