Charge of height brigade
THE Big Wave Tour certainly scored amazing surf last weekend in Portugal at the famed Nazare wave.
It was easily in the 35-feet range and absolutely maximum size for a surfer to be able to paddle into the wave.
South African big wave charger Grant Baker defied the age barrier by winning the event at age 45.
Australia’s newest addition to the big wave tour, Russell Bierke, from Ulladulla on the NSW South Coast, was also impressive. It was his first event as an invitee on the Big Wave Tour and to make the final was super impressive.
Bierke will probably be far better suited to the other two venues on the tour — Jaws in Hawaii and Mavericks near San Francisco.
The most impressive component of the tour was the outstanding entertainment value, with six surfers in the water, constant action whether it be huge waves being ridden or large wipeouts.
The big wave events are possibly attracting a larger audience than any surf events via live online viewers.
I can’t wait to see the next event — the likelihood of one happening pre-Christmas is strong, given it’s ideal season for large storm swells in Hawaii and northern California where Mavericks is located.
Both these waves are epic — Jaws probably the most perfect big wave on the tour while Mavericks is probably the most dangerous. We’re right into a summer pattern so keep expectations low with plenty of onshore winds and sea breezes. A moderate swell should provide fun waves through to Sunday around 1m at most locations.