The landscape of big wave surfing competitions has seen significant changes in recent years, with traditional events becoming increasingly rare and new, unorthodox formats taking their place.
One of the most notable shifts is the near-collapse of the World Surf League’s (WSL) Big Wave Tour, which no longer exists in its original form. Although the WSL has planned one event at Nazaré for the 2024/2025 season and remains committed to the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, these events are increasingly overshadowed by a surge of smaller, non-traditional competitions held across the globe.
The latest of these innovations is the Big Wave Grand Prix (BWGP), which will launch in Nazaré during the 2024/2025 season. Unlike conventional one-day contests, the BWGP will adopt a season-long format, following the achievements of the world’s top 30 big wave surfers throughout the year. According to a press release, the event will feature surfers from 13 countries and offer an immersive experience for fans through live streaming, blogs, behind-the-scenes content, YouTube shows, and interviews. The BWGP aims to bring audiences closer to not only the surfers but also the photographers and videographers who play an essential role in showcasing big wave surfing.
This shift away from traditional competition formats comes at a time when the future of big wave surfing itself feels uncertain. The WSL recently announced the cancellation of the Jaws Challenge for the 2024/2025 season, a decision that disappointed many in the big wave community. Notably, Hawaiian surfer and oceanic athlete Kai Lenny expressed his regret over the decision, stating, “It’s for sure a major bummer. It has been five years since it has run, so I’ve gotten used to not doing it. It’s too bad that Big Wave Surfing no longer has a tour or multiple big events. During the ‘Tour’ era, it was so much fun.”
Despite the challenges, the WSL is still planning an event at Nazaré for its Big Wave Tour, with a competition window set from November 1st to March 31st.
As big wave surfing continues to evolve, the question remains: will these unconventional formats, like the BWGP, become the future of the sport’s competitive landscape? Fans and surfers alike will have to wait and see.
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