Gearing up for Big Wave Africa
9 July 2008
Red Bull South Africa has announced the prize money for the 10-year anniversary edition of the Red Bull Big Wave Africa. The total value of the prizes totals R350 000.
First prize is R100 000, second prize is R50 000 and third prize is R30 000. After this, the remainder of the field of 24 invited surfers will receive prize money on a sliding scale related to their placing in the event.
In addition to the overall prize money of R300 000, there are a number of speciality awards which help lift the total prize money on offer to R350 000.
Specialty awards
They include the R5 000 Von Zipper Deep Throat Award, as well as the R5 000 DaKine Ikaika Award, the R10 000 Billabong Biggest Tube Award and the R30 000 Sensi Threads Biggest Wave Award.
Over the last nine years the contest has only been run three times (because the required conditions have not materialized), but this year expectations are high that good conditions at Dungeons will be forthcoming.
The event waiting period starts on 24 July and continues until the end of August. Surfers from all over the world, including the top local big wave surfers, will be in attendance in Hout Bay for the duration of the waiting period.
'Great swell'
Co-contest director Jonathan Paarman said: "This year has started off with great swell, and the right swell direction, so hopefully this will hold through for Red Bull BWA.
"I feel that big wave surfing in South Africa would not be where it is today without Red Bull being so involved and interested in the growth of the sport.
Going back to the old format (of inviting all the competitors to spend five weeks in Cape Town) is definitely the way to go - the extended time spent by these elite surfers in Cape Town has always given this special event its own unique edge."
The Red Bull Big Wave Africa is one of the world's longest running and most respected big wave paddle-in competitions. It is held in the monster waves of Dungeons, south of Hout Bay.
South African success
The last time it was successfully hosted in 2006 – when Mother Nature played along and provided the conditions necessary to complete the contest – South African surfers filled the top three places. John Whittle took honours ahead of Andy Marr and Chris Bertish.
Another South African, Jason Ribbink, claimed the Von Zipper Biggest Tube Award, while Andy Marr added to the country's by claiming the R25 000 Sensi Threads Biggest Wave award.
Jamie Sterling was awarded the R10 000 Billabong Deep Throat Award for pushing the limits the most during the contest.
Dungeons
The Dungeons reef, the first sea bottom that the ocean swells hit on their path shore-wards, has the ability to produce the biggest waves in Africa.
The swells, generated across the South Atlantic Ocean, hit the Dungeon Reefs and rear up into giant right-hand breaking waves for brave souls to attempt to ride.
Apart from the enormous waves, a few other elements add to the mix of bravery needed to tackle Dungeons: ice-cold water, thick undulating kelp beds that cover the inside waters, and abundant sea life - including a few sharks that prey on the local seal colony.
Past Winners
- 2000 Sean Holmes RSA
- 2003 Greg Long USA
- 2006 John Whittle RSA
The Red Bull Big Wave Africa website will be going live on 17 July, and will be updated daily.
When the event runs there will also be a live webcast for the duration of the event. It is the first time that the website will carry a live webcast, and it will beam the event onto the computer screens of surfers and interested parties from all over the world.
SAinfo reporter and Red Bull Big Wave Africa
