Alex Botelho: the Portuguese big wave surfer preparing to drop into the abyss in Nazaré | Photo: Soares/WSL

Alex Botelho is the grand winner of the 2018 EDP Mar Sem Fim (Endless Sea) Awards.

The surf exploration project designed to boost the visibility and development of the Portuguese big wave riding community announced this year's award winners.

Botelho, who finished the 2017 Big Wave Tour season in eighth place, ended up taking out the "Wave of the Year" and "Wipeout of the Year" awards for two magnificent rides.

The panel of judges for the fourth edition of EDP Mar Sem Fim was composed of several well-known national and international surfing personalities.

Former pro surfer and two-time European champion Éric Rebière served as chief judge led a panel comprised of Sebastian Steudtner, Pedro Barbosa, Maya Gabeira, João Parisot and Jorge "Polvo" Leal.

In this year's edition, the judging panel analyzed a total of 57 waves.

Botelho was the man of the year, but there were other highlights. João de Macedo secured "Paddle In Wave of the Year," Hugo Vau claimed "Tow In Wave of the Year" on a 30-meter moving mountain, and Miguel Blanco won the "Tube Ride of the Year."

The "Brotherhood" award, a trophy that highlights the role played by jet ski drivers in getting surfers into waves and helping them stay safe in extreme conditions, went to Sérgio Cósmico.

Lourenço Katzenstein and Joana Andrade were the "Rookie" and "Girl" of the year, respectively.

2018 EDP Mar Sem Fim Awards | Winners

Wave of the Year: Alex Botelho
Paddle In Wave of the Year: João de Macedo
Tube Ride of the Year: Miguel Blanco
Wipeout of the Year: Alex Botelho
Tow-In Wave of the Year: Hugo Vau
Rookie of the Year: Lourenço Katzenstein
Girl of the Year: Joana Andrade
Brotherhood: Sérgio "Cósmico"

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