Pictured: 3rd place for Ride of the Year Womens Annie Reickert at Outer Reef Kahului on December 5, 2021. © World Surf League/Aaron Lynton

This year’s Red Bull Big Wave Awards received over 300 submissions with some of the heaviest and most amazing big waves ridden throughout April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022 Big Wave Awards season window. All submitted waves were evaluated by a comprehensive judging panel formed by WSL judges, former pro surfers, and big wave specialists.

The current CS rankings leader Caitlin Simmers (USA) got off to a good start as well with a heat win in challenging conditions to move into the second round. The Californian surfer from Oceanside actually qualified for the CT last year but declined her spot for 2022 to focus on improving her surfing and on school. With a win on the Gold Coast and a 5th place in Sydney, Simmers currently looks like the number one pick to join the elite tour next season.

“Huge congratulations to this year’s Red Bull Big Wave Awards winners,” said Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL SVP of Tours and Head of Competition. “The level of commitment we’ve seen this season has been amazing and I’ve been really impressed with all the nominated rides. Justine Dupont has to be the standout for me this season, with two award wins and nominations in every category, she’s really cemented her dominance on the big wave world!”

Ride of the Year

The Ride of the Year is awarded to the surfers who demonstrate the most advanced and committed level of big wave surfing during a successful ride, as judged by available video footage. While raw size is taken into consideration, it is ultimately the level of performance that is rewarded.

Justine Dupont (FRA), who was nominated twice in this category, won the women’s award for her ride at Teahupo’o, Tahiti on August 13, 2021. Francisco Porcella (ITA) is the men’s winner for his ride at Jaws, Hawaii on November 2, 2021.

Women’s Big Wave Ride of the Year Winners 2022:

1. Justine Dupont at Teahupo’o on August 13, 2021
2. Paige Alms at Jaws on January 9, 2022
3. Justine Dupont at Teahupo’o on October 6, 2021
4. Annie Reickert at Outer Reef Kahului on December 5, 2021
5. Michelle des Bouillons at Nazaré on February 10, 2022

Pictured: Ride of the Year female winner Justine Dupont at Teahupo’o on August 13, 2021 © World Surf League/Thomas Slavik

Men’s Big Wave Ride of the Year Winners 2022:

1. Francisco Porcella at Jaws on November 2, 2021
2. Billy Kemper at Jaws on November 2, 2021
3. Mikey Brennan at Shipstern Bluff on March 26, 2022
4. Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca at Nazaré on February 25, 2022
5. Pedro Scooby at Nazaré on December 13, 2021

Biggest Paddle

The Biggest Paddle Award goes to the surfers who paddle into, and successfully ride, the biggest wave of the year. Both winning rides were from Jaws, Hawaii on November 2, 2021 and the winners were Annie Reickert (HAW) and four-time Pe’ahi Challenge Champion Billy Kemper (HAW).

Women’s Big Wave Biggest Paddle Winners 2022:

1. Annie Reickert at Jaws on November 2, 2021
2. Justine Dupont at Nazaré on November 19, 2021
3. Katie Mae McConnell at Himalayas on January 22, 2022
4. Paige Alms at Jaws on November 2, 2021
5. Raquel Heckert at Himalayas on January 22, 2022

Men’s Big Wave Biggest Paddle Winners 2022:

1. Billy Kemper at Jaws on November 2, 2021
2. Lucas "Chumbo" Chianca at Nazaré on January 12, 2022
3. Pedro Calado at Nazaré on January 12, 2022
4. Jamie Mitchell at Nazaré on February 9, 2022
5. Ben Andrews at Mavericks on January 11, 2022

As part of the 2022 Red Bull Big Wave Awards, the WSL officially announced the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title for Men’s Largest Wave Surfed (Unlimited) for Sebastian Steudtner (GER) for his award-winning 86 feet (26.21 meters) ride at Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal on October 29, 2020.