Surfing star James Hick

HE has surfed the wave of his life, scored the best swell ever seen at one of the world’s most hallowed action spots, is set to dominate next month’s surf media, and is fast becoming an international big wave sensation.

But if that wasn’t enough kudos for a young wave rider from Jersey, James Hick could collect $50,000 – and Billabong’s XXL Global Big Wave Ride of the Year award – for his near superhuman efforts in scaling epic Tasmanian surf spot Shipsterns Bluff.

Earlier this month it was announced that the 25-year-old had made a shortlist of 15 of the globe’s most accomplished big wave surfers, following his feat at one of the most dangerous breaks in the world.

Hick, who made history when he became the first European surfer to ride Shipsterns last year, has since tackled the break half a dozen times, but it was his most recent attempt two weeks ago which has proved to be, so far, the defining moment of his career.