Over the weekend the World Surf League announced that Maya Gabeira has claimed a Guiness World Record in the Largest Wave Surfed Unlimited (female) category.

The 31-year old Brazilian surfed a wave measuring 68 feet / 20.72 metres from trough to crest at Nazaré, Portugal, on January 18, 2018.

In 2013, Gabeira suffered a serious injury at Nazaré.

"It's been quite a journey, but I can honestly say that in 2013 when I first came to Nazaré my life changed like never before,” continued Gabeira. “Of course, there was an accident, injuries and so on, but also I moved to Nazaré to be closer to the wave. I dedicated most of my time to the spot and I had years to focus on improving, on safety and on being around the best people to get where I wanted to be."

For her groundbreaking and life-threatening efforts Gabeira will receive a certificate.

This is the inaugural award for female big wave riders and, not coincidentally, it comes on the same day the WSL launched this season's Big Wave Tour, which includes an invigorated Women's division. Someone at WSL PR is earning their wage.

This year's BWT circuit will have three contests: Nazare, Jaws, and Mavericks. The waiting period for the first two started yesterday while Mavericks opens on November 1st.

As per the last two years, the Jaws Challenge will have a female event, but for the first time there'll also be a female Mavericks event.

Despite scoring one of two perfect tens at Jaws last year and finishing 11th on the BWT, Ryan Hipwood isn't a starter for the event. Hippo will be on the alternates list.

Full list of invitees here:

2018/2019 Nazaré Challenge 
Men’s Invitees: Billy Kemper, Kai Lenny, Ian Walsh, Makuakai Rothman, Lucas Chianca, Jamie Mitchell, Tom Lowe, Alex Botelho, Greg Long, Natxo Gonzalez, Will Skudin, Grant Baker, Nathan Florence, Jojo Roper, Russell Bierke, João De Macedo, Rodrigo Koxa, Antonio Silva, Hugo Vau, Nic Von Rupp, João Guedes, Three WSL BWT Invitees TBD by WSL BWT Commissioner
Men’s Event Alternates: Ryan Hipwood, Andrew Cotton, Tom Butler, Axi Muniain

2018/2019 Jaws Challenge 
Women’s Invitees: 
Paige Alms, Keala Kennelly, Justine Dupont, Bianca Valenti, Maya Gabeira, Andrea Moller, Felicity Palmateer, Emily Erickson, Jamilah Star, WSL BWT Commissioner Selection TBD
Women’s Event Alternates: Nicole Pacelli, Isabelle Leonhardt, Raquel Heckert

Men’s Invitees: 
Billy Kemper, Kai Lenny, Ian Walsh, Makuakai Rothman, Lucas Chianca, Jamie MItchell, Tom Lowe, Alex Botelho, Greg Long, Natxo Gonzalez, Will Skudin, Grant Baker, Nathan Florence, Jojo Roper, Russell Bierke, Shane Dorian, Albee Layer, Mark Healey, Aaron Gold, Francisco Porcella, Tyler Larronde, Three WSL BWT Invitees TBD by WSL BWT Commissioner
Men’s Event Alternates: Ryan Hipwood, Danilo Couto, Yuri Soledade, DK Walsh

2018/2019 Mavericks Challenge 
Women’s Invitees will be released in late October. 
Women’s Event Alternates will be released in late October.