Itacoatiara Big Wave competition to begin in Niterói

The eighth edition of the Itacoatiara Big Wave (IBW) competition is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 25, at Itacoatiara Beach in Niterói, Brazil. The event is expected to feature significant swells, with waves predicted to reach between three and five meters.

The competition will be held exclusively in the tow-in modality, where surfers are towed into waves by jet skis. A notable technological addition to this year's event is the implementation of a specialized judging software designed specifically for tow-in competitions. According to organizers, this is the first software of its kind in the world, intended to provide real-time data and scores to assist in live broadcasts and athlete progression.

The lineup includes prominent national and international surfers such as Lucas Chumbo, Pedro Scooby, and Dylan Longbottom. To support the event, the Niterói City Hall has organized special operations to manage vehicle access to the neighborhood, aiming to boost local tourism and employment.