Silverbacks is not a user-friendly wave. Situated on the Caribbean side of Panama, it requires a very specific set of conditions (including super-short period storm swells) to get working, and when it does, this heavy, deep-water peak with a shifty take-off zone that jacks up on a shallow ledge can deliver some serious consequences for those unlucky enough to come unstuck.
So, while it may be incredibly illusive, when it does break, Silverbacks is rightly considered one of the heavier waves in the world. This is why it's not surprising that some of the hardest-charging surfers -- including the likes of Nathan Florence -- have had the Panamanian wave on their radar in recent years.
Koa Smith, his brother, Travis, and Luke Davis recently scored all-time Silverbacks on a very big, very intense, and very short-period swell. As you can see, the risk paid off, with conditions coming together for an epic session.
"It's really weird to be in a session and realize, wow, if I just sent it on one of these sets I could get the wave of my life," Koa says in the clip below. If you consider how many good waves this guy has enjoyed, it tells you just about all you need to know about the potential on offer at this shifty, fickle and punishing locale.
Charging One Of The Sketchiest Slabs Around
Ben Collins
Silverbacks is not a user-friendly wave. Situated on the Caribbean side of Panama, it requires a very specific set of conditions (including super-short period storm swells) to get working, and when it does, this heavy, deep-water peak with a shifty take-off zone that jacks up on a shallow ledge can deliver some serious consequences for those unlucky enough to come unstuck.
So, while it may be incredibly illusive, when it does break, Silverbacks is rightly considered one of the heavier waves in the world. This is why it's not surprising that some of the hardest-charging surfers -- including the likes of Nathan Florence -- have had the Panamanian wave on their radar in recent years.
Koa Smith, his brother, Travis, and Luke Davis recently scored all-time Silverbacks on a very big, very intense, and very short-period swell. As you can see, the risk paid off, with conditions coming together for an epic session.
"It's really weird to be in a session and realize, wow, if I just sent it on one of these sets I could get the wave of my life," Koa says in the clip below. If you consider how many good waves this guy has enjoyed, it tells you just about all you need to know about the potential on offer at this shifty, fickle and punishing locale.
Luke Davis
Before the world went on lock down, Morocco looked like the place to be as a select group of surfers absolutely scored in North Africa.
Day 1 action from the Noosa Longboard Open, the next generation of loggers, charging Silverbacks, O'Neill's First in the Water, and more.
The 2018 WSL Big Wave Champion and 4x Jaws Big Wave Champion suffered an injury yesterday while chasing a massive Atlantic swell.
We've been cooking up something with Billy Kemper, Luke Davis and Koa Smith somewhere in the Northern Hemisphere this week. More to come…
With Parker Coffin's withdrawal from the Oakley Lowers Pro, WSL North America gives wildcard spot to Luke Davis.
South America
A message from WSL CEO Erik Logan, pumping waves on the Goldie, Toledo lucks out in Mexico, wise words from an Italian surfer, and more.
Filipe Toledo has been testing out FCS' new Swiss-made, space-aged fins.
Full details about the 2020 Tour are not yet available, but the WSL is working diligently to create the best solution for surfers and fans.
2020 Wipeout of the Year Entry: Lucas Medeiros at Avalanche, Brazil on July 12, 2019. Video by Staya Filmes.
The Best of Italo edit, Ramzi Boukhiam takes out the Oi Hang Loose Pro, Kai Lenny on 'The Lineup', Mason Ho's sandbar score, and more.