Beginning at 7:30 p.m. California time, the live broadcast of the World Surf League's annual Big Wave Awards will begin, taking place for the first time at the BeachLife Festival in Redondo Beach.

In reference to this, Ramón and Natxo wrote on their social networks: “Until the day comes. (I'm) on my way to California for the most important big wave awards on the planet, the WSL Big Wave Awards. I'm already happy with the fact of being in the final of the most important category of all. More than congratulations to all the finalists and it's time to celebrate a great year of giant waves. Let's see what happens tomorrow,” he posted while leaving Chile for California.

For his part, the Basque wrote a few minutes ago: “The day has come. Today is the gala of the most important big wave awards in the world. Very excited to be in California in the final among the five best waves of the year in the most prestigious category of all (…) I will never forget this day, thanks to everyone with whom I shared it.”

These awards are accompanied by an interesting controversy, especially regarding the nominees that matter to Latinos and Spaniards: The wave of the year.

The most open about the issue was Australian Laurie Towner, who considered that his wave should be there, that the tow-ins should not and that the incomplete waves should not be there either. Behind him, several commentators with different opinions, as always happens in any surfing championship.

In this regard, Stab magazine published an article in which different specialists commented on the finalists. Billy Kemper, for example, said that Ramón's wave was "incredible" but because he was tow-in he should have backdoored the wave and pointed out that it was a pocket ride.

Referring to Natxo's wave, Kemper said he chose two of Albee's (who are not even nominated), "because he is my friend," he explained.

Slater also addressed the issue, saying that tow waves should have a separate category and that only full waves should be nominated. Waves that are epic but not full should have a separate category. He also admitted that Laurie's wave should have been among the finalists, although he admitted that he didn't see all the entries.

Albee Layer had a similar opinion about tow-in waves, saying they should have their own category. He added that Laurie Towner's wave should have been among the finalists.