The Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is wrapped, and it was an event to remember. With waves in the 25-35 foot range, Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal was firing on all cylinders.
Some of the world’s best big wave surfers were there to showcase their talents in consistent conditions that served up exciting heats from start to finish. As is often the case in Nazaré, the wind added an extra layer of difficulty.
“The strong offshore wind made it more challenging, with competitors having to navigate huge bumps while traveling full speed down the massive faces,” the WSL wrote in a press release. “As the swell started to build throughout the afternoon, the teams took their performance to the next level by treating the crowds to a spectacular show of skill and commitment that Praia do Norte demands.”
Performers of note were Clement Roseyro and Justine Dupont, both of whom earned Best Performance awards.
“I’m grateful to Nic von Rupp, we’re a really good team,” Roseyro said. “He taught me a lot, especially about driving the Jet Ski, and we push each other to perform.”
Lucas Chianca, always a standout at huge Nazaré, was the runner-up in the Performance category, while newcomer Ben Larg — to this particular event — landed on the podium after Garrett McNamara wasn’t able to compete and Larg stepped into his spot with Andrew Cotton.
Justine Dupont, fresh from the birth of her first child, attacked the waves by focusing her fear. She’s won there before, and her experience with partner Eric Rebiere showed.
“I used to have a lot of fear before,” Dupont said. “Now, after the baby, I’m more worried about my child, whether they are sleeping or eating. At least it takes my mind off the fear! We are a family team, we understand each other, and I’m really happy to be back here to perform. I’m a bit sad that I couldn’t put Eric into a good wave. It was a bit like riding a rodeo out there, really bumpy conditions.”
Nic von Rupp and Clemente Roseyro won the Best Team Performance award after taking an early lead in the first heat. Nic has put his time in there, and his knowledge paid off in spades. Roseyro used von Rupp’s towing skill to unleash his talents on the huge faces.
Nic was pushing the limits even harder than he usually does, and his body is likely feeling it. A few heavy wipeouts didn’t dissuade him from leaving everything on the field, though.
“I fell a lot in the first heat, it was really bumpy, but I pushed really hard,” von Rupp reflected. “Last year we should’ve won, so this year we came back, training really hard. It’s been a long season, we’ve put in the time here. We’re stoked Clement got two good scores today to get on top of the leaderboard.”
