Australian surf sensation Laura Enever has been named Female Surfer of the Year at the 2024 SURFER Big Wave Challenge Awards held in Nazaré, Portugal. The event honors the world's top big-wave surfers and the photographers and videographers who document their feats. Enever was the sole Australian woman nominated in any category. The Surfer of the Year award is given to those who consistently chase the largest and most formidable waves. Following a remarkable big wave season, Laura was thrilled to receive this prestigious title.

"With so many talented women in big wave surfing, it's a privilege just to be nominated for such an award," Enever remarked. "I'm deeply thankful to be recognized for doing what I love."

Enever, renowned for her exceptional big wave surfing accomplishments, made history in late 2023 by setting the Guinness World Record for the largest wave paddled in by a woman. The 31-year-old from North Narrabeen in Sydney had competed in seven seasons on the WSL championship tour before focusing on big wave surfing. She caught the record-breaking 13.3-metre wave at Outer Reef on the North Shore of Oahu earlier this year, with the feat officially confirmed by record-keepers on Thursday.

"I knew it was significant when I paddled into it, and as I stood up, I realized it was undoubtedly the biggest wave I've ever caught," Enever explained.

Enever was approximately one kilometer offshore at the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, where the ocean depth transitions to the shallower sea floor near the island, when she encountered the wave of her life. While many big wave surfers use jet skis to tow them into waves, certain conditions permit a traditional paddling approach, which Enever utilized.

"I knew it was the wave of my life, the way everything aligned and how I fully committed, trusted myself, and went for it," she said. "The ride was a significant breakthrough for me and a moment that will be incredibly special and memorable in my surfing career."

Looking forward, Enever is gearing up for the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, where she will once again compete with the world's elite big wave surfers at Hawaii's Waimea Bay.

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