It was a night where size definitely matters as the elite big wave riders gathered at The Grove in Anaheim, California on April 11, 2008 for the 8th Annual Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards. This year, the biggest wave of the year award went to Mike Parsons, 43, for his Cortez Bank 70 footer.
“I didn’t think a session like that could ever happen twice, I mean that day in 2001 where I rode the first winner at Cortes was incredible,” said Parsons. “It feels surreal to say that I rode a 70ft wave, I can’t believe it… There have been so many big waves ridden throughout time and when I sit at home I can’t believe that I may have ridden the biggest one ever,” he said. “The amazing thing about big wave surfing now is how global it is going.”
Parsons only got $15,000 for riding the largest wave, all the big money ($50,000) went to Shane Dorian, 35, for “Ride of the Year” for his wave at Teahupoo on November 1, 2007. Hmmm, I guess Billabong can give their money to whoever they want, huh?
[Link: Billabong XXL]
