NAZARÉ, Portugal (Saturday, February 15, 2025) - The World Surf League (WSL) TUDOR NAZARÉ Big Wave Challenge, a specialty one-day team event, is on standby for a potential run day on Tuesday, February 18. With the large NW swell and favorable wind conditions heading toward the world-famous Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal, there is high confidence to see the competition run on Tuesday.
The WSL Commissioner's Office is closely monitoring the upcoming swell to determine if the conditions will produce consistent waves with a minimum of 25 feet on the face of the wave. If the conditions continue to track favorably, the Green Alert will be issued. A Green Alert means the competition will be ON within 24 hours, and fans can prepare to watch surfers push the limits of what is possible on one of the world's most iconic big waves. The next call will be made on Monday, February 17 at 10:00 a.m. for a possible start on Tuesday, February 18 at 10:00 a.m. GMT.
Fans and extreme sports enthusiasts worldwide can experience every heart-pounding moment LIVE via Red Bull TV, which will also be available on WSL platforms.
TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Tow-In Format Explained
The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is a one-day specialty team event showcasing tow-in big wave surfing. Nine two-person teams will compete, with each team alternating between surfing and driving their jet ski.
The competition is structured into three groups, with each group participating in two 40-minute heats. A surfer's total score is based on their two best waves across both heats, with their highest-scoring wave counting for double points. Each wave is scored from 0.1 to 10, making the maximum individual score 30 points. At the end of the event, surfers will be recognized across the following award categories:
- 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
TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Teams Prepare for Potential Event Start
Eighteen of the world's top Nazaré chargers have been called to Praia do Norte, Portugal, for the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge. This specialty event pushes the limits of big-wave surfing, showcasing high-performance tow surfing at its peak. With massive waves on the horizon, the competition will reveal who rises to the challenge-and who claims a spot on the podium.
TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Invitees Team 1: Lucas ‘Chumbo' Chianca (BRA) and Pedro ‘Scooby' Vianna (BRA) Team 2: Nic von Rupp (POR) and Clement Roseyro (FRA) Team 3: Rodrigo Koxa (BRA) and Vitor Faria (BRA) Team 4: Rafael Tapia (CHL) and Pierre Rollet (FRA) Team 5: Andrew Cotton (GBR) and Garrett McNamara (HAW) Team 6: Kai Lenny (HAW) and Ian Walsh (HAW) Team 7: Michelle des Bouillons (BRA) and Ian Cosenza (BRA) Team 8: Justine Dupont (FRA) and Éric Rebière (BRA) Team 9: Laura Crane (GBR) and Antonio Laureano (POR)
Maya Gabeira (BRA), who won Nazaré in 2022 and 2023, and who holds the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Largest wave surfed unlimited (female), announced her retirement from big wave surfing last month. She will be replaced by Laura Crane (GBR), who will partner with Nazaré local António Laureano (POR), Gabeira's previous tow partner for the event.
Watch LIVE The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge will be broadcast LIVE on Red Bull TV, WorldSurfLeague.com, and the free WSL app.
The 2024/2025 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is proudly supported by TUDOR and Red Bull.