After a two-year hiatus due to a lack of regular competition, the continent’s most important international big wave surfing event is back, with a refreshed image and a young but experienced team deeply familiar with one of the best and most treasured waves along the Basque coast and this competition's with two-decade history.

Organised by Getxo Town Council with the support of Red Eléctrica, which celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025, and local surfers, the Red Eléctrica Punta Galea Big Wave Challenge, will once again attract the world’s leading competitors in both men’s and women’s categories.

The waiting period opens on 15 October for this eagerly anticipated event, beloved by fans. It is expected that thousands of spectators will once again flock to the spectacular cliffs of La Galea to enjoy eight hours of extreme action.

Over the course of just over three months, until 31 December, storm systems and weather reports will be closely monitored to identify the optimal sea, wind, and swell conditions, forecasting giant waves of around six metres in height, clean and consistent, to the delight for competitors and spectators. The final date will not be announced unitl 48 hours before the event.

Adrián Fernández de Valderrama, one of the event organisers and a keen wave expert, explains this competition in detail: 'There are some top world athletes who stand out among the international surf roster. These include South African Grant Twiggy Baker, a two-time world champion; Irishman Conor Maguire; and Hawaiian Kai Lenny, alongside prominent international Basque surfers like Natxo González from Plentzia and Pierre Rollet from Baiona, both champions of previous editions'.

The roster of 24 surfers will reserve 12 places for top Basque surfers such as Aritz Aranburu and Indar Unanue. Selection will be managed by the local surfers themselves, the club, and regional federations. For the first time, there will also be an all-female line-up including names like French surfer Justine Dupont and the Olympic from Zarautz, Nadia Erostarbe.

Getxo’s mayor, Amaia Agirre, took the opportunity to thank the club and sponsors for their support of this flagship event on the Basque and international surfing calendars, while inviting both local residents and the general public to enjoy the spectacle.

Antonio González Urquijo, delegate of Redeia, parent company of Red Eléctrica, said: 'We are very pleased to support this big wave championship, especially in the context of our 40th anniversary, which reaffirms our commitment to the territory through the promotion of social initiatives and high-level sporting competitions. We hope all the surfers have a great contest and that there will be giant waves to thrill everyone'.