"Santa Cruz had two big-wave surfers win titles at the 25th annual Big Wave Challenge Awards celebration at Lido Theater in Newport Beach on Saturday. Alessandro Alo Slebir was named the 2024-25 Men's Biggest Wave winner and earned a $7,500 prize for his viral ride at Mavericks, located off the coast of Half Moon Bay, on Dec. 23. And Wilem Banks was honored for the Biggest Paddle-In Wave of 2025 for his epic ride at Jaws in Hawaii on Dec. 22."
"Both surfers, along with local legend Peter Mel, the subject of the 5 Hour Energy One Shot Photo of the Year, shot by world renowned photographer Fred Pompermayer, will be celebrated at the West Peak Sparkling Spirits Celebration at Pono Hawaiian Grill in Santa Cruz on Saturday from 3-6:30 p.m. In a release from West Peak Sparkling Spirits, Slebir stated: It's been an incredible journey. This award isn't just for me, it's for the whole Santa Cruz surf community and for the safety crews who made that session possible."
"We've spent countless hours in the water over the last few winters, preparing for days like December 23rd, Slebir wrote. I want to thank Luca for the rides we've shared and, especially, for the wave that won us the award. I wouldn't have ridden that wave, or many others, without his help."
Santa Cruz surfers claimed major honors at the 25th Big Wave Challenge Awards. Alessandro Alo Slebir received the 2024-25 Men's Biggest Wave title and a $7,500 prize for his viral Mavericks ride on Dec. 23. Wilem Banks earned the Biggest Paddle-In Wave of 2025 for his Jaws ride on Dec. 22. Photographer Fred Pompermayer captured the 5 Hour Energy One Shot Photo of the Year featuring Peter Mel. A celebration at Pono Hawaiian Grill in Santa Cruz will honor the winners. Slebir thanked the surf community and safety crews, while Banks praised training, teamwork and trust in the ocean. Slebir credited tow-in partner Luca Padua for the award-winning wave.
Read at www.santacruzsentinel.com
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