South African big wave superstar Grant "Twiggy" Baker has received three nominations - more than any other surfer - for the Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards, the "Oscars" of big wave surfing. In 2009, he was the winner of two of the awards.

Baker's nominations, announced on Friday, were the result of outstanding performances at the big wave hot-spot of Mavericks in California in early February.

The Durban-based big-wave charger is one of five surfers in contention for the premier Billabong XXL Ride of the Year Award for his perfect 10-point ride at the Mavericks Surf Contest. The award carries a prize of US$50 000.
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