The 2016 World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Awards will take place at The Grove Theater in Anaheim, California on Saturday, April 23, 2016. The 16th annual gala celebrates the best big wave rides from the past year at world-renowned breaks ranging from monstrous waves at Jaws, Maui to heavy barrels at Teahupoo, Tahiti. This year’s nominees include veteran Big Wave Riders like Shane Dorian, Greg Long and Keala Kennelly as well as up-and-comers to the scene such as Nathan Florence, Albee Layer and Emi Erickson.
In addition to celebrating the successes of Big Wave riding, the WSL Big Wave Awards also salute the attempts and the epic wipeouts that make the sport so dangerous and compelling. Awards such as the TAG Heuer XXL Biggest Wave, Billabong Ride of the Year and the TAG Heuer Wipeout of the Year make this award show unlike any other.Â
In addition to broadcasting the complete ceremony live on its website WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL Big Wave Awards will be the first award ceremony in history to be streamed on Facebook using the Facebook LIVE API (Facebook.com/WSL). Last year, fans from nearly 150 countries and territories tuned in to watch their favorite athletes and catch all the action.
Nominees will be vying for more than $250,000 in total prize money, as well as bragging rights to conquering some of the most monstrous waves produced by Mother Nature. The complete list of categories and nominees can be found at WorldSurfLeague.com.
There will be opportunities for members of the media to interview the athletes on the red carpet starting at 6:00 p.m. and during the award ceremony.  Both photo and video news releases featuring the winners and other highlights will be distributed shortly following the show’s conclusion.Â
For more information, log onto WorldSurfLeague.com. To apply for media accreditation for the event, please contact Chloe Kojima at ckojima@worldsurfleague.com.
About the World Surf League
The World Surf League (WSL), formerly the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), is dedicated to celebrating the world’s best surfing on the world’s best waves through a variety of best-in-class audience platforms. The League, headquartered in Santa Monica, is a truly global sport with regional offices in Australasia, Africa, North America, South America, Hawaii, Japan and Europe.
The WSL has been championing the world’s best surfing since 1976, running global events across the Samsung Galaxy Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours, the Big Wave Tour, Qualifying Series, Junior and Longboard Championships, as well as the WSL Big Wave Awards. The League possesses a deep appreciation for the sport’s rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation and performance at the highest levels.
Showcasing the world’s best surfing on its digital platform at WorldSurfLeague.com as well as the free WSL app, the WSL has a passionate global fan base with millions tuning in to see world-class athletes like Mick Fanning, John John Florence, Stephanie Gilmore, Greg Long, Gabriel Medina, Carissa Moore, Makua Rothman, Kelly Slater, Adriano de Souza and more battle on the most unpredictable and dynamic field of play of any sport in the world. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com
