← Free Delivery on all Orders Over £80. Shop Now →

Industry Jobs

Wavelength Surf Magazine – since 1981
  • MEDIA
  • SHOP
  • EVENTS
  • News
  • Features
  • Galleries
  • Magazine
  • Podcast
    • Wavelength Community Radio
    • It’s Not The Length
  • Shop
  • Events
    • Overview
    • Spring Classic
    • Drive-In Cinema
    • Blue Earth Summit
  • Subscribe
    • 81 Club
    • Subscription Offers

Home » Tom Lowe Was Left Off The XXL Honours List & The Legends Of The Big Wave World Are Not Having It

Tom Lowe Was Left Off The XXL Honours List & The Legends Of The Big Wave World Are Not Having It We think Lowey's omission from the '2019 Big Wave Performer Of The Year' list is a grave injustice and it turns out we're in incredibly esteemed company. Examine the evidence and have your say here:

Luke Gartside

30th April 2019

This morning the WSL pulled the sort of chronic oversight that has become their raison d’être over the last few years.

Now, we usually ignore the debates around dubious judging calls in which the league is constantly embroiled (because we love watching high-quality webcasts free of charge, and worry the furious mob are biting the hand that feeds too hard at times). But every now and then, the league errs in a way that is just too grave not to scathe.

Like the time they switched exclusive streaming rights over to the shit show that is Facebook live, or the time they almost got Pipe cancelled. This morning, their latest unacceptable blunder was brought to our attention by the Instagram of Cornish charger Tom Lowe. Here’s what he said:

“Feels strange to be writing this as I never did contests growing up and don’t like to compare myself to others. But after not making the XXL performance list I’m gutted…Especially as I was so stoked with my season.”

“A few legends on the list have even stepped forward to give up their spots, which means a lot, but doesn’t look like it’s happening. I just threw together some clips, links in my bio..check it out..am I tripping?? Onwards and upwards.”

The clip has since been deleted, so we took the liberty of sifting through his ‘gram and selecting a few of our own highlights from the last 12 months…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Lowe (@tomloweyo) on Apr 15, 2019 at 1:40pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Lowe (@tomloweyo) on Apr 14, 2019 at 2:20pm PDT


 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Lowe (@tomloweyo) on Apr 14, 2019 at 2:19pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Lowe (@tomloweyo) on Mar 11, 2019 at 3:16am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Lowe (@tomloweyo) on Mar 4, 2019 at 11:30pm PST

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Lowe (@tomloweyo) on Feb 25, 2019 at 11:11pm PST

From where we’re sitting the answer is a firm: ‘Nah Lowey, you ain’t tripping.’

However, we’re devilishly biased, considering Tom is the only male surfer on the world stage who’s made us even a bit proud to be British for at least the last decade.

So perhaps, for a more balanced perspective, it’s worth taking a look at what the big wave world glitterati had to say on the matter:

“You’re not tripping,” concurred Will Skudin. “You had an amazing year brother and I got to witness most of it. 100% you should be nominated for overall performance this year without question. Your Mully paddle bomb should be nominated as ride of the year also.”

“Couldn’t believe it when I didn’t see your name on there. You definitely did more than enough to earn it,” added Russell Bierke.

“A few other individuals along with yourself should have been included in that list.” asserted Greg Long. “To me it is obvious that whoever was on the selection committee didn’t truly have their finger on the pulse, and know who was actively chasing every swell, charging and putting on the best performances.”

Further ringing endorsements poured in from Natxo Gonzalez, Kai Lenny, Nic Von Rupp and more. And it didn’t stop there, with others striking a much less diplomatic note in their condemnation.

“Looks like they hired Ray Charles to do the selection,” snarled Timo Jarvinen, while fellow filmmaker Tim Bonython claimed that the WSL had ‘ruined it’.

So there you have it. Sounds a helluva lot like consensus to us. It seems something must be done.

In our latest illustrious ep of It’s Not The Length, we launched a campaign to get Nic Von Rupp -another of our favourite Euro chargers- the wild card onto the BWT, with the hashtag #WildCardForVonRupp. Perhaps now it’s also time to launch, #PerformanceAwardForLowey so he too can get the recognition he deserves.

Let us know where you stand in the comments.

Cover photo: James Tull

TRENDING

HISTORY IS MADE AT THE 10TH EDDIE AIKAU BIG WAVE INVITATIONAL

How Dangerous Is Surfing?

The 10 Best Surf Documentaries Of All Time

Where To Surf In Italy – The Wavelength Guide

  • Industry Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Stockists
  • Contact
  • Buyers Notes

Newsletter

Sign up for the Wavelength newsletter to get the latest news, announcements, special offers and event information

Enquiries

Wavelength Media, Unit GF43 & GF55, Winslade House
Manor Drive, Exeter, EX5 1FY, UK

hello@wavelengthmag.com

© Wavelength Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy / Terms & Conditions

Connect:

© Wavelength Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy / Terms & Conditions