The content-driven big wave contest event window will officially open on January 1, 2024
HONOLULU, HI (Dec 28, 2023) – The premiere digital contest for big wave surfers returns for another big wave season, amidst a highly anticipated El Niño winter. Competitors have traveled from across the globe to compete in this year’s Red Bull Magnitude. In partnership with official swell forecaster, Surfline; this year’s contest window will begin on January 1, 2024 and run until February 29, 2024. Ensuring competitors have ample time to capture their best waves of the season for a chance to win in eight award categories for a total of $50,000 in purse prizes.
This year’s competitor field comprises 24 athletes – including big wave icon Paige Alms, all around water woman Izzi Gomez and Red Bull Magnitude 2023 ‘Breakthrough Performer’ Felicity Palmateer.
International competitors Laura Coviella (Canary Islands) and Dominique (Domi) Charrier (Chile), along with Hawaii based Chelsea Mihm and Corrie Gray, are the four new athletes joining the ranks on this year’s competitor list.
Red Bull Magnitude also welcomes Jodi (Wilmott) Young as the official Competition Director. Young’s entire working life has been spent in and around international surfing events. Spanning professional tour and event management; event development & production; and international communications on the likes of the World Surf Tour (WSL), the Vans Pipe Masters & Triple Crown of Surfing, and the Quiksilver in Memory of Eddie Aikau.
“Big wave surfing continues to explore new frontiers that are only possible when resources exist to support the pursuit. Red Bull’s belief and investment in the growth and development of women’s big-wave riding is exemplary. I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to play a small part in this history-making event that is dedicated to women,” says Young.
Throughout the season, competitors will make the ultimate decision on where to surf. However, the swell forecast must show a sustained 15ft+ Hawaiian wave height to produce eligible entries. Film and safety crews will be provided at the three designated big-wave breaks on ‘Green Lit’ days. These breaks include: Pe’ahi (Jaws), Waimea Bay and Outer Reefs.
All wave submissions will be scored at the end of the competition window by a judging panel that comprises: Rochelle Ballard (Head Judge), Ian Walsh, Kai Lenny, Andrea Moller and Megan Abubo.
Judges will score a maximum of three waves per contestant over the course of the competition window. Competitors will have complete autonomy over which waves are submitted for final judging.
The Overall Champion Award carries a $20,000 purse and will be given to the surfer with the highest cumulative score. Each ride will be scored from 0-10. Scoring is determined using the following criteria: size of the wave; degree of difficulty; criticalness of the drop; performance; technique; style and completion of the ride. This year, competitors are required to submit at wave clips from two of the three designated breaks to be considered for the Top Overall Performer category.
In addition to determining the ‘Overall Winner’; the judges panel will convene starting on March 1, 2024, to determine eight additional awards: 2nd -5th place overall performance, Best Ride (Paddle only), Best Tow, Breakthrough Performer. All other awards carry their respective purse prizes.
All awards will be announced during a closing ceremony early in March at a date to be later announced.