Big Wave Tour Adds Women's Event

Here we go - the stage is set for the women to take the drop on the World Surf League Big Wave Tour. The WSL has announced that they have added a women's event to potentially run between the contest window of October 15, 2016 - February 28, 2017. The venue will be either Pe'ahi, off the coast of Maui, or Todos Santos off Baja California. The event will offer a $30,000 purse prizes, and surfers will be selected by the commissioner's office to compete.

The Big Wave Awards for 2016 will be taking place later this month, with Keala Kennelly nominated for a non-female specific category.

"This is a historic day for women's surfing as it's the first time a female has been nominated for a unisex Big Wave Award category with Keala Kennelly's historic tube at Teahupoo,” said Bill Sharp, Event Director of the Big Wave Awards. “This has nothing to do with affirmative action or special divisions, she is nominated for the 2016 Pure Scot Barrel of the Year Award because she simply pulled into one of the heaviest waves ever seen. Just look at the photos and no further explanation is required."

Watch the women of big wave surfing charge in 2016.