The World Surf League (WSL) has announced the cancellation of the Jaws Big Wave Challenge for the 2024/2025 season, marking another disappointment for big wave surfing fans. The event, held at the iconic Pe’ahi surf spot in Maui, will not take place due to the WSL not being granted the necessary land license to operate the event. This decision leaves the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge as the only event on the Big Wave Tour for the upcoming season.
Key Takeaways
- The Jaws Big Wave Challenge will not run in the 2024/2025 season due to licensing issues.
- The last event took place in 2018, with Billy Kemper winning.
- The only remaining event on the Big Wave Tour is the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge.
A Historic Venue
Jaws, also known as Pe’ahi, is renowned for its massive waves and has been a staple in the big wave surfing community. It is often considered one of the premier locations for big wave competitions, alongside other legendary spots like Mavericks and Nazaré. The cancellation of the Jaws Challenge is particularly significant as it has not been held since 2018, when local surfer Billy Kemper claimed victory.
The Impact of Cancellation
The WSL’s announcement has been met with disappointment from the surfing community. Kai Lenny, a prominent figure in big wave surfing, expressed his feelings about the cancellation, stating, “It’s for sure a major bummer. It has been five years since it has run, so I’ve gotten used to not doing it. It’s too bad that Big Wave Surfing no longer has a tour or multiple big events.”
The absence of the Jaws Challenge means that competitive big wave surfing is facing a significant shift. With traditional contests dwindling, the landscape of big wave events is changing, leaving many surfers and fans longing for the excitement of a full tour.
Future Events on the Horizon
Despite the setback with the Jaws Challenge, there are still events to look forward to in the big wave surfing calendar. The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge will take place with a window open from November 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025. Additionally, the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational is scheduled with a waiting period from December 14, 2024, to March 13, 2025.
The cancellation of the Jaws Big Wave Challenge for the 2024/2025 season is a significant blow to the big wave surfing community. As the sport evolves, surfers and fans alike will have to adapt to a new reality with fewer traditional competitions. The hope remains that future events will continue to inspire and showcase the incredible talent within the sport, even as the landscape changes.