Greg Long at Puerto Escondido • 2014 Ride of the Year Award Winner / Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards

Different day paralleled in  greatness, BWWT champ grabbing rail on his backside for a healthy dose of

Puerto Escondido,. Photo: Billabong XXL | Edwin Morales

 

Greg Long (San Clemente, California, USA) is a Ride of the Year Award Winner for this wave at Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico. Video by Mike Mortimer. A finalist in the 2014 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards on May 2. For more info see the event website at www.BillabongXXL.com

 

Second Place: Shawn Walsh (HAW)
Third Place: Grant Baker (ZAF)
Fourth Place: Shane Dorian (HAW)
Fifth Place: Billy Kemper (HAW)

 

More from the 2014 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards coming soon.

 



Surfing Elite in California for Friday's Bilabong XXL Big Wave Awards; Live Webcast Set

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - (May 1, 2014) - Anticipation is swelling as the best big wave surfers on the planet gather in Southern California ahead of the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards this Friday, May 2. The gala ceremony will sweep into the Grove Theater in Anaheim where the greatest rides of the last year will be celebrated and over $120,000 in prize money will be awarded to event champions. Nominees run the gamut from established superstars like Hawaiian Shane Dorian and Californian Greg Long to emerging performers like Andrew Cotton of England and Gautier Garanx of the Basque Country of France.

Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards Nominees Announced for Wipeout andPerformance - 2014 Awards Show is Coming on May 2nd

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - (April 7, 2014) - The nominees in three of the most popular categories of the 2014 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards have just been revealed, adding to the momentum as the gala awards show approaches for big wave surfing's greatest annual eventon May 2. The top finalists for the Wipeout of the Year, the Surfline Best Overall Performance (male) and Billabong Women's Performance (female) awards can be viewed on the event website at www.BillabongXXL.com, and ballots are about to go out to the surfing world's top athletes, photographers and journalists this week to determine the winners. The nominees have already been unveiled for the Ride of the Year, XXL Biggest Wave, Biggest Paddle and Best Tube divisions, representing over $120,000 in prizes for the surfer and photographer winners.

In contention for the famed XXL Wipeout of the Year honors are five surfers at three notorious big wave breaks scattered around the world. Among this year's candidates are Shawn Dollar and Alex Martins who suffered spectacular malfunctions at their home break of Maverick's in Northern California, along with French Polynesian Alain Riou and Hawaiian Koa Rothman, who both went end-over-end at Teahupoo, Tahiti.  Rounding out the top five is Australian Jamie Mitchell - who parted ways with his surfboard during a try at what was probably the biggest paddle-in wave ever attempted in the history of the sport at Belharra Reef, France. 

Shawn Dollar drops a Best Wipeout vote into the ballot box at Maverick's. Photo by Paul Topp.

Once again, the surfing public will be able to have their opinion count in the selection of the winning wipeout by voting on Surfline.com. One third of the tally to determine the most spectacularly unsuccessful ride of the year will be derived from the Surfline poll over the next three weeks, with the balance of scoring coming from the elite academy of surfing experts ala the Oscar-style voting process. To review the nominees and cast your vote on Surfline, clickHERE. The nominees are also available by visiting the Wipeouts page of the XXL event website.

Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards - Europe and Hawaii Swells Top 2014Nominee List - Dorian, Baker, Rothman, Cotton & Burle Among Finalists

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - (April 1, 2014) - The nominees have been revealed for the 2014 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards, and - as expected - the focus is on the huge swells that hammered the European and Hawaiian coastlines and splashed big wave surfing across mainstream headlines worldwide. Nominees run the gamut from past champions like Shane Dorian of Hawaii, Grant Baker of South Africa and Carlos Burle of Brazil, all the way to emerging stars like Andrew Cotton of England, Gautier Garanx of France and Francisco Porcella of Italy. Portugal, Australia, California, Mexico and Tahiti are also well represented by either surfer nationality or surf spot location - making this the most international field in the 14-year history of the XXL event.

The Billabong XXL Awards competition window closed on March 19 with the start of spring, with every wave ridden at every big wave break around the world in the past 12 months up for consideration. The five biggest or best in each of the key categories have now been identified based on the photographic evidence, and the winners will be crowned at a gala awards show at the Grove Theater in Anaheim, California on May 2, with over $120,000 up for grabs across seven diverse event categories. (Four are announced today, leaving the wipeout and two performance categories to be announced next week.) Photographs and video of all the nominated rides can be viewed by visiting the event website at www.BillabongXXL.com.

  

The extraordinary weather conditions of the last year have helped to push the spotlight back toward the Billabong XXL Biggest Wave Award (where jet-ski assisted tow-ins are allowed). The main beneficiary of the massive storm action this winter was Europe, where three different swells in three different months produced three strong nominees for the biggest wave of the year - Brazilian Carlos Burle and Englishman Andrew Cotton at Nazaré, Portugal plus the unheralded Basque surfer Gautier Garanx at Belharra, France. Also in the top five are a pair of waves from the first major tow day in Hawaii in half a decade, featuring Italian transplant Francisco Porcella and local legend Ian Walsh at Jaws on the island of Maui. Numerous media outlets have speculated that the existing Guinness World Record mark for the Largest Wave Ridden (Unlimited) of 78 feet could be in peril of falling once the judging process is completed.

2014 Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards Season Ends; Nominees BeingDetermined, Awards Show is May 2

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - (March 20, 2014) - The end of winter has arrived today in the Northern Hemisphere, and thus concludes of the year-long event period of the 2014 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards. The annual competition celebrates the best and biggest moments in the sport at every surf break in the world over the last 12 months, all based on the action being caught on camera.

 

 

The nominees in seven award categories will be revealed before the end of March, and the gala awards presentation is set for Friday, May 2 at the Grove Theater in Anaheim, California in front of an invitation-only crowd of 2,000. Currently, surfing fans can decide their own favorites among hundreds of still photos and video clips now on display on the event website at www.BillabongXXL.com.

 

Hercules Swell in Europe Unleashes Entries for 2014 Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - (January 8, 2014) - One of the most famous storms in modern history has impacted Europe with massive waves, creating spectacular still and video images in the process. Much of the continent experienced out-of-control conditions, causing coastal damage and wreaking havoc from Gibraltar to Scotland, but a few surfers did capitalize on the opportunity to ride the waves the historic swell provided.

 The Facebook page for the Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards served as a kind of real-time diary for the waves produced by Hercules over the last few days, starting with analysis of the storm forecast and observations of record-level winds and seas, to a gallery of the first maniacal waves crashing to shore, and finally to the best moments of actual surfing on top of the might of Hercules. The best of those action images are now entries in the 2014 Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards presented by Pacifico which acknowledge the greatest rides from around the world throughout the year - as long as they were captured on camera.

The first image to be sent in to the Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards of the Hercules swell as it hit the Azores islands out in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday. photo: Antonio Araujo.

Huge Winter Storm Expected to Produce More XXL Waves for Europe

NEWPORT BEACH, CA - (January 3, 2014) - An extraordinary winter of massive waves in the North Atlantic may get even more extreme as the huge storm that blasted the Midwest and Northeast heads toward Europe over the weekend.

Dubbed "Winter Storm Hercules" by the media, the intense low-pressure system that dumped up to two feet of snow across New England and caused thousands of flight cancellations nationwide is forecast to continue its fury as it moves out to sea, generating swells in excess of 50 feet as it lashes toward Ireland.

"Since Portugal was hit with giant waves from the 'St. Jude's Storm' in the last week of October, the Atlantic Ocean has experienced what I would consider the most consistent string of radical storms seen in the modern era of big wave surfing," said Bill Sharp, Event Director of the Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards presented by Pacifico. "Especially in the last month, it's been one huge swell after another and the parade of big wave images we have seen coming in from Ireland, Portugal, Spain and France is just unprecedented. And now, what may be the biggest swell of all is brewing out there. It's an exciting time for anyone who follows big wave surfing."

Europe has already experienced a string of massive swells in recent weeks, with some of the biggest waves arriving at Belharra Reef, France. Benjamin Sanchis in action. photo: Bastien Bonnarme.

Billabong Pipe Masters to Decide World Title Race and 2014 Qualifiers | ASP North America

PIPELINE, Oahu/Hawaii (Thursday, December 5, 2013) - The 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) is nearing a close and the final event of 2013, the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons, will see a showdown for the ASP World Title between Mick Fanning (AUS), 32, and Kelly Slater (USA), 41. In addition to the battle for the throne, Pipeline will also determine the final qualification slots for the elite 2014 ASP World Championship Tour.

Entering the Billabong Pipe Masters, Fanning holds a commanding lead on a potential third ASP World Title. In order for Slater to surpass Fanning for an unprecedented 12th crown, he must win the event. Nothing less than a victory for Slater will see him pass Fanning on the rankings. If Slater does run the road to victory at Pipeline, Fanning must finish 3rd or better to claim the title for himself.

Slater Near-Perfect in Round 3 of Billabong Pro Tahiti | ASP North America

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti (Friday, August 16, 2013) – The 2013 Billabong Pro Tahiti returned to Teahupo’o today with the world’s best surfers reveling in flawless three-to-five foot (1.5 metre) barrels to complete Round 2 and the opening eight heats of Round 3.

Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Billabong Pro Tahiti recommences this season’s hunt for the prestigious world surfing crown and the ASP Top 34 put on an incredible reef pass performance today in pristine barrels at Teahupo’o.

Pristine Conditions for World’s Best Surfers on Electric Day 2 at the Billabong Pro Tahiti : ASP World Tour – The Association of Surfing Professionals

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti (Friday, August 16, 2013) – The 2013 Billabong Pro Tahiti returned to Teahupo’o today with the world’s best surfers reveling in flawless three-to-five foot (1.5 metre) barrels to complete Round 2 and the opening eight heats of Round 3.

Josh Kerr (AUS), 29, navigates his way into Round 4 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti.

Event No. 6 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Billabong Pro Tahiti recommences this season’s hunt for the prestigious world surfing crown and the ASP Top 34 put on an incredible reef pass performance today in pristine barrels at Teahupo’o.

Billabong Pro Tahiti Round 2 is ON, Round 3 on Standby : ASP World Tour – The Association of Surfing Professionals

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti (Friday, August 16, 2013) – The Billabong Pro Tahiti has been called back on this morning in clean three-to-five foot (1.5 metre) surf at Teahupo’o. Today’s action is scheduled to commence at 7am for the completion Round 2. Round 3 is currently on standby for a possible start this afternoon.

Local hero Michel Bourez (PYF), 27, will take on wildcard Nathan Hedge (AUS), 34, in

Heat 5 Round 2 of the Billabong Pro Tahiti.

 

Stop No. 6 of 10 on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Billabong Pro Tahiti hosted impressive performances on opening day, including a Perfect 10 from wildcard Anthony Walsh (AUS), 30, in Round 1 while some big upsets unfolded during the opening four heats of Round 2.

Billabong Pro Tahiti Main Event Wildcards Decided | Surfline

The two final wildcard spots into the upcoming Billabong Pro Tahiti have been decided with local Alain Riou (PYF), 30, and Aussie Anthony Walsh (AUS), 30, finishing first and second respectively in the Air Tahiti Nui Billabong Trials at Teahupo'o yesterday.

Air Tahiti Nui Billabong Trials winner, Tahitian Alain Riou. photo: ASP/Robertson.

It is the second time Riou has won the trials from eight attempts and the third time he has qualified for the elite Billabong Pro main event. Last year the local goofy qualified by finishing second behind blazing Brazilian Ricardo Dos Santos (BRA).

"I'm stoked to be in the Billabong Pro again. It's crazy to think I won the trials ten years ago and now I have another shot," said Riou. "As a wildcard you always draw the high seeds and both times I've come up against Mick (Fanning). He's a good friend of mine, he stays at my house and he won the Billabong Pro last year, so who knows? I might draw him again and I hope I can get him," said Riou. "Either way, I'll be bringing my A-game."

Video / How Not To Surf Teahupoo - 2013 Billabong Pro Tahiti

Top Surfers tell you How NOT to surf Teahupoo

 

John John Florence Talks Teahupo’o, Readies for Billabong Pro Tahiti : ASP World Tour

TEAHUPO’O, Tahiti (Thursday, August 8, 2013) - John John Florence (HAW), 20, has developed in to arguably the best barrel rider in the world. The young Hawaiian’s surfing in heavy conditions has redefined the idea of progression in waves of consequence and while Florence has put in countless hours in critical surf around the world, he’s still admittedly intimidated by the Tahitian monster of Teahupo’o.

Entering the upcoming Billabong Pro Tahiti, the ASP World Championship Tour Sophomore will descend upon Tahitian paradise to charge in to seemingly unmakable waves alongside the world’s best surfers over the ominous South Pacific reef. Florence is quick to admit the the dangers presented by Teahupo’o are very real, but is convinced that harnessing the Tahitian barrel is well worth the gamble. 

Nathan Fletcher talks death, inspiration, and his Teahupoo mega-bomb | GrindTV.com

In this episode of the #LIVEARNETTE video series, surf legend and XXL Award Winner, Nathan Fletcher, tells the series of events which lead up to surfing one of the gnarliest waves ever caught on film.

GREAT SURF CONTINUES IN NICARAGUA WITH EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES BY THE WORLD’S BEST JUNIORS

Day 2 of the DAKINE ISA World Junior Championship Presented by Billabong kicked off with the typical Nicaraguan offshore wind and amazing waves that continued the whole day.

Larissa Santos from Brazil, with powerful, maneuvers like this, was one of the Under-16 Girls standouts of the day. Photo: ISA/Michael Tweddle

Today showcased the opening Qualifying Round of the world’s best Under-18 and Under-16 Girls, who demonstrated their stellar talent, while the Under-18 and Under-16 Boys competed in both the Qualifying and Repechage Rounds with great 4-6 foot waves in Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua

“Today was an amazing day of competition. The waves were incredible,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “I was up at 5:30am surfing Popopyo, a very nice wave and also at Pangas, but it was not as good as it is here at Playa Jiquiliste. Although the waves are a bit smaller today, they are still excellent, and the boys and girls are surfing very well. Stay with us, and if you are not watching the live webcast, you are missing out.”

EXCELLENT CONDITIONS FOR DAY 1 OF THE DAKINE ISA WORLD JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP IN NICARAGUA

The World’s Best Under-18 Surfers from 30 countries Put on Amazing Display in the Solid Waves of Playa Jiquiliste.

The DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship (WJSC) Presented by Billabong kicked off Sunday with incredible surf in beautiful Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua. The competitors were greeted with great conditions and the famous Nicaraguan offshore winds, which provided a spectacular stage for the world’s best junior surfers.

 

USA’s Jake Marshall took advantage of today’s spectacular conditions, advancing with a 1st place in the opening round. Photo: ISA/Rommel Gonzales

 A large Sunday crowd of Nicaraguans fans, team officials and supporters, witnessed the fierce competition from the beachfront grandstands built in Jiquiliste Beach for the ISA World Junior Championship. 

EXCELLENT CONDITIONS FOR DAY 1 OF THE DAKINE ISA WORLD JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP IN NICARAGUA » 2013 Dakine ISA World Junior Surfing Championship , June 8- 16, Jiquiliste Beach, Nicaragua.

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2013 DAKINE ISA WORLD JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY BILLABONG - International Surfing Association

10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2013 DAKINE ISA WORLD JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY BILLABONG

 From June 8-16, Nicaragua will become the gathering place of the world’s best Junior surfers, who will compete in the 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship (WJSC) Presented by Billabong in the perfect beach break waves of Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua.  More; 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2013 DAKINE ISA WORLD JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY BILLABONG - International Surfing Association

 

Source; ISA

NICARAGUA TO HOST THE 2013 DAKINE ISA WORLD JUNIOR SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPPRESENTED BY BILLABONG

DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship Presented by Billabong
June 8-16
Playa Jiquiliste, Nicaragua

La Jolla, California, May 24, 2013- The International Surfing Association (ISA) is excited to announce the ISA will be returning to Nicaragua for the second year in a row for the 2013 DAKINE ISA World Junior Surfing Championship (WJSC) Presented by Billabong from June 8-16.

 

Nicaragua last hosted the ISA World Masters Surfing Championship in Playa Colorado in 2012.

The most important Junior event in the world has the full support of Nicaragua’s President, Daniel Ortega, and the country’s Minister of Tourism, Mayra Salinas Uriarte.

Jordy Smith Wins Billabong Rio Pro, Adriano de Souza Takes ASP WCTRankings Lead

BARRA DA TIJUCA, Rio de Janeiro/Brazil (Sunday, May 19, 2013) -Jordy Smith (ZAF), 25, has won the Billabong Rio Pro in a hard-fought final over national favorite Adriano de Souza (BRA), 26, by a score of 17.80 to 16.34 in clean two-to-four foot (1 metre) waves at Barra Da Tijuca.

 

Stop No. 3 of 10 on the ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), the Billabong Rio Pro utilized the entirety of the event waiting period, culminating in a high-performance showdown from the ASP Top 34 amidst a bevy of barrels and ramps of Barra Da Tijuca.

Smith showed an incredible variety of technical airs and turns in the Final against De Souza, launching a massive straight frontside air for a 9.33 and a stailfish air-reverse for an 8.50 to top De Souza for the win. The Billabong Rio Pro victory marks the third career ASP WCT event win for Smith and his first away from South African soil.