Full Replay: The 2025 Big Wave Challenge Award Show

Credit to Bill Sharp for hosting a party with an array of names and faces. The red carpet had some of surfing's household names like Justine Dupont, Lucas Chianca and Peter Mel. But not to be missed were the blue-collar surfers who don't get large paychecks from catching waves. Australian Tom Myers is a 33-year-old firefighter who happened to catch one of the best waves at local bombie (which netted him a deal with Florence and Ride of the Year). Santa Cruz's Wilem Banks paddled into the tallest wave of the year and builds custom saunas for a living. Speaking of Santa Cruz, Alo Slebir works in construction in his hometown and didn't flinch when one of the biggest Maverick's waves in recent memory came his way. And each took home some well-earned cash for their efforts.

2025 BIG WAVE CHALLENGE WINNERS

MEN’S RIDE OF THE YEAR
Tom Myers at Queenscliff Bombie, Australia. Video by Essa Staszewska

WOMEN’S RIDE OF THE YEAR
Michaela Fregonese at Jaws, Hawaii. Video by Vincent Kardasik

MEN’S BIGGEST WAVE
Alo Slebir at Maverick's, California. Video by Blakeney Sanford. Photo by Frank Quirarte

WOMEN’S BIGGEST WAVE
Michaela Fregonese at Jaws, Hawaii. Video by Vincent Kardasik. Photo by Erik Aeder

FIVE-HOUR ENERGY ONE SHOT PHOTO OF THE YEAR
Fred Pompermayer. Photo of Peter Mel at Maverick's

MEN’S PADDLE
Wilem Banks at Jaws, Hawaii. Video by Carlo Carbajal. Photo by Erik Aeder

WOMEN’S PADDLE
Domi Charrier at Punta de Lobos, Chile. Video by Jorge Calderon. Photo by Rodrigo Farias

WIPEOUT OF THE YEAR
Ty Simpson-Kane at Jaws, Hawaii. Video by Sofie Louca

MEN’S SURFER OF THE YEAR
Lucas Chianca (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

WOMEN’S SURFER OF THE YEAR
Justine Dupont (Seignosse, France)

YOUNG GUN (under 18)
Kamiel Deraeve (Oostende, Belgium)

VIDEOGRAPHERS OF THE YEAR
Marcus Rodrigues & Carlo Carbajal

ALTERNATIVE SURF CRAFT RIDE OF THE YEAR
Lucas Fink at Jaws, Hawaii.