Brazilian Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca survived two violent accidents to win another giant wave challenge title Nazaré Big Wave Challenge, in Portugal, this Saturday.
Frenchwoman Justine Dupont confirmed her reputation as the best big wave surfer in the world by winning the women’s race for the second time in a row.
The event brought together nine teams of two athletes, who took turns using jet skis to , in front of thousands of fans on the cliffs of Praia do Norte.
The best team performance went to Portuguese Nic von Rupp and Frenchman Clement Roseyro.
Violent falls mark victory for Chumbo
Multiple-time winner of the event, the former Big Brother Brasil participant set the tone in the first wave of the competition, descending at high speed on a huge left before reaching a turbulent area and being thrown violently into the water.
“It was a heavy moment, for sure, one of the hardest falls of my life,” he said, praising rescue pilot Sebastian Steudtner, who rushed to save him near the rocks. “Thank you very much, you saved my life today.”
Chumbo’s second punctuated wave ended in an equally brutal way, when he tried to get out of another giant left, was pulled over the crest of the wave and suffered several blows before being rescued.
Justine Dupont successfully surfed her two best waves, both long lefts that allowed her to show great turning maneuvers.
Competition ended ahead of schedule
“It was an insane day, and I’m so happy with the win,” said Dupont, holding the trophy alongside his young son.
The waves at Praia do Norte are amplified by the Nazaré Canyon, the largest underwater rift in Europe, which channels and enhances the large winter swells of the North Atlantic.
Several world records for the biggest waves ever surfed were set there.
This Saturday’s competition was closed before the scheduled second round, after a delay caused by fog and a new problem caused by a power outage in the event area.
