Justine Wins Nazaré Big Wave Challenge

The World Surf League (WSL) TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge unfolded today in challenging 25-35 foot waves at the world-famous Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. The best big wave surfers had major performances with today’s consistent conditions offering plenty of waves in every heat. The strong offshore wind made it more challenging, with competitors having to navigate huge bumps while traveling full speed down the massive faces. As the swell started to build throughout the afternoon, the teams took their performance to the next level by treating the crowds to a spectacular show of skill and commitment that Praia do Norte demands.

Clement Roseyro Wins Men’s Best Performance Award

Clement Roseyro (FRA) earned the Men’s Best Performance award with an individual score of 21.83 (out of a possible 30). Roseyro earned his highest score of the day in Heat 1 with a 7.50 (out of a possible 10). In his second appearance at the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge, Roseyro was able to raise the bar with his unique approach to big wave surfing, and secure the Men’s Best Performance Award.

“I’m grateful to Nic von Rupp, we’re a really good team,” Roseyro said. “He taught me a lot, especially about driving the jet ski, and we push each other to perform.”

Former back-to-back Best Men’s Performance Award winner Lucas Chianca (BRA) fought hard for runner-up and TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge debutant Ben Larg (SCO) completed the men’s individual podium. Larg received a last-minute call-up after Garrett McNamara (HAW) was unable to compete, and joined teammate Andrew Cotton (GBR). Larg impressed with his snappy carves into the monstrous wave faces, and proved his skill in the tow-in discipline.

Justine Dupont Dominates for Women’s Best Performance Award

Back in action after the birth of her first child, Justine Dupont (FRA) was on fire, drawing beautiful lines on the monstrous walls of Praia do Norte. The former winner looked comfortable in the conditions, staying busy and catching eight waves to build on her score. Dupont’s teammate Eric Rebiere (FRA) only managed to get one wave on the board, but it was enough for a solid start to the day.

“I used to have a lot of fear before,” Dupont said. “Now, after the baby, I’m more worried about my child, whether they are sleeping or eating. At least it takes my mind off the fear! We are a family team, we understand each other, and I’m really happy to be back here to perform. I’m a bit sad that I couldn’t put Eric into a good wave. It was a bit like riding a rodeo out there, really bumpy conditions.”

The experience of Michelle des Bouillons (BRA) prevailed, with her partner Ian Cosenza (BRA) towing her into some of the biggest and cleanest waves of the day, earning her a runner-up finish. In her TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge debut, Laura Crane (GBR) showed her strong form to get two waves under her belt before towing Antonio Laureano (POR) into a few bombs.

Nic Von Rupp and Clement Roseyro Win Best Team Performance Award

Nic von Rupp (POR) and Clement Roseyro (FRA) took the lead from the get-go with a strong start in the first heat of the day. Von Rupp did exceptionally well to tow his partner into some of the biggest waves, but it was Roseyro’s good read of the waves, allowing him to open up and unleash massive carves into the critical part of the wave and riding out safely, that earned him the best score in the morning.

Von Rupp pushed the limits and admittedly, pushed a bit too hard, which saw him take a few heavy wipeouts in the first session. In the second session, Roseyro improved on his score with a great backup ride, pushing the team to the top of the leaderboard.

“I fell a lot in the first heat, it was really bumpy, but I pushed really hard,” Von Rupp reflected. “Last year we should’ve won, so this year we came back, training really hard. It’s been a long season, we’ve put in the time here. We’re stoked Clement got two good scores today to get on top of the leaderboard,” Von Rupp said.

Runner-ups Lucas Chianca (BRA) and Pedro Vianna (BRA), last year’s team winners put up a valiant effort to try to take the lead away from Von Rupp and Roseyro, but despite a strong showing in their second heat, they came up short.

“It was a really hard day,” Vianna said. “The waves weren’t that big, and with the wind, it was really bumpy. It all comes down to choosing the best waves.”