The Red Bull Big Wave is an event that has been one of the biggest highlights on the surfing calendar to come to Africa, and the massive wall of waves called Dungeons in Cape Town’s Hout Bay is the reason.

Having grown into one of the world's longest running and most respected big wave paddle-in surfing competitions, the event has kept its ardent followers in awe for years - providing Neptune steps up to the plate as he already has with the recent solid, clean early Winter swells.

Due to the location of Hout Bay’s Dungeons being so far South and a significant trip for travelling surfers, Red Bull has decided to revisit its original format of inviting all the big wave competitors to come spend five weeks in Cape Town.

Opening the window for three months as in the past runs the risk that the international contingency might not be in town when the contest goes green.

This decision has been given the thumbs up by the surfers invited, as they love the camaraderie that has been created over the years.

The world class list of 24 big wave surfers, broken down into twelve locals and twelve internationals, will be announced shortly.

Co-contest directors Gary Linden (USA) and Jonathan Paarman (SA) are keeping in close contact with organizers leading up to the opening of the waiting period on the 24th July.

Both are legendary watermen in their own rights and are as excited as the surfers themselves in the run up to one of the local and international surfing calendars' most anticipated events.

"Through the passing time, Red Bull Big Wave Africa has become more of a state of mind to me," said co-contest director Gary Linden on the upcoming event.

"Talented individuals pushing each other towards the common goal of riding Dungeons has produced some of the world’s top big wave surfers. I expect something very special will occur this year, so be ready!"

"I feel that big wave surfing in South Africa would not be where it is today without Red Bull being so involved and interested in the growth of the sport. Going back to the old format is definitely the way to go - the extended time spent by these elite surfers in Cape Town has always given this special event its own unique edge,” said co-contest director Jonathan Paarman.

Molo says: Read more about Red Bull Big Wave Africa 2008 and watch an awesome video from the RBBWA online, it will tease your senses beyond expectations.

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