The Big Wave World Tour has its own unique set of challenges. For one, how do organisers appease sponsors who stump up money for a contest that doesn't run. Also, how viable is a circuit where interested parties can wait six months between contests only to have it called off.
Ben Wilkinson is a 28-year old surfer originally hailing from North Narrabeen, Australia. These days Wilkinson, a carpenter by trade, lives in Haliewa, Hawaii, and launches self-funded strike missions to wherever big waves are breaking. His exploits have got him noticed and he's recently scored invites to the Big Wave World Tour where he's coming second to big wave stalwart, Peter Mel.
On the cusp of the northern hemisphere winter I spoke to Ben about making it in the big wave game.
