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NAZARÉ

Friends and Big Waves in Nazaré.

By PUKAS

NAZARÉ - 2017.10.28

A last minute call started it all.

The World Surf League called the Nazaré Big Wave Challenge on possible running situation.

The Pukas Surf Big Wave squad was ready to rock.

Grant "Twig" Baker was flying from South Africa, Natxo driving from home all the way down to Nazaré, Pedro Calado and Axi were already there since the previous massive swell and Billy Kemper on hold waiting for confirmation in Hawaii. Greg Long (Christenson Surfboards team rider) and Tom Lowe on hold too.

With new surfboard design and glass improvements developed by Axel Lorentz and Chris Christenson, a new batch of guns where shaped, laminated and sanded by the Olatu (the Pukas Factory in the Basque Country) crew and in a very short time.

Pukas Surf and Chris Christenson family photo minutes before getting them all to Nazaré.

surfboards details

Left to right:

Pukas "Twig" model by Axel Loretz for Grant "Twig" Baker / 10'4".
Pukas custom shape for Axi Muniain by Axel Lorentz / 9'0".
Pukas "Twig" model by Axel Loretz for Billy Kemper / 11'0".
Pukas "Twig" model by Axel Loretz for Billy Kemper / 10'4".
Pukas "Twig" model by Axel Loretz for Billy Kemper / 10'0".
Pukas XL Spicy model by Axel Lorentz for Natxo Gonzalez / 9'6".
Pukas XL Spicy model by Axel Lorentz for Natxo Gonzalez / 9'0".
Pukas XL Spicy model by Axel Lorentz for Natxo Gonzalez / 8'6".
Pukas XL Spicy model by Axel Lorentz for Natxo Gonzalez / 8'0".
Pukas "Twig" model by Axel Loretz for Pedro Calado / 10'6".
Chris Christenson Carrera XL model for Greg Long / 10'4".
Chris Christenson Carrera XL model for Greg Long / 10'0".
Chris Christenson Carrera XL model for Greg Long / 10'0".
Chris Christenson Carrera XL model for Greg Long / 10'4".

Every dream has a starting point. The surfboards start here. In the foam warehouse.

Pukas XL Spicy for Pedro Calado.

Big blanks for big sleds.

Ashton Googans, Editor in Chief of Stab Magazine holds a Pukas 9'6 close to the factory. Basque Country.

For Greg Long, shaped by Chris Christenson at our Pukas Factory just before the fire we had in June 19th. Still with the ashes.

WHY is nazaré so special?

So,... why is Nazaré so special when it comes to big wave surfing?

It's actually pretty easy, because its marine landscape gives to Nazaré the perfect playground to generate the biggest waves known.

From a very deep channel to a shallow beach break,... Nazaré.

Preparation. safety.

For any big wave session, safety goes first. The crew is an essential part of the success anywhere a big wave is surfed. Jet skis, communications, equipment,... everything has to be on point.

The Red Bull Big Wave facilities was the meeting point early in the mornings.

Morning rituals. Safety first.

Adur Letamendua and Jon Aspuru at the office.

Natxo Gonzalez.

Friendship and camaraderie are part key in big wave surfing. Out there, you just have your friends. Grant — Friendship and camaraderie are part key in big wave surfing. Out there, you just have your friends. Grant "Twig" Baker.

Natxo gonzalez

The young surfer had some of the best drops of the day. His "Black Stripes" surfboards are worldwide recognizable and a "fun to watch" warranty anywhere he's spotted.

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Mr. Grant — Mr. Grant "Twig" Baker.

Grant "Twig" baker (zaf)

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surfing, friends and more,..

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Footnotes

Two days of Big Wave surfing and surfboard testing by Pukas Surf team riders. All photos by PUKAS SURF® / Aitor Molina.

FootNotes

Two days of Big Wave surfing and surfboard testing by Pukas Surf team riders. All photos by PUKAS SURF® / Aitor Molina.

© 2026 PUKAS

Kepa Acero is in love.

- Pukas Surf x Eye Symmetry -

The art of shaping 01 / AXEL LORENTZ.

November 10^th, 2017

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