There were plenty of big wave surf antics going on this year that stand tall in the 12-year history of the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards.  Among the surfers who are in early contention for possible nominations are Australians Anthony Walsh, Dylan Longbottom, Marti Paradisis and James McKeen. Among the Hawaiian frontrunners are Mark Healey, Kohl Christensen, Garrett McNamara, Keala Kennelly and Bruce Irons. California’s Nathan Fletcher is also up there with his incredible Teahupoo ride that exploded near the dry reefs and the imagery became something of a surfing phenomena.

The 2012 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards runs until March 19, 2012, with nominations not a certainty at this stage so there’s still plenty of opportunity for big wave surfers and cameras guys to do their thing. Western Australia is well becoming highly regarded for offering some insane tubes, so there’s sure to be some opportune moments for some impressive surfing feats ahead.

If you think you have what it takes, there’s an array of categories including the $50,000 Ride of the Year, Monster Paddle, Monster Tube and the Verizon Wireless Wipeout of the Year.  The event features over $130,000 in cash prizes for the surfers and photographers.

Catch the mid-year highlights here: 

via: heartbeatmedia         billabongxxl