Regarded as the Oscars of big wave surfing, the 2010 awards recognize the biggest and heaviest waves ridden and documented over the past twelve months.

2300 surf-stoked fans packed the Grove Theater in Anaheim to witness mind-blowing rides from Chile, Europe, South Africa, Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, California and French Polynesia. In what proved to be one of the best years in big wave surfing history, over 1000 images and videos were submitted for judging. The awards are decided by a panel of 400 surfers, selected surf media and big wave aficionados.

Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker from Durban, South Africa, won the Ride of the Year, the premiere category in the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards presented by Monster Energy, at a glittering function in Anaheim, California early morning (Europe Time).

Sebastian Steudtner (Nuremberg, Germany) finished first for a giant ride at Jaws, Maui, Hawaii on a monster wave that took everyone by surprise for its size and speed.

Shawn Dollar officially surfed into the record books for riding a paddle-in wave judged to be 55ft+ (17m) to win the Monster Paddle Award.

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