The legendary waves of Nazaré, Portugal, delivered a dramatic start to the big wave season, showcasing both incredible talent and perilous wipeouts. The famed Praia do Norte saw massive swells attract elite surfers, including a remarkable 13-year-old prodigy and seasoned professionals who faced challenging conditions, leading to several intense rescue situations.
Key Takeaways
- A 13-year-old surfer, Aninha Dagostini, made her big wave debut at Nazaré, experiencing both success and a significant wipeout.
- Professional surfer Martin Schricke required a dramatic rescue after being caught between sets and taking multiple waves on the head.
- The event highlighted the inherent risks and the crucial role of safety crews in big wave surfing.
Young Talent Takes On Nazaré
Thirteen-year-old Ana Gabriela Pessoti Dagostini, known as Aninha Dagostini, bravely entered the formidable waters of Nazaré during the season’s opening swell. Aided by big wave legend Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca, Dagostini caught impressive waves, demonstrating remarkable composure for her age. However, the immense power of Nazaré was also on full display when she experienced a substantial wipeout. Caught in the whitewater, she was held underwater for approximately 10 seconds before activating her inflation vest and being rescued by a jet ski. Dagostini described the experience as being "swallowed" by the foam and "drinking broth" in the cold water, emphasizing her gratitude for the rescue team.
Dramatic Rescues Amidst the Swell
The massive swell also led to harrowing moments for other surfers. Martin Schricke, more accustomed to wingsuit flying, found himself in a dangerous situation after riding a large wave. He was trapped between sets and took two powerful waves on the head, requiring over a minute for rescue skis to locate him in the churning whitewater. Ski operator Toby Cunningham successfully pulled Schricke to safety just in time. This incident occurred on the same day as Carlos Burle’s own dramatic wipeout, where he was submerged by multiple waves before being rescued by Lucas ‘Chumbo’ Chianca. Burle received oxygen from lifeguards and was taken to a hospital, later being released in stable condition.
The Spectacle of Big Wave Surfing
Nazaré continues to be a proving ground for the world’s best big wave surfers. The recent swell, described as "XL" rather than full "XXL," still provided a spectacular display of surfing’s most extreme form. Videos from the event showcase the sheer power and thickness of the waves, even at slightly smaller, yet still immense, sizes. Documentaries like "Nazaré: Making Giants" offer insights into the anticipation and challenges faced by surfers like Justine Dupont, Andrew Cotton, Rodrigo Koxa, and Antonio Laureano as they prepare to tackle these colossal waves.
Sources
- 13-Year-Old Girl Wipes Out Surfing Massive Nazaré (Video), SURFER Magazine.
- Watch Martin Schricke Get Rescued After a Brutal Nazaré Wipeout, The Inertia.
- Making Giants – See from the POV of surfers, Red Bull.
- Watch: 5 Rides From the Nazare Swell Bender – Wavelength Surf Magazine, Wavelength Surf Magazine.
