Share

'Twiggy’ Baker prepares for Mavericks challenge

accreditation
Grant 'Twiggy' Baker (Twitter)
Grant 'Twiggy' Baker (Twitter)

Cape Town - South African big wave surfer and two-time Big Wave world champion, Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker, is currently in California preparing for the final big wave event of the 2018/19 Big Wave Tour.

This final event will take place at Mavericks, a big wave location in Northern California, outside Pillar Point Harbour, just north of Half Moon Bay.

The waiting period for this tournament ends on March 31. Baker already has two victories under the belt at Mavericks, winning in 2006 as well as 2014.

Baker has had a flagship year so far, and is looking to cement it with a third world title.

“They say you only remember an athlete if they win three of something, so that’s in my goals for the next five years,” said Baker.

"I want to win another Mavericks event and another world title.”

With one big wave event win, the Nazaré Challenge that took place in Portugal in November 2018, Baker currently leads the Big Wave Tour rankings from Billy Kemper (Hawaii) and Kai Lenny (Hawaii) in second and third place, respectively.

Baker is also in contention for a few XXL Big Wave Awards with this ride at Jaws and a ridiculous tube ride at Seal Reef on the West Coast, with both waves up for the Ride of the Year category, that carries a $50 000 prize.

“My wave from the West Coast is probably the best barrel I’ve ever had,” reckoned Baker.

“Even though it's only 15-18 foot, it's as square as you can get and almost 10 seconds long and probably better than Ian Walsh’s wave at Jaws that won the year before, so I’m always hopeful.”

For more information on the Big Wave Tour, visit http://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2018/mbwt

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE