When last winter’s North Pacific swell season landed with a soft thud, the world’s big wave elite didn’t just stay home. They found the goods, the heavy goods, in different arenas.
The 2026 Big Wave Challenge nominees, announced by SURFER earlier this month, tell the story clearly. Not a single Ride of the Year nomination (men’s or women’s) came from Peah’i, Waimea, Maverick’s, or Todos Santos. The traditional Pacific big-wave spots that have carried the event for a quarter century were eerily and frustratingly quiet.
What did carry the awards were two waves on opposite sides of the planet, Mullaghmore in Ireland, and Teahupo’o in Tahiti. Oh, and of course, Nazaré. While it’s not every big wave surfer’s favorite wave, some call it a glorified burger, others simply note that it is a beach break. Wild, unpredictable, and increasingly dangerous due to the sheer number of teams out there chasing fame and records on the biggest of days. Nevertheless, it nabbed all nominations for the biggest wave category for both men and women.
Bill Sharp, who has organized the awards since inception, was blunt. “Worst output for Hawaii and the West Coast since the inception of the event,” Sharp told SURFER. “If not for Mullaghmore and Chopes, I might’ve had to cancel.”
With all the talks of the coming super-mega-Godzilla El Niño, this winter could be a very different story. But first, let’s go through the men’s nominations for Ride of the Year.
First up in the nominees for Men’s Ride of The Year is the Tahitian magician, Matahi Drollet. His tow-in wave at the Teahupo’o looks to be the equivalent of getting shot out of a cannon. The end section of the wave seems destined to eat him up until, plot twist, it spits him out like a lightning bolt.
Next up is Natxo Gonzalez, whose monster paddle-in wave at Mullaghmore nearly knocked him off his feet as he reached the very end of the ride. Thankfully, he kept his balance and landed a well-deserved entry for this year’s awards. After suffering a serious head injury years ago, Natxo has made a remarkable comeback into heavy water and this ride leaves no doubt that he’s still got it.
Last, but certainly not least, is Tom Lowe’s paddle-in beast, also at Mullaghmore. While the Pacific was quiet, the Atlantic was roaring in December and a legendary run of big wave days graced both Ireland and mainland Europe. Tom’s comeback from near death to earning two nominations at the Big Wave Challenge (Ride of the Year and Surfer of the Year) is nothing short of extraordinary.
Fellow charger Luca Padua said, “I hope the magnitude of Tom paddling into this wave while we were all towing around him is recognized. One of the most committed, technical, and beautifully ridden waves of our generation. Go Tom!”
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