It was only last November that women were allowed to compete in a World Surf League big-wave event. This fall, they鈥檙e not just settling for 12 spots in the lineup. The best of the sport will take part in , the first-ever all-women big-wave competition.

鈥淭here鈥檚 not going to be room for the attitude that girls can鈥檛 do it or they don鈥檛 surf as well or as big as the men,鈥� says event co-director Wrenna Delgado. 鈥淭his is a historical moment that will force change.鈥�

The event will take place at Oahu鈥檚 Waimea Bay on a weather-dependent date in October or November. As many as 26 women will compete to be Queen of the Bay, a title honoring the ancient Hawaiian female surfer Queen Ka鈥檃humanu, who was the first to sit at the table with men. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 pretty much what we鈥檙e doing at Waimea鈥攚e鈥檙e eating at the same table as the men,鈥� says Guatemalan surfer Polly Ki Ralda, who, at 25, is the event鈥檚 youngest competitor.

鈥淧eople talk about the Brotherhood of the Bay, about the Eddie [which also takes place at Waimea Bay] and the big-wave surfers of the world, and they only mention the men,鈥� says Hawaiia-born surfer Emily Erickson. 鈥淚t will be great to show them what鈥檚 up.鈥�

Waves at Waimea Bay can reach about five stories, or 50 feet, and weigh hundreds of tons, making it one of the most prestigious spots in big-wave surfing. No matter the location, big-wave surfing comes with serious risks: Erickson has just recovered from a severe knee injury surfing Jaws, Maui鈥檚 colossal wave. Brittany Gomulka of Hawaii was out of action for seven months this year聽after blowing holes in both eardrums during a big-wave wipeout. Ki Ralda once cracked her skull riding a big wave, leading to memory loss. All three women will participate in Red Bull Queen of the Bay.

鈥淏ig-wave surfers鈥� brains have a different chemistry from everyone else鈥檚,鈥� says Silvia Nabuco of Brazil, who, at 51, will be the oldest competitor.

Others invited to compete include esteemed surfer Keala Kennelly; Sarah Gerhardt, the first woman tow-in surfer; notorious big-wave charger Bianca Valenti; and big-wave champion Paige Alms. Anyone could walk away with a piece of the prize purse, the size of which depends on sponsorship. (Red Bull currently supports part of the event, but organizers hope to find additional sponsors.) 鈥淲e wanted it to be an inclusive contest,鈥� says Delgado. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a very fair playing field.鈥� Judges will score the surfers for their style, giving more points to those who commit to and complete the largest waves, not to those who ride the most waves.

Mostly, the organizers and competitors hope to show that the talent and passion is already there for women big-wave surfers. 鈥淵ou have to look inside yourself and stay calm in the face of danger,鈥� says Delgado. 鈥淭hese women are risking their lives for one of the best rewards: euphoria. It鈥檚 not just adrenaline. You鈥檙e at complete peace with yourself and the ocean.鈥�

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