Paddle In Competition
Where Legends are Made and the Ocean Demands Bravery

Welcome to the Nazare Paddle In Big Wave Competition, where only the boldest surfers dare to face the towering waves that have earned this iconic spot its legendary status. Nazare, located off the coast of Portugal, is renowned for producing some of the largest and most powerful waves in the world. These colossal waves are not for the faint-hearted, as they require incredible skill, endurance, and a fearless spirit to conquer.

Unlike tow-in surfing, where surfers are aided by jet skis to catch the massive waves, this competition is paddle-in only, meaning the athletes will have to rely solely on their own strength and timing to ride the monsters that the ocean unleashes. This adds an extra layer of difficulty and danger, pushing even the most experienced big wave surfers to their limits.

The challenge of Nazare is not just in the size of the waves, but also in their unpredictability. The unique underwater canyon system that amplifies the swells can make the ocean an unforgiving battlefield. Surfers must navigate not only the towering walls of water but also the ferocious currents, shifting peaks, and the relentless power of the waves. Timing, precision, and sheer physical strength are crucial, as one mistake can lead to being dragged under tons of crashing water.

This competition will test the bravery, endurance, and skill of each competitor. Only the best will rise to the occasion, and in the end, the bravest big wave surfer will claim victory. This is more than just a contest—it’s a battle between man and nature, where the ocean reigns supreme, and only those with the heart of a lion will stand tall on the shores of Nazare.

Will you witness history as the greatest surfers in the world face the ultimate test of their mettle? Nazare awaits.

Big Wave Journey: The Ultimate Paddle-In Big Wave Challenge
Founded by big wave pioneer Freddy Olander and presented by Octopus Concept, Big Wave Journey is a premier paddle-in big wave competition, designed to push the limits of the world’s most daring surfers.

The event features an intense one or two-day Main Event, taking place between February and May, where athletes will battle the towering waves of Nazare using nothing but their own strength to paddle into these monstrous swells. Unlike tow-in surfing, this competition requires surfers to face the raw power of the ocean head-on, relying on skill, timing, and endurance to catch waves that can reach over 80 feet high.

Before the Main Event, a Digital Qualifier provides any capable big wave surfer with a chance to prove their mettle and earn a coveted invite. This qualifier opens the door to new talent, giving aspiring big wave riders the opportunity to compete alongside the world’s best.

This is more than a test of surfing ability—it’s a true challenge of courage and skill, where only the most fearless will prevail. Welcome to Big Wave Journey, where the ocean demands nothing less than your very best.

Qualification will be between October 2024 and February 2025 via Digital Qualification.

Also we have Invites, Wildcards and usually the winner of the last competition.

Men’s Division are structured in 12 men in the Semi-Final and 6 in the Final.

When a Woman’s Division will take place we will have a Final of 6 woman.

The digital qualification will be evaluated by 4 judges and submitted to the big wave journey website under qualification.

THE PRICE MONEY WILL BE RELEASED IN THE BEGINNING OF 2025!!!