Results announced for 13th annual Gerry Lopez Big Wave Challenge at Mt. Bachelor
(Update: Adding results)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On Saturday at Mt. Bachelor, the 13th annual Gerry Lopez Big Wave Challenge was in full swing, combining surf and snow on the slopes.
KTVZ News was on hand for a beautiful day on the mountain - and competitors showed up and showed out!
For those who don't know, Gerry Lopez has lived in Bend for more than three decades, after moving to Central Oregon from Hawaii--where he grew up and became a professional surfer.
The event typically raises money for Pat Malendoski, but this year it's also benefiting Michele Schnake.
"The hope of our contest, or the mission statement, is that we really want to spread aloha. And aloha means love. So really, it's just about having fun and raising some money for our friends," said Anne DosPassos, the director of the event.
"It's just perfect out today! Mt. Bachelor absolutely killed it. We could not be asking for any more than this. We usually sell out. So that's what happened this year again. So we're super lucky that everybody wants to come and do this after we work so hard."
Anne and the rest of the Big Wave crew wanted to thank the Mt. Bachelor team for all of their help with the annual event.
To learn more about this year’s beneficiaries, click here.
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RESULTS:
Organizers said :We couldn’t have asked for better conditions with a powder prelude giving way to a sun-drenched day of competition. Thank you all for making this event truly memorable. And congratulations to all our winners below!
2025 Big Wave Challenge Results:
Wahine (Women’s Open 17–39)
1. Sarka Pancochova
2. Janessa Bork
3. Rel Friedman
Kane (Men’s open 17–39)
1. Dru Brownrigg
2. Nate Jacobson
3. Aari Howarth
Surfers
1. Jason Slezack
2. Kenneth Butterfield
3. Hub Hubbard
Makule (Over 40)
1. Chauncey Sorenson
2. Forrest Devore
3. Clayton Mattson
Keiki Boys (Groms 16 & Under)
1. Hampton Coon
2. Stian Sharp
3. Quinn Murray
Keiki Girls (Groms 16 & Under)
1. Leena Valleton
2. Mila Sheidenberger
3. Goldi Fristrom
Best 360 Carve: Sonja Mijatovic
Most Powerful: Temma Tamai
Best Layback: Griffin Biancucci
Best Slash: Nathan Metzler
Having the Most Fun: Carol Carson aka “Ski Mum”
Best Carve: Kazushige Fujita
Best Flow: Sicily Billelo
Most Aloha: Aisea & Owen Mekkers
Fan Favorite: Eddy Fristrom
Best lip maneuver: Van Allen
