Antoine/WSL
Nazare Big Wave Challenge Goes On Yellow Alert
Big wave surfers around the world have been put on notice, the Nazare Big Wave Challenge in Portugal has gone on Yellow Alert according the an update on the WSL website. They're calling for a "probable" start on Monday, January 22, at Europe's most famous big-wave break.
"The WSL Tours and Competition team is closely monitoring the upcoming swell, watching for conditions that will produce waves within the competition range," reads a WSL press release. "If the conditions continue to track favorably, a Green Alert will be issued, meaning the competition will be ON, and fans can prepare to watch surfers push the limits of what is possible on one of the world’s craziest waves. The next call will be made within the next 24 to 48 hours."
A one-day, specialty tow-in surfing event built around a team format. There will be a total of nine two-person teams. The teams will alternate between surfing and driving the team's jet ski. The last time it was run the team of Kai Lenny and Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca took the win. There's no reason they shouldn't be considered favorites once again ... if they can make it to Portugal in time.
According to Surfline.com's Nazare forecast, a new North Atlantic swell fills in on Sunday, January 21, with surf in the 15- to 18-foot range. That jumps to 20- to 25-foot surf on Monday and Tuesday, January 22-23. As with all big-wave events, the ability to give the Nazare Big Wave Challenge the Green Light will be depending on size, consistency and conditions.
The Nazare Big Wave Challenge period runs through the end of March, so if for some reason this swell doesn't materialize there's still a lot of surfing left to be done this winter. This is the first time the event has been on Yellow Alert since the waiting period began back in November.
The site where world records have been set, Nazare roared to life at the start of the winter as a massive storm system marched across Europe. The season has calmed down a bit since then, but it is one of the most consistent big-wave spots in the world and there have been a number of solid sessions out there leading up to this announcement.
