NEWPORT BEACH, CA, USA -- (March 21, 2008) - After what has been the greatest year yet in big wave surfing, nominees for the 2008 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards have been decided in California. Considered the Oscars of big wave riding, the XXL Awards take place April 11 in Anaheim, California and feature over $130,000 in cash and prizes.

In contention for the XXL Ride of the Year Award are three amazing tube rides at Tahiti's legendary break of Teahupoo ("cho-poo") by local MANOA DROLLET ("Droll-lay") and two Hawaiian surfers, IAN WALSH of Maui and SHANE DORIAN of the Big Island. Brazilian CARLOS BURLE ("Boor-lay") was nominated for his tense moment in the curl at Ghost Tree off Pebble Beach, California while young Australian BRENNAN was acknowledged for his airborne entry into a huge barrel at Shipstern Bluff, Tasmania. To see all the nominee's check out www.billabongxxl.com