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The Nazaré Big Wave Challenge just got the green light. According to an announcement from the WSL, the one-day, specialty team event is set to run this Monday, January 22.
The competition has a unique format tailored to the logistics of surfing the famed wave. The field is comprised of two-person teams who will alternate between surfing and driving the team’s jet ski. Nine of these teams will each participate in two 40-minute heats. Each surfer keeps their best two scoring rides and the highest number counts double, meaning a surfer’s highest possible total score is 30 points. There are four categories in which competitors can try to earn a victory:
- Men’s Best Performance: Male surfer with the highest two scoring waves
- Women’s Best Performance: Female surfer with the highest two scoring waves
- Best Team Performance: Total of best two scoring rides of both team riders
- Jogos Santa Casa Most Committed Award: Awarded to the surfer who shows the most commitment throughout the day
Most importantly of all, a solid incoming North Atlantic swell promises favorable conditions for the day of the competition. Waves are forecast to be in the 35 to 45-foot range with top sets expected to hit 50 feet. “We’re really excited about the conditions lining up for Monday,” said Rob Gunning, WSL Europe Tour Manager. “It’s been a slow winter so far in terms of major swells, and this time it looks like everything is trending in the right direction. We hope the waves show up and with the light winds expected. The best big wave surfers in the world are ready to put on a show.”
The full field of competitors is as follows:
TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Confirmed Teams
Team 1: Lucas Chianca (BRA) & Pedro Scooby (BRA)
Team 2: Nic Von Rupp (POR) & Clement Roseyro (FRA)
Team 3: Andrew Cotton (GBR) & Will Skudin (USA)
Team 4: Rodrigo Koxa (POR) & Vitor Faria (BRA)
Team 5: Joao De Macedo (POR) & Antonio Silva (POR)
Team 6: Sebastian Steudtner (GER) & Eric Rebiere (FRA)
Team 7: Maya Gabeira (BRA) & Antonio Laureano (PRT)
Team 8: Michelle Des Bouillons (BRA) & Ian Cosenza (BRA)
Team 9: Pierre Rollet (FRA) & Rafael Tapia (CHL)
Alternate: Benjamin Sanchis (FRA) & Jerome Sayhoun (MAR)
