The people have spoken.
After sifting through hours and hours of footage, and deliberating for several months, the judging panel has ruled Mikey O’Shaughnessy as the rightful heir to the highly sought-after Wave of the Winter award. And as if an award of that stature wasn’t enough, he got a check for $25,000 for good measure.
Out of all the amazing barrels that are ridden at Pipe each winter, the judging panel—consisting of Gerry Lopez, Ross Williams, Pancho Sullivan, and Shawn Briley—is required to pick one ride that stands out in their minds as the wave of the entire winter. Today, Mikey O’Shaughnessy’s incredible Off the Wall ride fit the description.
This winter was a rare time in surf history, as a rather powerful El Niño produced a seemingly never ending supply of considerably large swell to the Hawaiian Islands. And to pocket the coveted WOW award during such a volatile time is a HUGE honor. The money is undoubtedly nice, but the title of earning single best wave of the entire El Niño winter far exceeds that handsome check. Congratulations, Mikey O’Shaughnessy! Your earnings are well-deserved!
