Surfing Life's Oakley Big Wave Awards finalists announced

Comment Share Posted on Friday February 11th 2011 at 11:21 a.m. Tweet

After a hectic season of charging, the finalists have been announced in all three divisions of Surfing Life’s Oakley Big Wave Awards. The awards will be presented at a gala evening at the Bondi Pavilion on February 17th, 2011.

The finalists have been announced in Australia's Surfing Life magazine Oakley Big Wave Awards.

Presented annually to riders of the biggest waves in Australian and New Zealand waters, the three award divisions -- biggest wave, biggest slab, and biggest paddle-in rides -- highlight surfers pushing their sport to the limit, with seemingly little concern for life, limb or notoriety.

"People are constantly asking what possesses us as surfers to ride waves that could potentially kill," entrant Shaun Wallbank said. "I think it's a natural progression as an athlete that one would strive to better themselves in their chosen field."

The award ceremony, taking place Feb. 17 in Bondi, Australia, is the culmination of a nine-month challenge and showcases riders of the biggest waves in Australian waters from May 1, 2010 to January 26, 2011.

Entries can be viewed online at www.surfinglife.com.au/bigwaveawards/entries-2010.