The 2020 Red Bull Big Wave Awards’ Paddle Week brought out the best of the best in big wave surfers as they pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. This important category has exploded in recent years with surfers paddling into waves once reserved for tow – only surfing – making them among the most death-defying rides of the season.
These big wave paddle images represent all the nominees for 2020. A case in point is that all the nominees paddled out on waves at Jaws, which only a few short years ago was a tow-only zone.
Felicity Palmateer
Felicity Palmateer has proven she is one of the elite big wave surfers in the world. In the 2019 Jaws Big Wave Championships she showed total commitment to finish as runner-up.
2020 Women’s Paddle Nominee: Felicity Palmateer at Jaws. – WSL / ERIK AEDER
Russell Bierke
A quiet, thoughtful personality who prefers to let his surfing do the talking, Russell Bierke’s impact on the sport has already been dramatic — he’s helped redefine what is possible.
2020 Men’s Paddle Nominee: Russell Bierke at Jaws 4 – WSL / KEOKI SAGUIBO
Paige Alms
Born on the island of Victoria B.C. Canada, Paige Alms relocated to the warmer island of Maui when she was nine years old. Ho’okipa became the stomping grounds at age ten and by the age of 15, Paige’s first big wave session had her instantly hooked.
2020 Women’s Paddle Entry: Paige Alms at Jaws. – WSL
Nathan Florence
For a long time Oahu’s Nathan Florence was better known as the younger brother of World Champion John John. However over time the affable natural footer has become a surf star in his right. His combination of big wave charging and solid social media presence has seen “Nate” win fans all over the world.
2020 Men’s Paddle Nominee: Nathan Florence at Jaws. – WSL / MARCO ARELLANO
Billy Kemper
Hailing from Maui, Kemper spent a childhood looking up to the greatest Hawaiians from the generations before him. However, it is now Kemper, the 2017 Big Wave World Champion, who is known as the “King Of Jaws”.
2020 Men’s Paddle Nominee: Billy Kemper at Jaws. – WSL / BRADY LAWRENCE
Eli Olson
Hailing from the North Shore of Oahu, Eli Olson has continued to follow his own path in, and out, of the water. He’s earned respect as a standout at Pipe and Backdoor.
2020 Men’s Paddle Nominee: Eli Olson at Jaws. – WSL / ADAM CARBAJAL
Ian Walsh
Maui’s Ian Walsh has been at the forefront of big wave surfing for over two decades. The 2017 Peʻahi Challenge Champion first surfed Jaws when he was just 16.
2020 Men’s Paddle Nominee: Ian Walsh at Jaws. – WSL / LUANA TEIXEIRA
[The Debrief: Mind-Blowing Big Wave Paddle Images
Watch: Red Bull Big Wave Awards here.
This article was originally written by Ben Collins for the World Surf League
