The epic swell that set off an all-time Teahupoo on November 1 of last year ended up providing more than just breathtaking waves and jaw-dropping images. Following the Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards, it also sent surfers Shane Dorian and Manoa Drollet, as well as photographers Gustavo Camarao and Jeff Flindt home with much deserved awards that altogether totaled $62,000.

The Big Island native and big-wave pioneer Dorian took home the highest honor of the evening when he was awarded Ride of the Year. He somehow pulled into a section of Teahupoo that few live to tell and was spit out into a full cart-wheel. It was an unbelievable ride, and one that sent one of surfing’s legends and all-around good guys home $50,000 richer.

“Usually at Teahupoo you pick your line, set your rail and you normally make it, but that wave was really unique,” said Dorian. “I nearly fell at the start, I nearly fell in the middle and then it clipped me at the end. It was difficult becaude I was almost eating it the whole time.”

Congratulations Shane Dorian on winning the 2008 Billabong XXL Ride of the Year!
Here are the others who went home victorious-

Biggest Wave Award- Mike Parsons (San Clemente, Ca.) at Cortes Bank off California
Monster Paddle Award- Greg Long (San Clemente, Ca.) at Todos Santos, Mexico
Monster Tube Photo Award- Manoa Drollet (Tahiti, French Polynesia) at Teahupoo, Tahiti
Best Male Overall Performance Award- Greg Long (San Clemente, Ca.)
Girls Best Performance Award- Maya Gabeira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

shane dorianteahupoobillabong

Tags: Billabong, shane dorian, Teahupoo

Posted by Shaun on Monday, April 14th, 2008 in Surfing.

• -“The Oscars of Surfing”: 5ones Pick for R.O.T.Y.
• -2008 Billabong XXL Ride of the Year
• -2008 Billabong Pro Tahiti Right Around the Corner
• -Damien Hobgood Injured at Teahupoo
• -Bruno Santos Wins Billabong Pro Tahiti