JOY RIDE
The Red Bulletin|June - July 2023
At Red Bull Magnitude, the world’s best female big-wave surfers chase glory—and that magical, elusive feeling that only riding giant waves offers.
JEN SEE
JOY RIDE

One Saturday morning in early January of this year, Katie McConnell pedaled her green-painted beach cruiser down to Waimea Bay, the legendary big-wave break on Oahu's North Shore. On her bike's surfboard rack, she carried her 10'0" gun, shaped by Gary Linden. When she paddled out that day, McConnell joined women from all over the world who had traveled to Waimea for the first Red Bull Magnitude session of the 2022-2023 winter.

Now in its third year, Red Bull Magnitude shines a spotlight on the fearless women who charge big waves. Unlike a traditional surf contest that's held on a single day, women competing in Magnitude can submit video clips of their waves anytime during the three-month event window. Magnitude invites surfers to demonstrate their big-wave skills at three of Hawaii's most beautiful and ferocious waves: Waimea Bay and the Outer Reefs on Oahu's North Shore, and Pe'ahi (also known as Jaws) on Maui.

This past winter, 25 women submitted 66 video clips for consideration. "I'm really stoked that Magnitude is growing and it's awesome to see more women participating," says McConnell, who won Magnitude's Rookie of the Year award in 2022. "It has definitely opened more doors for me."

Magnitude's competitors come from many different backgrounds, and while a few can surf fulltime, most work assorted jobs to fund their big-wave dreams. What they share is a love for the feeling that only riding the world's biggest waves gives them.

This story is from the June - July 2023 edition of The Red Bulletin.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June - July 2023 edition of The Red Bulletin.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE RED BULLETINView All
Teflon Sega DIGITAL REVOLUTIONARY
The Red Bulletin

Teflon Sega DIGITAL REVOLUTIONARY

Created as a means of outsmarting the music industry, this 2D anime singer is pushing the boundaries of artistry in the metaverse.

time-read
3 mins  |
August - September 2023
Open-Door Policy GAME CHANGER
The Red Bulletin

Open-Door Policy GAME CHANGER

Frustrated by the lack of options to watch women's sports while out drinking with friends, Jenny Nguyen decided to do something about it.

time-read
2 mins  |
August - September 2023
ENTER THE DRAGON
The Red Bulletin

ENTER THE DRAGON

Content creator Stefan Li, aka the Sushi Dragon, is revolutionizing livestreaming with his innovative use of consumer tech.

time-read
4 mins  |
August - September 2023
The Spirit of Defiance
The Red Bulletin

The Spirit of Defiance

When Peruvian-born and Miami-based photographer Celia D. Luna learned of a skate crew in Bolivia, run by young women who ride in traditional Indigenous garb, she knew she had to shoot them. The photos are a testament to the power of self-expression.

time-read
4 mins  |
August - September 2023
RACING TOWARD PEACE
The Red Bulletin

RACING TOWARD PEACE

Custom car builder, content creator and budding actress Emelia Hartford has found much-needed serenity-at very high speed.

time-read
10+ mins  |
August - September 2023
DIGGING DEEP
The Red Bulletin

DIGGING DEEP

In her own words, pro mountain biker Kate Courtney describes how she learned to confront her fears and demystify obstacles by working with veteran rider Jill Kintner.

time-read
8 mins  |
August - September 2023
TOUR DE FORCE
The Red Bulletin

TOUR DE FORCE

Pro cyclist Wout van Aert loves to push himself to-and beyond the limit.

time-read
10 mins  |
August - September 2023
Field of Dreams
The Red Bulletin

Field of Dreams

In the plains of Kansas, freerider Tyler Bereman and builder Jason Baker are perfecting a dirt bike course that inspires riders to go big and unleash their creativity.

time-read
2 mins  |
August - September 2023
TENACITY AND JOY
The Red Bulletin

TENACITY AND JOY

The future of women's soccer has arrived. Her name is Trinity Rodman.

time-read
10+ mins  |
August - September 2023
Playlist - HIGHER CALLING
The Red Bulletin

Playlist - HIGHER CALLING

British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding revisits four songs that have played a crucial role in her musical education.

time-read
1 min  |
June - July 2023