TODOS SANTOS, Baja California/Mexico (Thursday, January 14, 2016) - Today, the World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Tour (BWT) is placing the Todos Santos Challenge in Baja California on Green Alert to commence on Sunday, January 17, 2016 with a projected 30-foot-plus swell heading towards the region.
"The swell we've been tracking from North of Hawaii has intensified and we've called the Todos Santos Challenge ON for a Sunday start," said Peter Mel, WSL Big Wave Commissioner. "We're looking at 30-foot-plus waves projected for the day with favorable winds and tides."
The Todos Santos Challenge will be contested by 24 men, led by current rankings' leader Billy Kemper (HAW) and reigning BWT Champion Makuakai Rothman (HAW).
"Having ran events in Chile and Maui so far, the 2015/2016 Big Wave Tour has already produced exceptional moments," continued Mel. "Makuakai Rothman was dominant at Punta de Lobos and Maui's Billy Kemper wowed everyone at Pe'ahi. We're looking forward to more fireworks come Sunday in Mexico."
Surfline, official forecasters for the 2015/2016 WSL BWT season are calling for:
We have been closely monitoring a hurricane force low to the north of Hawaii over the past 24 hours as it will set up an XXL swell for Todos Santos through the day on Sunday. Thus far we have observed satellite verified wind of 50-75 knots and seas in excess of 50 feet in this storm and it still has plenty of life left in the next 12-24 hours. At this point we expect to see strong, long period west-northwest swell build through the day on Sunday, with the largest waves in the afternoon.
The better set waves, while likely lully, will be in the 30-40' range on the face with some even larger max sets possible. Local wind and weather looks favorable with high pressure over the region: light and variable flow in the morning trending to light+ onshore NW in the afternoon.
The Todos Santos Challenge will be webcast LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com
Todos Santos Challenge Invite List:
WSL Big Wave Tour Top Ten Seeds
Makuakai Rothman (HAW)
Gabriel Villaran (PER)
Nic Lamb (USA)
Anthony Tashnick (USA)
Greg Long (USA)
Nathan Fletcher (USA)
Grant Baker (ZAF)
Natxo Gonzales (EUK)
Patrick Gudauskas (USA)
Carlos Burle (BRA)
Injury Wildcard
Alex Gray (USA)
Video Invitees
Trevor Sven Carlson (USA)
Mark Mathews (AUS)
Event Invitees
Derek Dunfee (USA)
Rusty Long (USA)
Nic Vaughan (USA)
Coco Nogales (MEX)
Diego Pertusso (MEX)
Vincente Yazbeck (MEX)
BWT Invitees
Shane Dorian (HAW)
Mark Healey (HAW)
Josh Kerr (AUS)
Kelly Slater (USA)
Jamie Mitchell (AUS)
Video Invitee Alternates
James Taylor (ZAF)
Jamie Sterling (HAW)
Event Invitee Alternates
Chapman Murphey (USA)
Dane Gudauskas (USA)
Tanner Gudauskas (USA)
BWT Invitee Alternates
Damien Hobgood (USA)
Will Skudin (USA)
Diego Medina (CHL)