10 min read

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

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

Discovering the Elite of the 2024 World Surf League Women's Championship Tour

Welcome to a special feature on the elite female surfers of the 2024 World Surf League Women's Championship Tour. In this exploration, we highlight the top 10 surfers who have demonstrated mastery over waves of all sizes. These remarkable athletes exhibit a blend of exceptional skill, grace, and adaptability, making them standouts in their field. From commanding the might of large swells to skillfully maneuvering through smaller waves, their performances are a testament to their dedication and prowess. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and uncover the secrets behind their success in their preferred wave conditions.

Surfer Performance Chart

2024 Womens Championship Tour

Average Wave Score by Wave Size
Top5
× Clear Selections

Surfer Performance Table

Name Large Medium Small
Carissa Moore 13.36 12.63 13.10
Sally Fitzgibbons 12.16 10.63 12.32
Johanne Defay 11.94 11.08 11.70
Stephanie Gilmore 11.85 11.30 12.50
Caroline Marks 11.61 12.19 11.66
Tyler Wright 11.48 11.36 12.27
Brisa Hennessy 10.85 9.11 10.56
Tatiana Weston-Webb 11.09 12.20 11.65
Isabella Nichols 11.00 8.46 10.88
Lakey Peterson 10.38 11.13 11.64

Analysis

  1. Carissa Moore (Hawaii): With an impressive average score of 13.36 in large waves, Carissa Moore stands as a leading figure in women's big-wave surfing. Her exceptional performances are a shining example of Hawaii's celebrated history in producing top-tier surfers, especially in challenging big-wave conditions.
  2. Sally Fitzgibbons (Australia): Sally Fitzgibbons, an Australian surfer, has marked her presence with an average score of 12.16 in large waves. Her capability to navigate the demanding and powerful Australian surf is evident in her high scoring.
  3. Johanne Defay (France): Scoring an average of 11.94 in large waves, Johanne Defay brings attention to France's growing prominence in the surfing world. Her adaptability and skill in handling sizable swells are commendable.
  4. Stephanie Gilmore (Australia): Averaging 11.85 in large waves, Stephanie Gilmore is another testament to Australia's rich surfing culture. Her proficiency in navigating heavy and challenging surf spots places her among the elite surfers.
  5. Caroline Marks (USA): Caroline Marks, with an average score of 11.61 in large waves, showcases the burgeoning talent and versatility of American surfers. Her performances highlight her adaptability to various surf conditions.

For the women, Tyler Wright from Australia and Brisa Hennessy from Costa Rica stand out with scores of 11.48 and 10.85 in large waves. Brazil's Tatiana Weston-Webb, alongside Australians Isabella Nichols and Lakey Peterson, also demonstrate significant skill in handling challenging swells, with scores around the 11-point mark.

Fantasy Recommendations:

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

Tier A: Select Carissa Moore. Her outstanding ability in large waves makes her an ideal choice for Tier A.

Tier B: Choose Stephanie Gilmore and Johanne Defay. Gilmore's experience and Defay's consistency in big waves are significant assets for this category.

Tier C: Pick Sally Fitzgibbons. Known for her proficiency in challenging conditions, Fitzgibbons is a strong choice for Tier C in big-wave scenarios.

FAQ: Data Source and Collection Details

Data Origin:
- Heat Data Source: World Surf League.
- Wave Data Source: Surfline.

Time Frame
- Coverage: Last five years.

Surfers
- Women's WCT 2024 lineup (excluding wildcards).

Data Processing and Categorization
- Events and Heats
- Coverage: All WCT events over the past 5 years.
- Participation Criteria: Minimum of 5 heats in each wave category.

- Wave Categories
- Large: ≥ 8 ft (Double Overhead+).
- Medium: > 5 ft (Head High) and < 8 ft (Double Overhead).
- Small: ≤ 5 ft (up to Head High).