The fight for gender equality in Big Wave surfing just edged closer.

First, the World Surf League announced on April 20 that it would include a women's event during its annual Big Wave World Tour for the first time in the league's history.

Then women surfers made waves again last Sunday, when Keala Kennelly became the first woman to win the Barrel of the Year award at the WSLs Big Wave Awards.

Kennelly was the only woman considered in the category and beat five male nominees with this incredible ride: