World record holder Justine Dupont remarked, “Every major swell brings new feats from surfers like Chumb, Nathan Florence, Kai Lenny, and Albee Layer—actions we once thought were possible only in video games. The performance level of women is also advancing swiftly. While it may still feel like the early days, the rising number of women tackling big waves opens up incredible potential.”
This momentum leads us to the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge, showcasing the most remarkable rides from the 2023/24 El Niño winter. This year marks a milestone in the Challenge’s 25-year history, featuring a diverse array of surfers and locations. Iconic surf spots such as Jaws, Maverick’s, and Nazaré are complemented by emerging heavy-water venues like Mullaghmore Head in Ireland and Shipsterns Bluff in Tasmania, underscoring a global quest for extraordinary waves.
Big Wave Challenge founder Bill Sharp explained the evolution of the sport: “Decades ago, most big-wave surfing was concentrated on the North Shore of Oahu, particularly at Waimea Bay. Now, epic rides can occur in places like Portugal, Chile, Tasmania, Tahiti, Mexico, and Morocco. The old communication methods can’t keep pace with this global shift, which is why the SURFER Big Wave Challenge is essential for capturing these moments in real-time and celebrating the international big-wave surfing community.”
More than just an awards ceremony, the SURFER Big Wave Challenge serves as a benchmark for progress in the sport. Since Taylor Knox made headlines in 1997 with a 52-foot ride at Todos Santos, the landscape of big-wave surfing has transformed significantly, prompting the community to continually push the boundaries.
The festivities commence on Saturday, October 19, with the awards ceremony taking place in Nazaré, Portugal. Sharp will serve as the master of ceremonies, joined by surfers like Dupont and Nic Von Rupp, who will present various awards. The event will be broadcast live on SURFER TV and FUEL TV, beginning at 9:00 PM local time.
Stay tuned for updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and all the excitement from the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge. The future of big-wave surfing is here!
Related topics: