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> News > Official Holding Period for Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge 2020/21 Now Open

surfing News

Official Holding Period for Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge 2020/21 Now Open

The gigantic Nazaré surf awaits the world’s biggest chargers. Image credit: / WSL / Poullenot

02 November 2020

The world’s best big wave surfers are back on call as the holding period for the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge officially opened today, November 2, 2020.

The broadcast-only competition will host 18 competitors, making up 10 teams for the one-day event. Each team will compete in two 50-minute heats, alternating between surfing and driving the team’s jet ski.

Event officials will monitor swell-producing storms, watching for the precise conditions that will produce waves in the competition range. Once the call is made by the event officials, competitors will have 72-hours notice to be ready to compete.

WSL officials have collaborated extensively with public health officials, medical experts, as well as local and state officials, to create a thorough plan to ensure the health and safety of participants, staff, and the surrounding community. This event will be strictly executed to follow the WSL’s health and safety procedures, which were developed based on guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and emerging best practices established by other sports leagues and broadcast-only live sports events. These procedures include testing for athletes and essential staff, strict social distancing measures, temperature checks, and minimal personnel on-site.

The headland and access to the fort will also be closed to the public to avoid crowds gathering on the cliffs when the competition is called on. This event window is subject to change due to applicable COVID-19 related restrictions, including regional travel restrictions.

The tentative list of surfers expected to perform at the Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge is basically a who’s who of Big Wave enthusiasts. For the first time, three women will tackle the giant surf of Praia do Norte: established standouts Justine Dupont (FRA) and Maya Gabeira (BRA) will be joined by Michelle Des Bouillons (BRA) in this year’s event.

Tentative Tow Teams:

Kai Lenny (HAW) / Lucas Chianca (BRA)

Eric Rebiere (FRA) / Rodrigo Koxa (BRA)

Maya Gabeira (BRA) / Partner TBD

Nic Von Rupp (PRT) / Pedro Scooby (PRT)

Andrew Cotton (GBR) / Will Skudin (USA)

João De Macedo (PRT) / Antonio Silva (PRT)

Axier Muniain (EUK) / Francisco Porcella (ITA)

Justine Dupont (FRA) and Driver-only Fred David

Michelle Des Bouillons (BRA) and Driver-only Ian Cosenza

Final Team TBD

The Nazaré Tow Surfing Challenge will stream LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL app, and Portugal broadcast partner Fuel TV.

About the WSL

The World Surf League (WSL), established in 1976, is the home of surfing. The WSL is dedicated to changing the world through the inspirational power of surfing by creating authentic events, experiences, and storytelling to inspire a growing, global community to live with purpose, originality, and stoke.

The WSL is a global organization, headquartered in Santa Monica and with regional offices in North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA. The WSL possesses a deep appreciation for the sport's rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation, and performance at the highest levels.

The WSL is comprised of Tours & Events, celebrating the world’s best surfers across all disciplines and annually running more than 180 global contests and crowning the undisputed World Champions across all divisions; WSL WaveCo, where innovation meets experience; and WSL Studios, which offers best in class storytelling across competition, lifestyle, and conservation.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com