In one iteration or another, surfers have long gathered to celebrate, to talk story, to relive the season’s greatest moments, and to take home oversized checks. That’s especially true when it comes to big waves — because big waves deserve a big stage.
Now, once again, the big wave world has that platform for pushing the boundaries, and honoring those who do, with the SURFER Big Wave Challenge, coming to Nazaré, Portugal on October 19th, 2024. Top honors in the event will include Surfer of the Year, Ride of the Year, Wipeout of the Year, Biggest Paddle, Biggest Tow, and more.
Helmed by longtime big wave impresario Bill Sharp, the SURFER Big Wave Challenge is the latest in the tradition of celebrating heavy water heroics. After the inaugural Big Wave Challenge in 2023, the sequel this year is coming back bigger and better.
How so, you ask? A $150k prize purse for the winners.
Photo: Frank Quirarte
Sharp’s history with the big wave scene is nothing short of legendary. From the days of the K2 Big Wave Challenge in 1998 on through its evolution into the Billabong XXL Awards, followed by the World Surf League’s Big Wave Awards, Sharp has fielded entries, honored surfers and documenters, and dished out giant checks on the big night — his signature spiked hair standing tall behind the podium.
In a note to surfers and shooters involved in the event, Sharp revealed, “a long-term partnership with the owners of SURFER Magazine to back the BWC with massive new support, including an upgraded online and social media platform, lots of staff in every department to back the mission and solid PRIZE MONEY to start (and more to come). The dream is alive!”
At the debut Big Wave Challenge event in 2023, a handful of historic rides took home the marquee awards. For instance, in the Ride of the Year category, Nathan Florence won for his hulking monster at Mullaghmore Head, and Justine Dupont snagged the title for a flawless, absolutely massive bomb at the mythical Cortes Bank.
“That Cortes trip will stay in my memory for life,” said Dupont. “It is important for the community of big wave surfing to have an award ceremony as long it comes with fair and clear judging. I hope it will keep growing and helping the surfers make a living with it in the future.”
As for the added prize purse in the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge, Sharp called it, “the first significant investment in the sport of big wave surfing in quite a few years. I expect to grow the pot each year significantly as we prove the BWC’s value and grow its support.”
Photo: João Tudella
The entries from last winter and the recent spate of Southern Hemisphere action continue to roll in, with the announcement of nominees slated for August, and the live awards show going down on October 19th. In the meantime, stay tuned to SURFER Big Wave Challenge for the latest nominees, throwbacks to memorable moments in big wave history, and more.
Categories for the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge
Surfer of the Year for Men & Women
Ride of the Year for Men & Women, plus video awards
Biggest Paddle Wave for Men & Women, plus video and photo awards
Biggest Tow Wave for Men & Women, plus video and photo awards
Wipeout of the Year
Young Gun (top under-18 talent)
Videographer of the Year