Analytics: Best Big Wave Performers - Men's 2024 WCT

Heavy Water Hustlers: Unraveling the Dominance in Double Overhead Plus Lineups

In the unforgiving theater of Double Overhead (DOH) and above surf, it’s not just about who’s dropping in; it’s about who’s owning it. Enter the arena where size does matter. This isn’t your casual paddle-out session; it's where the big dogs play, where reputations are built or drowned in the churn of monstrous swells.

As the swell forecasts turn from whispers to roars, a select few names emerge. From John John's Hawaiian heroics to Medina's Brazilian bravado, these surfers aren't just making drops; they're making statements. Each with their own brand of ferocity and finesse, they turn water walls into canvases of raw power and precision. The question isn't just who can handle the height, but who can make it look like they've got Posiden on speed dial. Take a look at the stats below.

Surfer Performance Chart

Surfer Performance Table

Name	Large	Medium	Small
John John Florence	14.74	13.88	12.53
Jack Robinson	14.40	13.28	11.06
Gabriel Medina	14.31	13.11	12.99
Joao Chianca	13.38	12.83	11.47
Barron Mamiya	12.83	10.67	10.58
Ethan Ewing	12.73	13.63	12.41
Jordy Smith	12.31	11.93	11.66
Kelly Slater	12.23	10.60	10.77
Italo Ferreira	12.02	13.11	13.85
Griffin Colapinto	11.97	12.42	12.29

Analysis

1. John John Florence (Hawaii): With an average score of 14.74 in large waves, John John Florence continues to dominate the big-wave scene. His exceptional skill in handling massive swells is a testament to Hawaii's legacy in nurturing world-class big-wave surfers.
2. Jack Robinson (Australia): Australian surfer Jack Robinson, scoring an average of 14.40 in large waves, showcases outstanding talent in challenging conditions. His expertise in navigating Australia's notorious heavy surf spots is clearly reflected in his performance.
3. Gabriel Medina (Brazil): Gabriel Medina impresses with an average score of 14.31 in large waves, highlighting his ability to excel in formidable swells. Medina's performance demonstrates the prowess Brazilian surfers have in handling diverse surf conditions.
4. Joao Chianca (Brazil): Joao Chianca, another Brazilian surfing talent, scores an average of 13.38 in large waves. His remarkable adaptability to varying wave sizes showcases Brazil's rich surfing heritage and Chianca's own versatile skills.
5. Barron Mamiya (Hawaii): Barron Mamiya, an emerging star from Hawaii, has made a significant mark with an average score of 12.83 in large waves. His performances reinforce Hawaii's esteemed reputation in the realm of big-wave surfing.

In the men's category, notable mentions include Ethan Ewing from Australia and Jordy Smith from South Africa, both showcasing their mastery in large waves with scores of 12.73 and 12.31 respectively. Kelly Slater from the USA and Italo Ferreira from Brazil also make notable appearances with scores of 12.23 and 12.02. Griffin Colapinto from the USA rounds up the list with an average of 11.97.

Men's Fantasy Recommendations

If the conditions are larger, the following selections may prove to be valuable.

Tier A: Pick John John Florence and Gabriel Medina. Florence's exceptional skill in large waves and Medina's formidable performance in challenging swells make them top choices.

Tier B: Select Italo Ferreira, Jordy Smith, Barron Mamiya, and Ryan Callinan. These surfers show strong capabilities in handling big waves, with Ferreira and Smith being particularly notable for their performances in larger swells.

Tier C: Choose Kelly Slater and Crosby Colapinto. Slater's vast experience and Colapinto's emerging talent in big wave conditions offer a strategic advantage for this category.