We’ve written a lot about Nazaré for the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge. There are 18 entries from the biggest wave in Portugal, ranging from botched takeoffs on paddle waves to strapped-in tow surfers soaring across the biggest wave of their life.
Winter storms produce a lot of Nazaré content each year, and it's not uncommon to get a little desensitized to the footage. Then clips like the one embedded above surface and make one recalibrate the waves’s entire risk-reward-scenario.
This particular video, shot from the water in slow motion by Luis Pereira, shows Lucas Chianca flying down a comically large teepee on February 24, 2024. It looks entirely different (and a lot more terrifying) than the land angle we published a few months back. From eye level, you get a better sense of how big, powerful and just plain mean the wave is. What is lacks in a Jaws or Mavericks-style barrel it makes up for with sheer mass.
Chumbo looks like an ant descending a mountain at the wave crests. Buffeted by offshore wind, he somehow makes it down the bottom before the wave goes wide and swallows him, presumably working him up for the umpteenth time.
The 29-year-old Brazilian has arguably the best Nazaré resume out there. He’s a four-time winner of the Nazaré Tow Challenge and won the paddle event in 2018. He’s tenacious, to put it mildly. Will this wave give him more hardware to his trophy case? Find out at the SURFER Big Wave Challenge award show in October.
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The Green Bay Packers want to let training camp play out to see how their depth at cornerback is before making significant additions to the group. But after three days of practice, general manager Brian Gutekunst decided to sign another depth piece to create extra competition. On Saturday, beyond confirming the previously reported addition of running back Israel Abanikanda, the Packers also signed rookie cornerback Garnett Hollis Jr. He is a 6-0, 199-pound player. Undrafted, Hollis played three seasons at Northwestern before transferring to West Virginia before his final college season in 2024. Throughout his college career, the defensive back had 124 tackles (including five for loss), two interceptions, 12 passes defended, and one forced fumble. He spent some time with the Tennessee Titans after the draft. "I like our depth there," Gutekunst had told Cheesehead TV back in June. "I do think between Kalen King, Kamal Hadden, and Micah Robinson, there's going to be some really good competition for the back end into that roster. I'm excited to give those guys that opportunity to see." Bleacher Report's Cory Giddings projected Hollis as a fifth-round prospect, highlighting his aggressive and physical presence in the run game. "Garnett Hollis Jr. projects as a developmental prospect who will likely find his role as a physical outside cornerback in zone-heavy schemes. His size, length, and aggression make him an asset against bigger-bodied receivers and in run support, but his movement limitations and inconsistent tackling could cap his ceiling as a backup or rotational player. Hollis will need to refine his technique and improve his consistency to carve out a role at the next level." — Cory Giddings Competition on the roster In the first week of camp, the Packers have played with Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs outside, and safety Javon Bullard primarily in the slot. Carrington Valentine has also had significant time with the ones. The roster has Bo Melton, recently converted from wide receiver, Kamal Hadden, Kalen King, and Micah Robinson with more chances. The bottom of the depth chart has veteran Gregory Junior, Isaiah Dunn, and undrafted rookie Tyron Herring. Johnathan Baldwin is also officially listed as a cornerback, but he's practiced mostly at safety so far.
Being the backup quarterback isn't necessarily the most exciting role for anyone, but for a team like the Miami Dolphins, where starter Tua Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL in 2020, it could be vital. As of now, a clear battle for that spot has formed between rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and veteran former first-round selection Zach Wilson as they go head-to-head. Of course, training camp is where these kinds of questions can be solved, and so far, it appears that Ewers has done a good job in putting his best foot forward. On Friday, David Furones of the Sun Sentinel gave a very positive update on the young quarterback, stating, "Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws." The update sparked conversations among many fans, both supporting Ewers and a serious showing that there's interest in seeing who comes out on top. "Show ‘em, Quinn," said one comment. "He just does a lot of things (anticipatory throws, timing throws, MOTF accuracy, etc.) that fit this system much better than what Wilson does. I think with refinement and development we could have a backup in Miami that can operate the offense efficiently…finally," said another. "Love to hear it!" a third added. A fourth stated, "I'd be surprised if he's not the backup.." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quinn Ewers has the physical tools to stick at the next level. It’s just a matter of shaping the rest," a fifth continued. "That’s QB2 potential QB1 in the future Glad we drafted Ewers," said another. Another big test for both Ewers and Wilson will be during the Dolphins' three preseason games, as the coaching staff will get a much better look at how these two perform during live matchups. Luckily for both, though, being the backup is all they're truly fighting for, as Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports predicts that each will make the final 53-man roster, with cuts needing to be made by Aug. 27.
The ongoing saga with the NFL Players Association has taken another turn, as the organization is also reportedly the subject of a federal investigation. ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr. and Kalyn Kahler reported on Friday that there is an ongoing criminal investigation involving the NFLPA regarding potential misuse of funds and self-enrichment of union officials. A senior union attorney sent a memo to NFLPA officials this week informing them of the federal probe. The document states that the NFLPA is "now on notice of financial actions that may be criminal" and that the union faces "immediate threats requiring prompt actions," according to ESPN. While the document did not specify which individuals are part of the criminal investigation, the notice was sent days after executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. and director of strategy J.C. Tretter resigned from their positions with the NFLPA. Howell was accused of misusing union funds and faced other troubling allegations. Tretter resigned because he felt like he was left to take the heat for the scandal that has been unfolding, though he has denied any wrongdoing. The NFLPA is searching for an interim executive director. ESPN reports that the memo sent to union officials this week warns that potentially hiring an outside executive director might not be a wise move without knowing exactly how deep "the problems may be." Howell was the executive director of the NFLPA for two years.
Now in her second WNBA season, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is averaging a league‑leading 12.5 rebounds along with 13.8 points, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game. She recently returned from injury and immediately picked up where she left off, posting her 16th double‑double of the season (11 points, 11 rebounds) on Tuesday night even as her Chicago Sky fell, 91-68, to the Minnesota Lynx. Then, on Wednesday, Reese showcased her brand power on Instagram, posting a pregame photo dressed head‑to‑toe in Gucci with the caption, "Don’t worry about me… life is GUCCI @gucci #guccipartner." The image quickly lit up her feed and drew an immediate response from one of the game’s all‑time greats, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, who commented, “Yessss it is❤️." Despite flashes of elite play, the Sky have struggled mightily, standing at just 7-17 and sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference. Their 76.7 points per game rank 12th in the WNBA, and opponents are torching them for 86.8 a night (12th in the league). With head coach Tyler Marsh searching for consistency, every bright spot has been a welcome reprieve for a franchise that won the title as recently as 2021. Front and center among Chicago’s bright spots is Reese. Off the court, Reese has quickly built a burgeoning portfolio of endorsement deals, including Reebok, Calvin Klein, Beats by Dre, Amazon and now Gucci, underscoring her status as one of the WNBA’s brightest personalities. On the other side, you have Leslie, whose voice carries more weight than arguably anybody in women’s basketball. A three‑time league MVP, two‑time WNBA champion and Finals MVP and eight‑time All‑Star, Leslie helped define the league’s early years with the Los Angeles Sparks, including driving home the first dunk in WNBA history in 2002. A Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer (class of 2015), she remains a global ambassador for the sport.
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