This story was originally published by The Inertia
The evolution of big wave surfing has introduced a plethora of discussion topics, from who snags the biggest wave of each year to how we categorize rides that end in absolute destruction for a committed surfer. Does slingshotting into the biggest peak supersede paddling into the steepest and deepest takeoff?
Where does the heaviest critical wave face stand against larger waves with an open shoulder to escape? The debates are a testament to just how high the performance bar sits in 2020, now decades after we started watching in awe as pioneers like Laird Hamilton towed into monsters from behind a jet ski.
2020 cbdMD Men's XXL Biggest Wave Nominee: Kai Lenny at Nazare, Portugal on February 11, 2020. (Right) VIdeo by Johnny Decesare.
According to Portugal-based videographer Jorge Leal, one worthy debate comes in examining two of last season's rides at Nazaré, one being Kai Lenny's award-winning performance at the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge and the other from Maya Gabeira on the same day.
"In my opinion, Maya's wave was the biggest of the year," Leal tells The Inertia. "The line she drew shows a huge commitment, risking her life on an unprecedented wave. I witnessed and filmed all of the biggest waves this season and hers was the biggest."
2020 cbdMD Women's XXL Biggest Wave Nominee: Maya Gabeira at Nazaré, Portugal on February 11, 2020. Video by Pedro Miranda.
Leal brings up some of the follow-up questions that force us to analyze and examine the incredible and historic performances of big wave athletes.
"Did she complete the wave?" he asks. "What we do know from previous years is that finishing the wave is not a requirement," referencing past world record and award-winning waves from surfers like Aaron Gold, Grant ‘Twiggy' Baker, and Nathan Florence, in which "you can see that (the) ride (isn't) completed. The surfer disappears in an explosion of whitewater."
So is this the first year that a woman will be recognized for riding the biggest wave?
This story was originally published by The Inertia
Debate: Did Maya Or Kai Score The Biggest Wave Of The Year At Nazaré?
The Inertia
This story was originally published by The Inertia
The evolution of big wave surfing has introduced a plethora of discussion topics, from who snags the biggest wave of each year to how we categorize rides that end in absolute destruction for a committed surfer. Does slingshotting into the biggest peak supersede paddling into the steepest and deepest takeoff?
Where does the heaviest critical wave face stand against larger waves with an open shoulder to escape? The debates are a testament to just how high the performance bar sits in 2020, now decades after we started watching in awe as pioneers like Laird Hamilton towed into monsters from behind a jet ski.
According to Portugal-based videographer Jorge Leal, one worthy debate comes in examining two of last season's rides at Nazaré, one being Kai Lenny's award-winning performance at the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge and the other from Maya Gabeira on the same day.
"In my opinion, Maya's wave was the biggest of the year," Leal tells The Inertia. "The line she drew shows a huge commitment, risking her life on an unprecedented wave. I witnessed and filmed all of the biggest waves this season and hers was the biggest."
Leal brings up some of the follow-up questions that force us to analyze and examine the incredible and historic performances of big wave athletes.
"Did she complete the wave?" he asks. "What we do know from previous years is that finishing the wave is not a requirement," referencing past world record and award-winning waves from surfers like Aaron Gold, Grant ‘Twiggy' Baker, and Nathan Florence, in which "you can see that (the) ride (isn't) completed. The surfer disappears in an explosion of whitewater."
So is this the first year that a woman will be recognized for riding the biggest wave?
This story was originally published by The Inertia
Kai Lenny
Após grandes cirurgias no joelho e na pelve, Billy Kemper começa um intenso regime de treinamento físico para voltar a surfar.
Season 1, Episode 5
The Big Wave World Tour tow surfing event is on at Nazaré. Partnered with Lucas 'Chumbo' Chianca as the Young Bulls, this is Kai Lenny‘s
Season 1, Episode 4
Kai Lenny competes in the Gigantes de Nazaré contest in Portugal before jetting home to Maui - just in time to catch the best day at Peahi
Season 1, Episode 3
Kai Lenny travels to the Portuguese fishing village of Nazaré to train with Brazilian big wave charger Lucas 'Chumbo' Chianca - his
Season 1, Episode 2
Kai Lenny competes against the world's best big wave surfers in the WSL Big Wave World Tour event at his home break of Peahi (Jaws) on Maui
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