Coxos, the notorious world-class surf break really turned on this winter, epic conditions, 16 seconds with 8-9 feet pushing through. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and the scenic coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, Coxos is no playground, hit the link for the pleasure and the pain.
The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge unfolded in epic, 30-to-40 foot waves at the world-famous Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. Surfers woke up to a glorious day of high-performance, tow surfing with light winds and very clean wedges across the various peaks of the Nazaré lineup.
While the bigger sets were a little slow in the morning, forcing competition to go on hold for a couple of hours, the action got underway just after noon as massive crowds assembled on the headland and around the iconic lighthouse.
A little under five hours later, competition wrapped in fantastic fashion in massive waves and with enthusiastic crowds cheering on the world’s best big wave surfers at the awards ceremony on the headland.
Chianca’s Relentless Approach Wins It All Again
The defending event winner Lucas Chianca (BRA, above) put on an incredible show all day and could not be denied a second, back-to-back Men’s Best Performance Award in Nazaré. Despite a last-minute partner change due to Kai Lenny pulling out injured, Chianca wasted no time to find his rhythm with fellow Brazilian Pedro Scooby (BRA).
The pair were on point to identify the best waves in the ever-moving lineup and Chianca with his progressive approach to riding the massive peaks scored the event’s best two waves, one in each session. The goofy foot basically surfed these huge waves like they were your typical local beachbreak and laid back into big powerful turns, staying close to the wave’s power source despite the obvious risk factor.
“This is a dream for me, I never expected to win so many times here,” Chianca said. “This place is magical, Nazaré has given me everything in my life. This win is probably the most special to me because we were a 100% Brazilian team. It was such a pleasure to tow with Scooby, one of the guys who pushed me, helped me and inspired me when I started surfing big waves. I’m really happy to give him back a little bit with our performance today.”
Chianca is now a five-time winner in Nazaré, four times towing and he also won the event paddling a few years back. The crowd craze was never-ending when the Brazilian stood up proud on the podium in front of thousands of fans chanting his name.
Behind him, Clement Roseyro (FRA) and Sebastian Steudtner (GER) complete the podium in the individual men’s category with really intense rides of their own and a fantastic performance to rival with undeniably the best surfer out at Nazaré for the past few years.
Gabeira Secures Second Title At Nazaré
Brazil’s Maya Gabeira (BRA, above) successfully defended her title at Nazaré, a break she has dedicated most of her life to. Gabeira teamed up with local rising star Antonio Laureano (POR), and used the first session to fine tune their strategy.
“We realized that the judges were rewarding turns because the size is not that big, so we have to look for those smoother walls in our second session,” Gabeira reflected after their first heat.
Michelle des Bouillons (BRA, above) was right behind her after a busy first session with her tow partner Ian Cosenza (BRA). Despite focusing their efforts on Des Bouillons catching the best waves in the second heat, she couldn’t improve on her scores from the first session.
The energy and swell intensified in the second session and Laureano had one job, and that was to get Gabeira on the best waves. The start was a bit shaky, and Gabeira had to deal with a big wipeout on her first ride. Laureano scooped her up and she took a moment to reset, before swinging for the next set on the third peak. With a decent score on the board, she stayed patient and finally found the smooth gem she was looking for. It stretched out ahead of her as she made a committed cutback before going down the line and riding out safely, getting her best score and the Women’s Best Performance Award.
“I’ve been injured for what seems like forever now so it was great to compete again and to get the win is a great way to come back,” Gabeira added. “Teaming up with Tony, the youngest one, was special. Even after getting injured he continued to drive me and stayed focused and drove me into the waves I needed. Today was a very difficult day to surf and especially to perform rail surfing. And to do that under a time pressure is tough, normally in the free surf when you’re tired you rest, here you have to go and you tend to take more risk than you probably should. It’s very difficult but so very rewarding in the end.”
Scooby (above) Eventually Finds His Own Pace, Brings Team to Top of the Podium
For a long time it looked like a first-timer in this event, France’s Clement Roseyro (FRA) teamed up with local Nic Von Rupp (POR), were going to deny the Brazilian number one seed of the team’s award.
But towards the end of the second session, Chianca managed to tow his partner Pedro Scooby (BRA) into a huge ride which changed the situation and moved the pair into the lead with only one more heat left to compete. Eventually no other team could quite match the Brazilian duo’s flair and they took top honors in the Team’s Best Performance Award.
“I can’t believe two days ago I was super sick on my couch in Rio De Janeiro,” Scooby said. “My mom took care of me and Lucas encouraged me and I decided to come. I put all my energy into this and our team worked really well to take the win. Lucas is so talented, we’ve been surfing since his first big swells and we talk a lot about everything and we have a great connection so to win with him today is super special.”
Andrew Cotton above in action.
Much like in the individual category, Roseyro and Von Rupp placed runner-up, and Steudtner and his partner Eric Rebiere (FRA) took the third podium spot.
The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge ran today and was broadcast LIVE on Red Bull TV, WorldSurfLeague.com, and the free WSL app. Watch highlights and replay all the action on worldsurfleague.com.
The 2023/2024 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is proudly supported by TUDOR and Red Bull.
Jordy Lawler spent a lot of time on the road (and in the sky) chasing the QS all over the world in 2023. In between, this is what he got up to.
Featuring: Micah Margieson, Oscar Langburne, Reef Heazlewood and Tommy Butland.
On location: New Zealand, Hawaii, Portugal, El Salvador and Indonesia.
Original music: by Jordy Lawler, Shannon Stitt, Chef Richards and Lennox Varney.
Filmed: Tom Hoy, Joel Barker, Alex Hayes, Nick Colcough, Owen Milne and Hunter Martinez.
Edited: Tom Hoy
“Tempus” is Seventy’s new production that brings an unconventional perception of time. Surfing the waves of the Maldives, where time takes twists and turns, revealing different dimensions of the surfing experience.
The film takes viewers on a visual journey of reflection on the relativity of time and the connection between surf, sea, space and time with surfers Alexandre Wolthers, Dario Costa and Pedro Fujarra (shaper and owner of Seventy).
The images were created by Davi Realle and Eduardo Bastos, directed by Pedro Fujarra and Heitor Vallim. The film also has an entire original soundtrack by Heitor Vallim.
Produced by Seventy. Directed and writted by Heitor Vallim (@heitor.vallim) and Pedro Fujarra (@pedrofujarra) Images by @davirealle and Eduardo Bastos.
Original Soundtrack by Heitor Vallim.
Surfers: Alexandre Wolthers (@,mr.wolthers), Dario Costa (@dario_costa), Danilo Alonso (@nilooalonso) and Pedro Fujarra.
Supported by All Blanks Surf Technology, C-Four Shapers Supply, FuWax, OverReef Glass Co. and Slaid Fins.
Five-time World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) announced today that she will be stepping away from competitive surfing to start a new chapter in her life and career. The 31-year-old from the South Shore of Oahu will compete on home soil in the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI before withdrawing from the Championship Tour (CT) and will receive the wildcard to compete in the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro. She will then compete in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 before taking some personal time away from competition.
"As Carissa Moore shares her decision of this new chapter, we reflect on her incredible journey and the profound impact she’s had on surfing,” Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL Chief of Sport, said. “She is a champion and a role model in and out of the water. Throughout her career, Carissa has exemplified grace, resilience, and competitive excellence. Her achievements have transcended the sport, bringing a new level of athleticism and progression to surfing. Carissa's dedication to pushing the boundaries has been inspirational, and her absence in the competitive scene will be deeply felt."
A born competitor who always brings her A-game and has showcased her greatness on the CT since 2010, Moore is opting to step away from that aspect of her life and career. At the forefront of surfing’s progression for years, the Hawaiian has decided to challenge herself outside of the jersey following the Olympic Games.
"I’m excited to see what else there is, outside the jersey,” Moore said. “I don’t like the word retirement. I like to say a departure from the tour, or just stepping back, or switching gears, or, like, evolving.”
A two-time runner-up and the defending event winner at Pipeline, Moore will enjoy the opportunity to celebrate an incredibly successful career with the North Shore community and her fans at the Lexus Pipe Pro. Her track record in Hawaii with five event wins, including one as a wildcard before even stepping onto the CT, makes her an absolute favourite.
Surfing’s first Olympic Gold Medalist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Moore will also look to defend her medal at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 held in Tahiti this summer. She reached the Quarterfinals twice at Teahupo’o on the CT and will receive a wildcard into this year’s event as she continues to build experience and hone her skills in one of the world’s most treacherous lineups ahead of the Olympic Games.
Moore’s incredible 13-year career is decorated with almost every professional surfing accolade possible, including five World Titles and surfing’s first Olympic Gold Medal. Moore has competed in 120 Championship Tour events, claiming 28 event wins throughout her career.
Moore arrived on the Championship Tour in 2010, posing an immediate threat to her competition. In her first year on Tour, she finished third overall and was named Rookie of the Year. The following season, she claimed her first World Title at just 18 years old, becoming the youngest man or woman ever to do so. Moore undoubtedly ushered in a new era of power surfing to the CT.
Moore embodies the Aloha spirit and created the Moore Aloha Foundation to inspire the next generation of young surfers. She is truly a trailblazer in the sport and will continue to push the progression of surfing in her new chapter.
Watch Carissa Moore compete at the upcoming Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI from January 29 through February 10, 2024, at the iconic Banzai Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeauge.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL's broadcast partners.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
A petition and a Gofund page have been set up to fight the development of a mega resort after the shock notice given to local homeowners and businesses of their properties demolition within 24 hours.
Raised funds willgo to:
1. Cost for a local lawyer to help with this case
2. Help locals with rebuilding and relocating
“The old town of Imsouane, with its unique vibe and local businesses, has always been a magnet for tourists. Its charm lies in its authenticity, the warmth of its people, and the livelihoods they’ve built over generations. The place is famous for it’s beautiful wave which attracts surfers from all over the globe. But now, this cherished place is under threat due to planned demolitions that will start in just 24 hours!!
The proposed demolition will not only erase a significant part of the characteristic charm of Imsouane but also displace many residents who will lose their livelihoods. These are people whose lives are intertwined with the very fabric of Imsouane – their homes and businesses form an integral part of what makes this town special. And many locals depend on tourism for their income – an industry that thrives on the unique appeal that places like old-town Imsouane offer. “
Sam Bleakely said ” It’s become a charming town. But it’s now under threat due to planned demolitions that will apparently start in just 24 hours to construct what could be a completely unsustainable mega resort. The proposed demolition will not only destroy the oldest most atmospheric parts of Imsouane, but displace residents who have invested their lives and careers into the town and its future. This has also happened in Tifnit down the coast. The local and international surf community put this place on the map and must have a voice with authorities and developers in these plans.”
