Here’s a bold statement: surfing’s most democratic—and arguably most coveted—award is back, and it’s stirring up waves of excitement and controversy. Liam McNamara has raised over $100,000 to revive the ‘Wave of the Winter,’ a title that’s as much about skill as it is about luck, timing, and sheer audacity. But here’s where it gets controversial: in a sport dominated by world champions and legends, this award doesn’t care about your trophy case. It’s all about one wave—the wave that makes the entire North Shore hold its breath. And this is the part most people miss: even the most decorated surfers secretly yearn for this recognition, because it’s not just about winning; it’s about being immortalized in surfing history.
Let’s break it down. The ‘Wave of the Winter’ has been an unofficial crown since the early days of the North Shore, celebrated by giants like Kelly Slater, Jamie O’Brien, and the late Ricardo dos Santos. Surfline formalized it in 2009, and sponsors like Hurley, Nike, and Oakley kept it alive for over a decade. The concept? Simple. Catch the one wave that leaves everyone—friends, rivals, and legends—in awe. And get paid for it. But what makes this award truly unique is its accessibility: an 11-time world champ and a rookie can both vie for the same glory. It’s surfing’s great equalizer.
After a five-year hiatus, Liam McNamara—a Pipeline icon of the 80s and 90s—is bringing it back, with help from Jeff Hall of Rogue TV and Jake Howard of Surfer Mag. ‘We saw a lot of great surfers win money over the years,’ Liam told Stab. ‘I loved seeing those Pipeline core lords earn money for getting those crazy waves.’ But it’s not just about the cash. It’s about preserving a culture that predates social media, where the best wave of the winter might not even land you a magazine cover due to industry politics.
The North Shore is a place of myth and legend, often bordering on self-parody. The Proving Grounds, the Seven-Mile Miracle (which Liam insists is closer to eight miles), the gladiatorial battles at Pipeline—these clichés persist because they’re true. Combine the raw violence of the ocean, the unforgiving volcanic reef, the crowded lineup, and the unspoken local tensions, and you have a stage where only a few will shine. Pipeline, as Liam puts it, is ‘the most famous and dangerous wave in the world.’ Riding it isn’t just about skill; it’s about survival. ‘My entire career was made out there, but it also took a lot from me,’ he reflects, recalling broken bones and smashed faces. ‘To see those guys getting paid again means a lot to me.’
But here’s the controversial part: Liam’s revival isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about giving back. ‘A lot of surfers and companies have benefited from the Banzai Pipeline,’ he says. ‘If every surfer that made money from Pipeline gave back a little bit, that’d be awesome.’ He’s raised $100,000 from over 20 ‘small’ companies, each contributing cash or gear. No corporate giants—yet. And while the Eddie Aikau event will always be the North Shore’s crown jewel, Liam’s vision is to make ‘Wave of the Winter’ the next biggest thing.
The stakes? A $25,000 grand prize for the best single wave of the season, plus monthly awards. Cameramen get paid too. There’s even a $5,000 First Responder Award for waves ridden by those who save lives. ‘These guys saved my kids’ lives,’ Liam says, his voice thick with emotion. The waiting period starts December 1 and lasts 90 days, with plans for a live, unfiltered webcast that promises to be ‘one of the raddest ever.’
But what makes a wave worthy of the title? According to Nathan Florence, the 2017/’18 winner, it’s not about perfection. ‘It’s gotta be big, thick, and borderline unmakeable,’ he says. Take Miguel Tudela’s infamous attempt a few years back—he fell, but the wave was so gnarly it’s still talked about today. And that’s the beauty of this award: it celebrates the audacity to try the unrideable.
Yet, here’s the question that sparks debate: does an award like this encourage reckless behavior? Surfers are already pushing the limits on waves that shouldn’t be ridden. Will this incentivize even more danger? Liam’s response? ‘Of course I’m going to go! It’s unrideable, so it’s super interesting.’
As for who’s most likely to win in 2025, Nathan Florence is diplomatic. ‘It’s so random, it’s a luck of the draw,’ he admits. But with the tour starting in April, John John Florence and Barron Mamiya have good odds. Jamie O’Brien? He gets any wave he wants. And then there’s the rest of us—the dreamers, the risk-takers, the ones who go for the crazy waves.
So, who’s gonna be on the button in winter ’25/’26? And more importantly, will they press it? Let’s spark some debate: does ‘Wave of the Winter’ celebrate the spirit of surfing, or does it glorify unnecessary risk? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s ride this wave together.
