Watch the most incredible wipe-outs from the WSL Big Wave surfing competition
Twenty-four of the world’s best surfed 40ft waves off Nazare, Portugal, in the battle for victory.
Surfers from all over the world travelled to Portugal to compete in the Nazare Challenge, but inevitably many saw their chances scuppered by the ferocity of the waves.
The World Surf League’s Big Wave Tour kicked off in Praia do Norte, with waves of 25ft to 40ft for the competitors to contend with.
At a big wave break known for its powerful waves and speeds, 24 of the best chanced their arm on the fearsome foam, but some came out a little drier than others.
Two-time world champion Grant “Twiggy” Baker of South Africa was the winner, and the 45-year-old said: “I don’t believe it, this is insane. These kids were going so hard today and I can’t believe I’ve still got that in me.”
Two more Big Wave Tour events remain this season – the Jaws Challenge and the Mavericks Challenge – where surfers will await conditions that produce waves in the 30ft to 60ft range.
