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.

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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

PADDLE
Men – Chacha Ibarra at Punta Lobos, Chile.

Women – Laura Enever at Outer Reef Oahu.

BIGGEST WAVE
Men – (TIE) 1.Nic Von Rupp at Nazaré & 2. Shaun Walsh at Jaws

Women – Justine Dupont at Cortes Bank

WIPEOUT OF THE YEAR
Danny Griffiths at Shipstern Bluff. Video by Talon Clemow

YOUNG GUN
Ned Hart (Australia)

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SPORT
Big Wave Tour founder Gary Linden
Nazaré Mayor Walter Chicharro