The inaugural Big Wave Awards have been a lot of fun. This first year has seen well over 100 entries. Each one a stunning display of power, skill, and exceptionally brave riding.
We’ve seen entries from across the world, and across the ages. From Ireland, Portugal, France, Spain, Africa, Chile, Peru, Australia, Tahiti, Fiji, New Caledonia, and of course Hawaii. From the 1980’s, 90’s, 2000’s and right up to a couple of months ago, the big waves flowed in.
This first year has seen many, but far from all, the great big wave rides across the whole history of our sport emerge to be seen together in one place, for the first time. As years go by we will see more and more extraordinary images emerge, both old and new.
Camille Juban, 56 feet – Men’s Biggest Wave – All time – photo © Si Crowther / IWT
Despite now being online only, without a big party on Maui’s north shore as we had planned, the IWT Big Wave Awards is bringing the windsurfing world together, for some positive inspiration, in an otherwise very difficult time.
We encourage you all to express your appreciation to these winners for the inaugural awards night in 2020, and we want you to put forward more of the best big wave rides for next year’s awards in 2021. This is an ongoing discussion, not a full stop, this is a place to start, to unearth and celebrate the best big wave riders in our sport. The legends old and new from all corners of the world. We salute you all.
We have a lot of content lined up for the coming weeks that will include interviews and in depth analysis from the brave riders. For now, we submit these winners to you all as a celebration of our sport. As a celebration of the best that we can be. As inspiration for us all now and into the future. As a unifying moment in our sport that allows us all to cheer for these Big Wave Champions!!!
by International Windsurfing Tour
