Paige Alms Claims Victory at 3rd Annual Red Bull Magnitude

The unique big-wave surf contest drew top athletes from around the world, culminating with an Awards Ceremony in Waikiki

After an action-packed three months of Hawaiʻi big-wave surfing, Red Bull Magnitude, presented in collaboration with Surfline, crowned its new champion: Maui’s Paige Alms. The overall winner of the only women’s big-wave digital surf contest, Alms put together an impressive reel of big-wave rides this winter season, taking home the Overall Performer award and a $20,000 prize purse.

“I’m so stoked to come out on top at Red Bull Magnitude,” said Alms. “This was one of the best winters in Hawaii for performance in big-wave surfing, and itʻs an honor to be in the mix among some outstanding competitors.”

The contest ran from December 1, 2022, through February 28, 2023, a three-month swell period to enable athletes to catch their best waves of the season. Over 25 athletes competed for their chance to win across five different categories for a total of $50,000 in prize money. The award categories include Overall Champion, Best Ride (paddle only), Best Tow, Breakthrough Performer and People’s Choice.

Second place overall finisher and last year’s overall winner, Skylar Lickle, claimed the Best Ride award, which was given to the single highest-scoring wave, for her stunning ride at Peʻahi in January. Red Bull athlete Izzi Gomez scored the Best Tow award, while also catching her first-ever barrel at Peʻahi this season. The Breakthrough Performer and 3rd place finisher was Felicity Palmateer, who competed in Red Bull Magnitude for her first time this season. Finally, the People’s Choice award, voted on by fans following online, was Aussie-Brazilian Anne Dos Santos, narrowly edging out fellow competitor Polly Ralda.

“I’m so happy to have won the Best Tow Award; that was the best wave of my life,” said Izzi Gomez. “I want to thank Red Bull for giving us such a great platform to push the sport of women’s big wave surfing. This winter was so amazing. There were so many great waves ridden, and I have so much respect for all my fellow competitors.”

Red Bull provided camera teams, water safety crews and additional resources across notable Hawaiʻi big-wave locations including Waimea, Peʻahi and Outer Reefs. The contest ran when surf forecasts called for sustained wave heights of 15-foot Hawaiian (30-foot regular), as predicted by Surfline. To provide the largest competitor field possible while supporting the up-and-coming generation of big-wave athletes, registration was open to any participants who could demonstrate their capability to handle heavy water.

At the end of the swell period, each surfer selected their top three waves for the judging panel. The star-studded judging panel included surfing veteran Rochelle Ballard, who served as the Competition Director and Head Judge, along with the other judges Andrea Moller, Megan Abubo and Red Bull athletes Kai Lenny and Ian Walsh.

In addition to the prize purse, Red Bull presented winners with custom trophies, made out of traditional Hawaiian kapa that was homegrown and designed by Hawaiian local artist, Page Chang of Pūkoʻa Studios.