Paddle In Competition
Where Legends are Made and the Ocean Demands Bravery
Welcome to the Nazare Paddle In Big Wave Competition, where only the boldest surfers dare to face the towering waves that have earned this iconic spot its legendary status. Nazare, located off the coast of Portugal, is renowned for producing some of the largest and most powerful waves in the world. These colossal waves are not for the faint-hearted, as they require incredible skill, endurance, and a fearless spirit to conquer.
Unlike tow-in surfing, where surfers are aided by jet skis to catch the massive waves, this competition is paddle-in only, meaning the athletes will have to rely solely on their own strength and timing to ride the monsters that the ocean unleashes. This adds an extra layer of difficulty and danger, pushing even the most experienced big wave surfers to their limits.
The challenge of Nazare is not just in the size of the waves, but also in their unpredictability. The unique underwater canyon system that amplifies the swells can make the ocean an unforgiving battlefield. Surfers must navigate not only the towering walls of water but also the ferocious currents, shifting peaks, and the relentless power of the waves. Timing, precision, and sheer physical strength are crucial, as one mistake can lead to being dragged under tons of crashing water.
This competition will test the bravery, endurance, and skill of each competitor. Only the best will rise to the occasion, and in the end, the bravest big wave surfer will claim victory. This is more than just a contest—it’s a battle between man and nature, where the ocean reigns supreme, and only those with the heart of a lion will stand tall on the shores of Nazare.
Will you witness history as the greatest surfers in the world face the ultimate test of their mettle? Nazare awaits.
NAZARE CHALLENGE: The Ultimate Paddle-In Big Wave Challenge
Founded & presented by Big Wave Experience the premier paddle-in big wave competition, designed to push the limits of the world’s most daring surfers.
The digital event, is taking place between October and May, where athletes will battle the towering waves of Nazare using nothing but their own strength to paddle into these monstrous swells. Unlike tow-in surfing, this competition requires surfers to face the raw power of the ocean head-on, relying on skill, timing, and endurance to catch waves that can reach over 80 feet high.
Digital Qualifier provides any capable big wave surfer with a chance to prove their mettle and earn a coveted invite. This qualifier opens the door to new talent, giving aspiring big wave riders the opportunity to compete alongside the world’s best.
This is more than a test of surfing ability—it’s a true challenge of courage and skill, where only the most fearless will prevail. Welcome to Nazare Challenge, where the ocean demands nothing less than your very best.
Qualification will be between October 2025 and May 2026 via Digital Qualification.
The Nazaré Challenge brings the world’s top big wave surfers to Praia do Norte, Portugal, to ride the heaviest waves on Earth. In this one-wave competition, only the best wave counts. A panel of expert judges scores each ride based on size, commitment, control, innovation, and overall impact. The surfers with the Best Wave: Male and Best Wave: Female each earn a spot in the Big Wave Alliance Final, along with prize money and global recognition. And because true bravery deserves its moment, we also hornor the Biggest Wipeout of the event. One wave. One shot. One chance to make history.
The digital qualification will be evaluated by 4 judges and submitted to the Nazare Challenge website under qualification.
THE PRICE MONEY WILL BE RELEASED IN THE END OF 2025!!!