Jaws Challenge: 2018/19 Competitor List

The Jaws Challenge event window will open October 1, 2018 and run through March 31, 2019. In the men's division, 24 competitors are divided into four heats of six surfers for the first round. Heats are generally 45 minutes and surfers may catch as many waves as they wish with a panel of five judges scoring each ride on a scale of 1 to 10.

Each competitor's two best waves are counted, with their best wave being doubled. The three highest scoring surfers advance on to the semifinals, which run in the same format. The final heat is generally one hour in length.

The women's division runs on a similar format with 10 competitors participating in two five-surfer semifinals with the top three in each advancing to their final. The official list of seeds, invitees and alternates for the Men's and Women's Division of the 2018/19 Jaws Challenge are below:

Jaws Challenge Competitor List:

Men:

• WSL Big Wave Tour Top Ten Seeds: Billy Kemper, Kai Lenny, Ian Walsh, Makuakai Rothman, Lucas Chianca, Jamie Mitchell, Tom Lowe, Alex Botelho, Greg Long, Natxo Gonzalez
• Injury Wildcard: Will Skudin
• BWA Performer of the Year Qualifiers: Grant Baker, Nathan Florence, Jojo Roper, Russell Bierke
• Jaws Event Invitees: Shane Dorian, Albee Layer, Mark Healey, Aaron Gold, Francisco Porcella, Tyler Larronde
• WSL Big Wave Tour Invitees: Three to be selected on Green Light

Women:

• WSL Women's Big Wave Tour Four Seeds: Paige Alms, Keala Kennelly, Justine Dupont, Bianca Valenti
• BWA Women's Performer of the Year Qualifier: Maya Gabeira
• Jaws Event Invitees: Andrea Moller, Felicity Palmateer, Emily Erickson, Jamilah Star, WSL Commissioner's Selection TBD

Alternates:

Men:

• BWA Performer of the Year Alternate: Ryan Hipwood
• Jaws Event Invitee Alternates: Danilo Couto, Yuri Soledade, DK Walsh

Women:

• Jaws Event Alternates: Nicole Pacelli, Isabelle Leonhardt, Raquel Heckert