Previous Winners
Nathan Florence
Winning Wave
Full 2018 Movie
Koa Rothman
Winning Wave
Full 2017 Movie
Mikey O'Shaughnessy
Winning Wave
Full 2016 Movie
Jamie O'Brien
Winning Wave
Full 2015 Movie
Kelly Slater
Winning Wave
Full 2014 Movie
Ricardo Dos Santos
Winning Wave
Full 2013 Movie
Reef McIntosh
Winning Wave
Full 2012 Movie
Kalani Chapman
Winning Wave
Special Awards
Breakthrough Performance
The Sambazon Breakthrough Performer Award -- a youth-focused division running in concert with the O'Neill Wave of the Winter and Clif Bar Overall Performance Award -- celebrates the accomplishments of one surfer, 19 years old or younger, who rises above all other youths with sustained, standout performances along the Seven Mile Miracle from November through February. The winner will receive $5,000.
Overall Performance Award
The Clif Bar Overall Performance Award is given to the surfer who consistently demonstrates courage, skill and style while riding the most challenging waves on the North Shore during the Wave of the Winter period, while also demonstrating a positive commitment to both the sport and local community. The winner will receive $5,000, a year's supply of CLIF products, plus another $10,000 donation made in his or her name to be given to an environmental non-profit of their choice.
Active Skin Repair Heaviest Drop Award
The Heaviest Drop Award celebrates that split-second confidence of hucking oneself over the ledge on a critical wave -- and sticking it. ("Sticking it" means making it to the bottom of the wave, standing on the board and in control, with the board and body away from the lip at the moment of impact.) Winner will be judged based on Wave of the Winter entries for the 2018/19 season and will receive $5,000.
Wave of the Winter: Regional Edition
Welcome to a new Wave of the Winter for the people, created to celebrate unsung local heroes who charge at beaches around the country, all winter long. Surfline’s inaugural Regional O’Neill Wave of the Winter contests will be judged via online user voting after the four-month holding period. (December 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020.)