There are many great entries for the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Awards. Based purely on aesthetics, Felipe Cesarano’s tube-to-clip-to-frontflip is among the most unique.
The Brazilian slab Shock probably doesn’t get as much screen time as other more famous mutant brethren, but it looks every bit as heavy on its day. On this particular session on March 17, Cesarano found himself under a bucking bronco of a ride. Towing in deep, he got under the lip of a very square and very heavy tube. He somehow stayed in front of the growing foamball, then negotiated some warble only to get clipped by a massive lip, then bounced over the side wedge coming straight at him. All very dramatic.
Cesarano shared the wave of his life on Instagram, but in a classy and humble move, he chose to highlight the plight of Brazilians suffering from historic and horrific flooding in Rio Grande do Sul. His wave came a week after he had helped with relief efforts, and he urged his followers to donate whatever they could.
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Amid the flood of praise on his post, nestled in the comments contains a potential hint of things to come. Nathan Florence said “Fking insane gordo!!!!!” to which Cesarano replied “Waiting for you! I want to drive for you ✌️.” Florence said he couldn’t wait. Might we see the Hawaiian tackle this behemoth? If he does, he’ll have to hear from Cesarano how to survive a wave like this.