Four Big Wave Challenge awards put Nazaré back in the spotlight
Performances at Praia do Norte won the men's and women's biggest-wave awards, the men's paddle award and wipeout of the year for the 2025/26 season.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 12 September 2026The results strengthen Nazaré's big-wave appeal, but the two headline wave measurements remain preliminary and the next competition date depends on conditions.
- Rodrigo Koxa and Michelle des Bouillons won the biggest-wave categories.
- Their reported measurements of 29.15 and 24.99 metres are preliminary.
- Guinness still lists 26.21 metres as the men's official record.
- The next Nazaré waiting period is expected from 1 November to 31 March.
Awards are confirmed; records are not
Rodrigo Koxa, Michelle des Bouillons, Grant Baker and Alberto Truncer received awards for performances at Praia do Norte. Koxa's and des Bouillons's waves were provisionally measured above the current official men's and women's records.
A competition award and a Guinness record are different decisions. Until measurement and record processes are completed, describe the waves as award-winning with preliminary sizes, not as new world records.
A waiting period is not an event date
The 2026/27 Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is expected to use a weather-dependent window between November and March. Organisers call the event only when the swell, wind and safety plan align, often with limited notice.
Visitors can follow the forecast and official call, but should never approach restricted cliff or beach areas to chase a view. Use designated viewpoints, obey authorities and accept that a planned trip may not include giant waves.
What you can do now.
- 01
Follow the official Nazaré event and forecast channels.
- 02
Treat preliminary wave sizes as unconfirmed records.
- 03
Use safe viewpoints and obey closures on a big-swell day.
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