NAZARÉ, Portugal (Monday, February 17, 2025) - A Green Alert has been issued for the World Surf League (WSL) TUDOR NAZARÉ Big Wave Challenge. This means the event has been called ON and will plan to run tomorrow at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. Event organizers will provide a final competition update tomorrow, Tuesday, February 18, at 9:30 a.m. GMT for a possible 10:15 a.m. start.
Fans and extreme sports enthusiasts worldwide can experience every heart-pounding moment LIVE via Red Bull TV, which will also be available on WorldSurfLeague.com.
Most of the invited surfers are already in Portugal, ready to activate at a moment's notice. The nine teams feature some of the best big wave surfers who have been preparing for months for a day of high-performance, tow-in surfing at one of the most iconic big wave breaks in the world. Back-to-back Best Men's Performance winner, Lucas Chianca (BRA) returns with his 2024 Best Team Performance partner Pedro Vianna (BRA). Former Best Women's Performance winner Justine Dupont (FRA) will also return to Nazaré, and prepares to earn another win, teaming up with Eric Rebiere (FRA).
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 Ben Larg (SCO) 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 (FRA) Team 9: Laura Crane (GBR) and Antonio Laureano (POR)
TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Format Explained
The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is a one-day specialty team event that features nine two-person teams. Each team member specializes in tow-in big wave surfing, and will alternate between surfing and driving their jet ski.
The teams will be divided into three groups, with each group participating in two 40-minute heats. The total score of each surfer 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
Surfline Forecast for the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge
A WNW swell will build through Tuesday from a strong but not ideally located storm in the North Atlantic over the past couple of days. After a slow start first thing on Tuesday, the surf will build mid to late morning and be strongest during the afternoon. Wave face size should hit 25-40 feet through the afternoon with a mix of walls and occasional peaks thanks to the more westerly swell direction. A breezy side, offshore S to SE wind is expected through the day.
Watch LIVE The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is on Green Alert to run on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Once called ON, the competition 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.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.