Maui Surfers and Iconic Wave Triumph at XXL Big Wave Awards 2016

The WSL XXL Big Wave Awards recently took place in Anaheim, California to award and recap a year full of bravados for big wave surfing accomplishments.  Known as the Oscars of big wave surfing, the XXL Awards acknowledge both men and women who risk their lives chasing monster waves all over the globe in search of the biggest and best rides.  Maui’s most infamous wave Peʻahi, also known as “Jaws,” was once again the standout big wave spot taking the claim for the coveted Ride of the Year, Biggest Paddle Award, and Biggest Wave Award.

2016 WSL Big Wave Award Winners:

Billabong Ride of the Year: Shane Dorian
Videographer: Dan Norkunas

Paddle Award: Aaron Gold
Photographer: Brent Broza

TAG Heuer XXL Biggest Wave Award: Yuri Soledade
Photographer: Jimmie Hepp

Pure Scot Barrel of the Year Award: Keala Kennelly
Photographer: Tim McKenna

TAG Heuer Wipeout of the Year Award: Niccolo Porcella
Videographer: Tim Pruvost

Surfline Men’s Overall Performance Award: Shane Dorian

Women’s Best Overall Performance Award: Andrea Moller

2015/2016 WSL BWT Champion: Greg Long

Aaron Gold won the biggest paddle wave award and also set a new world record at 63 ft.
Photo: WSL/Brent Broza

Aaron Gold accepting his award. Photo: WSL

Yuri Soledade on the wave that won him the TAG Heuer XXL Biggest Wave Award at at Jaws, Maui, Hawaii on February 25, 2016. Photo: WSL/JimmyHepp

Yuri Soledad claims his prize at the XXL Big Wave Awards Photo: WSL

The Barrel of the Year was awarded to Keala Kennelly who caught this monster wave in Tahiti last summer. Photo: WSL/Tim Mckenna

Niccolo Porcella of Maui, earned the TAG Heuer Wipeout of the Year Award for his over-the-falls wipeout at Teahupoo, Tahiti
Photo: WSL

Shane Dorian secured the Billabong Ride of the Year Award for an incredible ride at Jaws earlier this year. He also won the Surfline Men’s Overall Performance of the Year Award at the XXL Awards in Anaheim, California. Photo: WSL