Big wave championships are, for the most part, more spectacular than the so-called high performance ones. Not surprisingly, for laypeople, especially the images, especially of cows, are more impressive than any aerial.
Additionally, really big waves are a rarity, unlike their smaller cousins. This unique feature makes running big wave competitions a challenge. In 2016, Woz planned nine events for its Big Wave Tour, but only six were held. In the following years, the number decreased to five and then three.
There is currently only one championship on the Big Wave ‘Tour’, the others have been canceled due to the unpredictability of low pressure systems. Sometimes the big waves appear, other times they don’t, and sponsors find their patience tested.
This is why video prizes are best suited for big surfing. There is no need for organizers to travel, they can stay where they are and ask surfers to upload their videos online. The contest is global, annual and successful…at least it was until 2023, when, after two decades of support, Woz withdrew its sponsorship of the Big Wave Awards.
Bill Sharp quickly took over, he was responsible for the concept from the K2 Challenge to the Billabong Odyssey, and now the Big Wave Challenge. The first edition took place without a sponsor, but is now called the Surfer Big Wave Challenge, with Surfer magazine providing funding and naming rights.
Surfer, which closed a few years ago along with all print surf magazines, has re-emerged as an online portal, led by Jake Howard and Dashiel Pearson.
Bill has organized a long-term partnership with the owners of Surfer Magazine to support the Big Wave Challenge with major financial support, including an enhanced online and social media platform, staff across all departments to support the mission, and significant cash prizes – with more to come.
For 2024, the Surfer Big Wave Challenge will feature $150,000 in prizes – the biggest investment in big wave surfing in years. Bill plans to increase the award amount each year as they demonstrate the value of the BWC and grow their support.
“Our faith and dedication to the vision paid off,” says Bill.
The contest period runs from August 1, 2023 until the end of July, covering the northern and southern hemisphere swell seasons. Applications are currently being received for:
Surfer of the Year – Men and Women
Wave of the Year – Men and Women, with video awards
Biggest Paddle Wave – Men and Women, with video and photo prizes
Biggest Tow Wave – Men and Women, with video and photo prizes
Worst Fall of the Year
Jovem Promessa (best talent under 18)
Videomaker of the Year
Source Swell Net
