Red Bull Magnitude Opening Ceremony 2022

Follow along on all things Red Bull Magnitude at https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/magnitude

The Winter Solstice is on its way and so are the waves. The North Shore of Oahu is teeming with energy as swells make their way towards our shores. With new waves, comes change. The revolution that is Red Bull Magnitude is back for its third year in a row. The women are ready.

As a female big wave surfer, most of us have a story of us being the only girl in the water on some of the biggest days. In a sea of burley men and giant waves, both show no mercy. That is what I love. It is an even playing field. The ocean never cared what you look like, what your story is or how you got to where you are. But when you’re out there, it’s all on the line. The power of the ocean overcomes anything you’ve ever faced on land. I know I am certain that this is what I want to do in this lifetime. As I continue to go deeper into my passion of surfing, I have been given the opportunity to compete in Red Bull Magnitude.

Magnitude is a three month long digital big wave surf contest. It takes place in Hawaii on the biggest swells of the season and documents the best female big wave surfers in the world. In the first year there were 14 women, and this year there are more than double that. Never in my life did I think I would be surrounded by this many women who share the same passion as me.

This competition has been instrumental to the perpetuation of female big wave surfing. Red Bull has provided us with all the tools to truly take it to the next level. We are given designated safety teams, film crews, updated swell forecasting, media coverage and even prize money. We are truly being propelled and we are all grateful. To me, the best thing this event has created is the comradery.

To start off the event, was our opening ceremony at Waimea Bay. This brings together all the girls and the people who make it possible. We are able to honor the bay and those who have come before us. Standing next to women that I’ve looked up to since I started surfing big waves is surreal, and to see our team growing is truly incredible.

Each opening ceremony for this event has been nothing short of magic. Every year there has been a rainbow resting over Waimea valley. As the rainbow has been a sign of the covenant of God and all life on Earth, I know we are being blessed and welcomed into the season ahead.

The girls brought leis for each other and we got to see everyone who makes this contest possible. As we were about to paddle out, a giant humpback whale breached out of the water. This was the first one I have seen this season. We made our way to the middle of the bay. A prayer was said and we celebrated our coming together for our shared passion.

As we were in our circle, my good friend Maddie Anzivino saw a butterfly that had joined us. Her wings were wet and she landed in the water. Maddie picked up the butterfly and rested it on her board. There were some waves at Pinballs, so the girls of course had to share a few waves together. I decided to paddle the butterfly to shore. As we got there, the butterfly’s wings began to dry. I gave her to Jamilah Star’s daughter, and she took great care of her.

Photo by Nicole Nason

As I reflect on a beautiful opening ceremony, I am so grateful for the ability to do what I love with a great team beside me. Waves are on the way and I can’t wait to see all of the rides we’ll get. This winter it is time to spread my wings.