Here Are the Big Wave Challenge Women’s Biggest Wave Nominees

Originally posted on SURFER | By August Howell | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 9:18 PM ET

This is a classic Justine Dupont move. The 34-year-old French surfer is a finalist for the Big Wave Challenge Ride of the Year, Biggest Paddle Wave and Biggest Wave. It hasn’t been announced officially (yet), but she’s a shoo-in nominee for Women’s Performer of the Year. The only thing she avoided this year was a wipeout entry. And with $100,000 in total prize money available for this year’s awards, she may take home a few packchecks.

But her Nazare entry in the Women’s Biggest Wave category has tough competition with two Brazilian women vying for the title — Michelle de Bouillons and Michaela Fregonese. Both women have put in years and hard yards on the big wave scene. Michelle, age 33, is an astute Nazare surfer, as he wave shot by Tim Bonython shows.

Michaela, age 44, has ridden standout waves at Jaws over the years (including this 2019 barrel in howling offshores). Her entry this year came on the thunderous late December swell.

We’ll find out which women will get the award and the cash at the award show in Newport Beach on September 13. Who you got?

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: