It’s no secret Nazaré has been bombarded with swell recently. Yet somehow, the conditions haven’t all come together for a forecast that would meet all the requirements to call the WSL Big Wave Tour’s Nazaré Challenge. Meanwhile, we’ve still seen a number of chargers elevate big wave surfing to another level, contest or no contest.
Just a few years ago, under these same extreme conditions, only a select few would face the challenge or there would be absolutely no one in the water at all. Now, in 2018, we have a crowded lineup even on the most frightening days.