The Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards presented by Monster Energy are the Oscars of big wave surfing, honoring the amazing achievements in the sport around the world over the course of an entire year in an array of categories.   Now in its tenth year, the XXL has become a cornerstone of action sports thanks to the involvement of surfing's top athletes and photographers and the event's ability to attract the attention of the mainstream public worldwide.   

The XXL Awards are open to every qualified surfer at every break around the world all year long, beginning and ending with the Vernal Equinox each March.   The gala awards ceremony takes place each April in Southern California where the total cash and prizes awarded to the XXL champions exceeds $130,000.   Recent winners of the $50,000 Ride of the Year Award include Greg Long, Shane Dorian and Ken "Skindog" Collins.   Past winners of the XXL Biggest Wave Award include Mike Parsons, Grant "Twiggy" Baker and Brad Gerlach.