Northwest surfer nominated for three top global awards

Red Bull athlete and Irish surfer Conor Maguire has been nominated in three out of the four categories at the 2021 Global Red Bull Big Wave Awards, which honour the athletes worldwide that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and celebrate the most death-defying surfing of the season with life-changing rewards.

A seasoned big wave surfer, Maguire achieved deserved global recognition last October surfing what is believed to be the biggest wave to hit the west coast of Ireland, at 60 feet, earning himself nominations for the Biggest Tow, Ride of the Year and Performer of the Year.

The only male European nominated in three award categories, Conor – from Bundoran, County Donegal – honed his skills off the northwest coast, taming the giant Atlantic swells off Mullaghmore in County Sligo since the tender age of 11.

Maguire commented: “This is without doubt the biggest moment of my surfing career to date and one I won’t forget. I have an incredibly supportive network and team around me, and without them I wouldn’t be able to do what I love at this level, so I am really happy to see our hard work recognised on a global scale like this.”

Prize money of $350,000 will be awarded across four categories for men’s and women’s divisions: Ride of the Year, Biggest Paddle, Biggest Tow, and Performer of the Year. Winning photographers and videographers will also take home prize money.

The winners will be announced during the 2021 Red Bull Big Wave Awards Show on October 29, broadcast on Red Bull TV.