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Big Wave Grand Prix Nazare Portugal 2024/25

HOW BIG WAVE GRAND PRIX DIFFERS FROM COMPETITIONS

BACKGROUND: 

Surfing is weather-dependent. Specific meteorological conditions need to occur for events to be held. This is particularly important for big wave surfing events (i.e., waves over 15+ meters). Often, governing bodies declare a “waiting period,” and surfers are on standby for the event to be confirmed. Generally, the event lasts no longer than 1 or 2 days. Therefore, it is essential to remember that just because we see surfers in the water and official-looking signage on land, it doesn’t mean an actual competition is occurring. These athletes usually train or perform for crowd ovations.

 

In this regard, BIG WAVE GRAND PRIX is looking to change the paradigm. In recognition of the fact that surfers are providing entertainment value, BIG WAVE GRAND PRIX evaluates the surfers throughout the season based on several criteria that are unique to our platform. We do not just look at performance in the water but also the relationship that the surfer maintains with nature and the surrounding community.

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Through this surfer-owned and surfer-operated platform, the community and visitors become engaged in tracking the performances of their favorite surfers. Essentially, we score the entertainment value provided by the Surfers as well as their impact on the local community. Performance is only one factor that distinguishes the award of final season prizes. This entertainment value draws tourists to the area, which, in turn, revitalizes businesses and the community. We are also proud that the BIG WAVE GRAND PRIX counts an almost equal roster of female and male surfers -something unique in big wave surfing. Furthermore, all our athletes receive equal compensation regardless of their gender.

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BIG WAVE GRAND PRIX

Big wave surfing competitions, including the Big Wave Grand Prix, are typically organized at renowned big wave locations

worldwide. Locations such as Mavericks in California, Jaws in Hawaii, or Nazaré in Portugal are known for their

massive waves and host such events. Out of all locations, Nazaré has the most consistent big waves throughout the season (November through March). Furthermore, the Nazare location is more conducive to watching from close proximity.

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BIG WAVE SCORING RULES for TOW IN and BIG WAVE PADDLER

Location and Organization:

BIG WAVE GRAND PRIX

  • Big wave surfing competitions, including the Big Wave Grand Prix, are typically organized at renowned big wave locations worldwide. Locations such as Mavericks in California, Jaws in Hawaii, or Nazaré in Portugal are known for their massive waves and host such events. Out of all locations, Nazaré has the most consistent big waves throughout the season (November through March). Furthermore, the Nazaré location is more conducive to watching from proximity.

Scoring System:

BIG WAVE GRAND PRIX

  • Big wave competitions often use a scoring system to evaluate surfers' skills and performance in challenging conditions. Judges assess factors such as wave size, critical maneuvers, style, safety, and overall performance.

  • Where BIG WAVE GRAND PRIX differs from other

       “competitions” is that our group of committed judges track

        performances of a select group of the world’s best male and                  

       female all surfers who brave the big waves.

        The relevant surfers’ profiles are added to our website.

  • Because wave swells build up over

        time, we judge performances over a period of time. Unlike

        competitions where performances are limited to “event heats”

        of limited duration, our award system judges entertainment

        value along with social responsibility provided throughout the                               season to in-person and remote fans. As such, it may not be the  athlete that           overcomes the biggest wave that may end up winning the final season prize           award by the BIG WAVE GRAND  PRIX. Social and environmental                         responsibility are also factors  evaluated by our platform.

Surfer Willyam Santana - Nazaré 

SPONSOR

BIG WAVE GRAND PRIX

Refix Portugal Big Wave Grand Prix
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