That is a very, very big wave, courtesy of Mick Corbett.
In all of surfing, perhaps the most exciting awards are the Big Wave Awards. Sure, a world title is cool if you’re into competitive surfing, but there’s just something awe-inspiring about people pushing the limits to the absolute maximum. Now, with drones and cameras in nearly every big wave line up around the world, it’s becoming easier and easier for the layperson to see just what the best and most courageous surfers in the world are doing. Here are the nominees for the Big Wave Awards.
Ride of the Year:
If you follow surfing and have a computer, chances are good that you’ve seen all of these. The nominees include (of course) Shane Dorian (twice), Nathan Florence, Tyler Larronde, and Albee Layer. $102,000 is up for grabs.
Paddle Award:
Paddling is so hot right now. Towing is like Reebok Pumps before they came back, but after they were cool. The paddle award features Ben Andrews at Maverick’s, Pedro Calado at Jaws, Aaron Gold at Jaws, Mark Healey at Puerto Escondido (!!!), and Manny Resano at Maverick’s.
Biggest Wave Award:
Of course, to the layperson, the person who rides the biggest wave is the best surfer. Just tell non-surfer that you surf. The first question out of their mouths is usually, “how big is the biggest wave you’ve surfed?” They’re always disappointed with the answer, because unless you’re surfing 40 foot waves, you’re not impressing a non-surfer. The nominees for the biggest wave category are impressing everyone, surfers and non-surfers alike. They are Garrett McNamara at Nazaré, Niccolo Porcella at Jaws, Pedro Scooby at Nazaré and Yuri Soledade at Jaws. Mick Corbett is also a nominee for his wave at Nazaré, but only still photos exist.
