South African Grant “Twiggy” Baker Claims Ride of the Year, German Surfer Sebastian Steudtner Wins XXL Biggest Wave; California's Shawn Dollar Breaks Biggest Paddle-in Wave Record

This winter, while studying for her Physics, Cellular Biology and Mammalian Endocrinology Physiology classes, Savannah Shaughnessy made time to ride some of the biggest waves of the year.

The finalists for the 2010 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards presented by Monster Energy were announced today in the wake of one of the greatest years in surfing history.

Since the addition of the Billabong Girls Best Overall Performance Award in 2004, the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards have showcased the best rides of the year by women right alongside the men. From its inception, the female category has had only two winners: Jamilah Star of Santa Cruz, California, USA, who won the first two years; and Maya Gabeira of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who has won the last three times.

Entire Awards Show to be Webcast Live at www.BillabongXXL.com

I’m going to go ahead and text my vote for Ross Clarke Jones’ brutal beat down at Pedra Branca in Tasmania. Who’s your vote going to?

With only days remaining in the annual event cycle, new entries continue to arrive in record numbers for the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards presented by Monster Energy.

Two months remain in the yearlong period for the Ninth Annual Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards and several of Australia’s top riders are in contention for nominations.