Red Bull Heavy Water (Balazs Gardi/Red Bull Content Pool)

In brief: The big-wave destruction derby race known as ‘Red Bull Heavy Water’ has been called on for this Friday, October 18 after conditions were deemed gnarly enough to run what is arguably the most extreme event in the sport.

A few dozen bold paddlers will take to the waters off San Francisco’s Ocean Beach for an event that is part-race, part-battle for survival in a quest for a share of the $75k prize purse.

Such a record-level of prize money is sure to attract plenty of top talent, led by defending champ Casper Steinfath and for the first time also including female paddlers after last year’s “Paddle for Equality” protest.

The race is set for 10am Friday California time so look for updates and results on Friday afternoon.