The World Surf League (WSL) TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is on standby for a potential run day on Saturday, December 13. An impressive storm is tracking favourably toward Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal for this one-day tow-in specialty competition. The resulting NW swell is expected to build Friday afternoon, peaking overnight through the early hours of Saturday morning before slowly settling throughout the afternoon. With offshore wind expected in the morning, before turning more cross-shore, initial predictions suggest surf in the 40-60 foot range.
The WSL Tours & Competition team is closely monitoring the swell to determine if the conditions will continue to track favourably to produce consistent waves for a potential run day on Saturday, December 13. If the conditions align, a Green Alert will be issued to signal the competition will be called ON in the next 24 hours.
Surf fans can expect to watch the world’s best big wave surfers push their limits on one of the world’s most iconic big waves. The next call will be made on Friday, December 12 at 8:30 a.m. GMT for a possible start on Saturday, December 13 at 9:00 a.m. GMT.
TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Tow-In Format Explained
The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge showcases the best of big wave tow-in surfing at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal. The competition features nine teams of two competitors and teams are divided into three groups. Each group features three teams who will participate in two 45-minutes heats, and the team members will alternate between surfing and driving the team’s jet ski.
A surfer’s best two waves after both heats will count toward an individual’s total score, with the best wave counting as double points. In total, a surfer’s maximum individual score will be 30 points, with each wave scored from 0 – 10 points. At the end of the event awards will be given for the following categories:
• Men’s Best Performance: Male surfer with the highest two scoring waves
• Women’s Best Performance: Female surfer with the highest two scoring waves
• Best Team Performance: Total of the best two scoring rides of both team riders
Laura Crane in action above.
TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Invitees *
Team 1: Nic von Rupp (POR) / Clement Roseyro (FRA)
Team 2: Lucas ‘Chumbo’ Chianca (BRA) / Pedro ‘Scooby’ Vianna (BRA)
Team 3: Andrew Cotton (GBR) / Ben Larg (SCO)
Team 4: Rodrigo Koxa (BRA) / Vitor Faria (BRA)
Team 5: Rafael Tapia (CHL) / Pierre Rollet (FRA)
Team 6: Benjamin Sanchis (FRA) / Jerome Sayhoun (MAR)
Team 7: Justine Dupont (FRA) / Eric Rebiere (FRA)
Team 8: Michelle des Bouillons (BRA) / Ian Cosenza (BRA)
Team 9: Laura Crane (GBR) / Antonio Laureano (POR)
*Invitees are subject to change closer to or on the confirmed competition day.
Watch LIVE
The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
The 2025/2026 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is proudly supported by Visit Portugal, TUDOR, Red Bull, Estrella Galicia, MEO, Millennium Bank, Hertz and Nazaré City Council.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
