Big wave surf contests are few and far between in today’s world. Not for lack of sufficiently-sized waves, or chargers hell-bent on riding them; but rather, they’re a tricky beast to organize. Swells, particularly big ones, emerge on their own schedule.
So, when events like the recent Thriller at Killers – held at Todos Santos Island, off Baja, California – went down on February 7th in 25-foot-plus waves, with a star-studded ensemble of big wave chargers in attendance, it was something to celebrate.
Relive all the highlights, in video form, below:
As event organizer, and longtime big wave surfer, Gary Linden, said:
“I’ve been running big-wave events for six decades, and this was as good as it gets. The ocean delivered beyond expectations, the athletes rose to the moment, and everything came together in a way you rarely see.”
On the men’s side of the event, South African Grant “Twiggy” Baker took home the win. He had been on a three-day swell-chasing bender, going from Waimea Bay, to Maverick’s, then down to Mexico for the event. And still, he was able to take the W.
Related: Big Wave Surfers Score 25-Foot Todos Santos: ‘As Good As It Gets’ (Photos)
“It was magical,” Twiggy said, once safely back in the harbor. “It was the best I’ve scored Todos ever. I feel pretty good. I think I’ll definitely crash pretty hard tonight. [Laughs.]”
For the women, San Diego’s Katie McConnell went back-to-back, defending her title and winning the event for the second year in a row. Additionally, during the women’s final, French charger Justine Dupont suffered a severe beatdown, breaking a vertebra in her back; she’s on the mend now, and will be back soon to her usual heavy water antics.
Congrats to all who competed in this special event. And stay tuned for next year.
Results
Men:
- Grant “Twiggy” Baker
- Nic Lamb
- Greg Long
- Jamie Mitchell
- Quetzal Estrada
- Cody Purcell
Women
- Katie McConnell
- Zoe Chait
- Justine Dupont
- Bianca Valenti
- Mikaela Fregonese, Isabelle Leonhardt (tie)
Related: Justine Dupont Snaps Spine in 25ft ‘Thriller at Killers’ Wipeout (Video)
