Tyler Larronde, drawing a line and sticking to it. Photo: Marc Chambers
Jaws is one of the world’s best big waves. The pride of Maui’s big wave community, Peahi isn’t an easy wave to surf. When tow surfing first reared its head, Jaws began its transformation into the wave we know today as one of the preeminent paddle waves on the planet. The impact zone is a place to avoid like none other–get caught inside, and chances are good that you’ll endure long hold downs and a trip to the cliffs, where massive boulders line the shore. But if you manage to navigate its many hazards, the ride at Jaws might be the ride of your life.
Traffic at Jaws. Photo: Marc Chambers
#1. It will be crowded: Nine times out of ten, the crowd will be relentless. People from different corners of the world come here to test their abilities at one of the most popular big wave proving grounds. You’re looking at at least a good size crowd of 40+ surfers on a good day.
Matt Meola and his favorite left. Photo: Marc Chambers
#2. The left: Going left at Jaws will either give you the best ride of your life or the worst ride of your life. It runs longer than the right–all the way through until it hits the inside bay of Jaws, which consists of giant sharp lava rock boulders and a good five foot+ shore break. Fall on a left and you’ll be getting pounded by every wave of the set, so it makes sense that most goofy foot riders like to take the right!
A morning at Jaws. Photo: Marc Chambers
#3. It has one of the best sunrises ever: A sunrise at Jaws is like none other anywhere in the world. When the sun peeks over Maui’s Haleakala mountain, it hits Jaws with one of the most beautiful, colorful, and goosebump-inducing scenery you’ll ever see. It is awe inspiring to see something so powerful and and beautiful all in one wave.
Ian Walsh knows about mental preparation. Photo: Marc Chambers
4: You need to be mentally prepared: It takes more than just big balls to push yourself over the ledge of a 35ft wave. Your mentality is what will push you over that big edge and take on one of the biggest drops of your life, but the real mental game is being ready for the pounding. Sure you can stand up, but will you be able to take a 3-story tall closeout on the head and be ready to get held under for the next 10-15 seconds? Finding your “Happy Place” is your best bet!
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