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The ‘Oscars’ of big-wave surfing went down at Nazare, Portugal, this past weekend. It was a huge night for the sport, with the newly created award show celebrating the achievements of the world’s best big-wave surfers. Australia’s very own Laura Enever picked up the biggest paddle award in the women’s field. In the clip above, Laura shares a moment to moment to recount of her iconic ride at an Outer Reef on the North Shore in January. West Oz up-and-comer Ned Hart won the ‘Young Gun’ award after his breakout performances in big-wave’s in the 2022/2023 season.
The selection for this year’s Big Wave Challenge Awards consisted of the best big-wave rides worldwide during August 2022 to July 2023. These entries were sent to 200 members of the “Academy of Big Wave Arts & Sciences” which included pro surfers, video and still photographers, water safety, writers, editors and other experts in the sport. The “Academy” reviewed the 60+ entries for the 2022/23 season and made their selections. Below is the list and rides of the winners from this year’s Big Wave Challenge awards.
SURFER OF THE YEAR
Men – Nathan Florence (Hawaii)
Women – Justine Dupont (France)
RIDE OF THE YEAR
Men – Nathan Florence at Mullaghmore Head, Ireland. Video by João Tudella
Women – Justine Dupont at Cortes Bank. Video by Johnny Decesare & Tucker Wooding
