News Summary
HBO’s renowned series ‘100 Foot Wave’ has achieved remarkable recognition by winning two Creative Arts Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Documentary Series and Outstanding Cinematography. As this honor unfolds, the Big Wave Challenge returns to Orange County for its 25th year, honoring elite surfers globally. Bill Sharp, the event creator, also received accolades at the Emmy Awards, showcasing the bonds between big wave surfing and mainstream media. The Big Wave Challenge highlights surfers recognized in the series, while fans anticipate potential world records as the event gains recognition from Guinness World Records.
Newport Beach, California – HBO’s acclaimed series “100 Foot Wave” has made waves this week by securing two Creative Arts Emmy Awards. The honors include Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series and Outstanding Cinematography, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of surfing in the entertainment industry.
In conjunction with this achievement, the much-anticipated Big Wave Challenge is set to return to Orange County for its 25th consecutive year. The celebratory event will take place at the Lido Theatre in Newport Beach on September 13. Considered the “Oscars of Big Wave Surfing,” the Big Wave Challenge honors exceptional surfers from around the globe and celebrates achievements within the sport.
The creator of the Big Wave Challenge, Bill Sharp, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the event back to the U.S. after hosting it in Portugal the previous year. Sharp also received recognition at the Emmy Awards for his contributions to the “100 Foot Wave” series, further highlighting the interconnectedness of the event and the HBO production.
The “100 Foot Wave” series, which mainly focuses on the iconic big-wave break at Nazaré in Portugal, has achieved notable acclaim, previously winning awards for Outstanding Cinematography. However, this year’s win for Outstanding Documentary Series represents a first for the show, showcasing its growth in popularity and critical reception.
In its third season, the series included an episode featuring a daring expedition to Cortes Bank, located off the coast of Southern California. This particular surf session, which occurred on January 12, 2023, showcased some of the most remarkable waves, reaching heights of over 70 feet. The crew for this episode consisted of 41 elite professionals, including filmmakers, safety personnel, and surfers, underscoring the complexity and danger associated with capturing big-wave surfing.
Remarkably, while the series attributes its footage primarily to Nazaré, Sharp revealed that the location of the true “100-foot wave” is, indeed, off the coast of California. Sharp played a crucial role in discovering this wave 35 years ago as an editor for Surfing Magazine, coupling his history with new achievements in the series.
The upcoming Big Wave Challenge will also serve to recognize surfers featured in the series, with notable nominations including La Jolla surfer Jojo Roper, up for the “Men’s Paddle-in Wave of the Year,” and Encinitas surfer Katie McConnell, nominated for the “Women’s Paddle of the Year” for her impressive ride at Punta de Lobos in Chile.
This year, participants and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the announcement of any new world records in big wave surfing, an announcement which will be made during the Big Wave Challenge. The event has gained further prestige as it is now officially recognized by Guinness World Records, adding to the excitement surrounding this year’s festivities.
The intertwined achievements of the “100 Foot Wave” series and the Big Wave Challenge highlight a pivotal moment in the surfing community, reinforcing the sport’s cultural significance and growing presence in mainstream media. As both the awards and the challenge draw closer, surfers, fans, and industry members look forward to celebrating the legacy of big-wave surfing.
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Additional Resources
- Surfer: Erik Aeder Captured History at Jaws
- Google Search: Big Wave Challenge
- OC Register: Big Wave Surfing Awards
- Wikipedia: Big Wave Surfing
- Red Bull: Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Recap
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfing
- Surfer: Photo of the Year Entry
- Google News: Big Wave Challenge
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
