Jesse Richman riding a wave at Peʻahi, Maui

Peʻahi (/peɪˈɑːhiː/ pay-AH-hee; Hawaiian: [peˈʔɐhi]) is a place on the north shore of the island of Maui in the U.S. state of Hawaii. It has lent its name to a big wave surfing break, also known as Jaws.

Location

Pe'ahi (Jaws) surf break is roughly three miles east of Pāʻia and makai (ocean side) of the Hana Highway (Route 36) located a few hundred feet from the north shore cliffs at 20°56′36″N 156°17′52″W / 20.94333°N 156.29778°W / 20.94333; -156.29778 (Jaws surf break).

Best viewing, when the wave is breaking, is from the Pe'ahi Overlook, located at the end of Hahana Road, a mostly unpaved road leading north from the highway between mile markers 13 and 14. Access can be difficult, especially when wet, with 4-wheel drive vehicles only recommended if driving. Otherwise it is about a 1.5 mile walk.

There are no beaches in the vicinity. Viewing is from the top of 100-150 feet ocean side cliffs.

Pe'ahi (Jaws)

The name Peʻahi originally applied to an ancient Hawaii land area (ahupuaʻa) at about 20°55′00″N 156°17′00″W / 20.91667°N 156.28333°W / 20.91667; -156.28333.[1][2] Like many ancient land areas, it extended from the northern slopes of Haleakalā to the sea-level Peʻahi gulch.[3] It also lent its name to a reservoir formed by a dam across the Uaoa Stream.[4]

Peʻahi means "wave" in the Hawaiian language, in the sense of a fanning or beckoning motion of the hand.[5] The name (Peʻahi) for the break[6] is an English-language word-play on the nearby ancient area name, since the Hawaiian people had several other words, such as nalu, for waves of water.[7]

When the Maui surfers John Roberson, John Lemus, and John Potterick were surfing the break in 1975, they noticed a sudden change in the conditions to huge dangerous waves, and gave it a nickname after the film Jaws, comparing the unpredictability to a shark attack.[8]

In the 1980s, a few intrepid wind surfers (Mark Pedersen, Dave Kalama, Brett Lickle) surfed the break from Hoʻokipa. The wave sizes at Jaws (which can exceed 60 feet (18 m) during the months of December to March) attract big wave surfers such as Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama using the tow-in surfing method of big wave surf riding they co-invented (with Darrick Doerner and Buzzy Kerbox).[9] To avoid a steep climb, rocky beach and fast-moving waves, many surfers are towed by personal water craft launched from nearby areas such as the boat ramp at Māliko Bay.[8]

In 1997 Charles and Leslie Lyon published a book of surfer photographs titled Jaws Maui.[10] An article by Joel Achenbach on Jaws appeared in the November 1998 issue of National Geographic magazine, both photographed by Patrick McFeeley.[11][12] The extreme size of the waves is caused by the structure of an underwater ridge which has been studied by scientists.[13]

mudy road blocked by car hulks
Obstructed road in 2006

Doerner, Kalama, and Hamilton appeared as stunt doubles for James Bond in the opening sequence of the film Die Another Day filmed at Jaws in 2001.[14] National Geographic Adventure magazine had an article in its July 2002 issue.[15] The publicity greatly increased the popularity of the site, resulting in over-crowding by 2004.[16]

The lookouts on the cliffs above the break are the best vantage points for spectators; professional photographers use boats or helicopters. The road was blocked in 2006, but cleared in 2009.[17] There have been several "World Cup of Tow-in Surfing" contests held, but the changing conditions mean the dates cannot be set in advance.[18][19]

The Billabong XXL awards given to big wave surfers often have several nominees from the Jaws break in the "biggest wave" category.[20] Even experienced surfers can be seriously injured on the violent waves, and the remote location requires expensive rescues via helicopter.[21]

Paddle-in surfing

In 2001 Chris Bertish, a South African big wave surfer, became the first to paddle into giant surf at Pe'ahi (Jaws).[22]

In 2006 Danilo Couto, Marcio Freire, and Yuri Soledade are surfers from Brazil who moved to Hawaii in the late 1990s with the goal of riding the biggest waves in the world. Danilo Couto became known as one of the best big wave riders in the world and was a finalist at the XXL Big Wave Awards ten times. Marcio Freire is a multiple-time state champion in Brazil who surfed Jaws by himself, using only his arm power. Yuri Soledade is a successful businessman and free surfer who chases the biggest waves in the world. They all started surfing Jaws in 2006 without jet ski support, rescue teams, or life jackets. The documentary "Mad Dogs" features testimonials from these surfers and others about their experiences surfing at Jaws.

On 4 January 2012, Greg Long, Ian Walsh, Kohl Christensen, Jeff Rowley, Dave Wassel, Shane Dorian, Mark Healey, Carlos Burle, Nate Fletcher, Eli Goldwyn, Goucho Gordon, Garrett McNamara, Kai Barger, North Shore locals and other of the best big wave surfers in the world invaded the Hawaiian Islands for a historic day of surfing.[23][24] Big wave surfer and adventure athlete Jeff Rowley made Australian history by being the first Australian to paddle into a 50-foot plus (15 metre) wave at Jaws Peahi, Hawaii, achieving his 'Charge for Charity' mission set for 2011, to raise money for Breast Cancer Australia.[23][25][26][27][28][29]

On 14 March 2007 the Brazilian surfers Marcio Freire, Danilo Couto and Yuri Soledade, also known as "Mad Dogs"[30] paddled surfing on a big day at Jaws, showing that it was possible. On 30–31 January 2012, Rowley and a number of international big wave surfers including Greg Long, Shaun Walsh and Albee Layer spent two days paddle-surfing Jaws, on the Hawaiian island of Maui, as part of their ongoing big-wave paddle-in program at the deep-water reef, further cementing the new frontier of paddle-in surfing at Jaws.[31][32]

On 30 March 2012, Rowley was a finalist in the Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards 2011/2012, in the Ride of the Year category with his rides at Jaws Peahi in Maui, Hawaii on 30 January 2012, placing him 4th place in the world of elite big wave surfers and meriting the respect of the big wave surfing community.[33]

Red Bull Jaws contest

A big wave surfing contest hosted by Red Bull was held at Jaws Peahi, with invitation of 21 of the best big wave surfers in the world. The waiting period for the contest was from 8 December to 15 March 2013. Some of the known invitees to the contest included Jeff Rowley, Albee Layer, Greg Long, Shane Dorian, John John Florence, and Kala Alexander.[34]

See also

References

  1. ↑ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Peahi
  2. ↑ Lloyd J. Soehren (2010). "lookup of Peʻahi". in Hawaiian Place Names. Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  3. ↑ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Peahi Gultch
  4. ↑ Lloyd J. Soehren (2010). "lookup of Peʻahi Reservoir". in Hawaiian Place Names. Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  5. ↑ Mary Kawena Pukui; Samuel Hoyt Elbert (2003). "lookup of Peʻahi". in Hawaiian Dictionary. Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library, University of Hawaii Press. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  6. ↑ John R. K. Clark (2004). "lookup of Peʻahi ". in Hawai'i Place Names: Shores, Beaches, and Surf Sites. Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library, University of Hawaii Press. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  7. ↑ Mary Kawena Pukui; Samuel Hoyt Elbert (2003). "lookup of wave". in Hawaiian Dictionary. Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library, University of Hawaii Press. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  8. 1 2 John R. K. Clark (2004). "lookup of Jaws ". in Hawai'i Place Names: Shores, Beaches, and Surf Sites. Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library, University of Hawaii Press. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  9. ↑ Catherine Lo (January 2010). "Big Waves, Epic Tales". Maui No Ka 'Oi Magazine. Vol. 14, no. 1. Photography by Patrick McFeeley. Archived from the original on August 26, 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  10. ↑ Charles Lyon; Leslie Lyon (1997). Jaws Maui. ISBN 978-0-9658986-0-7.
  11. ↑ Joel Achenbach (November 1998). photography by Patrick McFeeley. "Maui Surf". National Geographic. Archived from the original on February 17, 2009. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  12. ↑ Brian Perry (June 28, 2009). "Snapping Jaws: Photographer gets in deep with one of the world's most dangerous waves". Maui News. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  13. ↑ Katie M. Fearing and Robert A. Dalrymple. "Wave Refraction at Jaws, Maui". Center for Applied Coastal Research web site. University of Delaware. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  14. ↑ Timothy Hurley (November 18, 2002). "Maui's monster surf break getting bigger by the day". Honolulu Advertiser. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  15. ↑ Nicole Davis (July 2002). interview of Dave Kalama, about article "The Joy of Fear". "Surfing Into Jaws". National Geographic Adventure. Archived from the original on September 23, 2002. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  16. ↑ Ilima Loomis (December 18, 2004). "Crowd control needed at Peahi cliffs". Maui News. Archived from the original on March 5, 2005. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  17. ↑ "Jaws". Maui Guidebook blog. December 7, 2009. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  18. ↑ "Tow Surfing World Cup Jaws". Hawaii Xtreme Sports TV web site. October 7, 2007. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  19. ↑ "2004 Tow-In World Cup confirmed for Peahi Maui Hawaii". Tow Surfer web site. January 13, 2004. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  20. ↑ "XXL Biggest Wave". Billabong Pro web site. 2010. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  21. ↑ Melissa Tanji (January 13, 2010). "Braving 'Big Kahuna' comes with big risks". Maui News. Retrieved November 29, 2010.
  22. ↑ "Chris Bertish plans to SUP 100 miles in 24 hours". Surfersvillage.com. Retrieved 2019-11-12.
  23. 1 2 "JAWS SEES PADDLE-IN SURF MADNESS". Archived from the original on January 18, 2012. Retrieved January 8, 2012.
  24. ↑ "NPAC GOES XXL: TAKE TWO". Surfline.com. Retrieved 2020-04-02.
  25. ↑ "Jeff Rowley first Aussie to paddle Jaws". Coastalwatch.com. Retrieved 2019-11-12.
  26. ↑ "Surf daredevil conquers a monster". www.heraldsun.com.au. 2012-01-06. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  27. ↑ "Surf daredevil conquers a monster". NewsComAu. 2012-01-06. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  28. ↑ "Surf daredevil conquers a monster". PerthNow. 2012-01-07. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
  29. ↑ "In the jaws of the beast". www.adelaidenow.com.au. 2012-01-06. Retrieved 2019-11-12.
  30. ↑ Studart, Roberto (2016-02-12), Mad Dogs (Documentary), Primitivo, retrieved 2023-01-08
  31. ↑ "Taming the T-Rex of Surf". Coastalwatch.com. Retrieved 2019-11-12.
  32. ↑ "Paddling Peahi". Coastalwatch.com. Retrieved 2019-11-12.
  33. ↑ "Into the Jaws for big-wave rider in Hawaii". The West Australian. 2012-03-30. Archived from the original on 2012-04-01. Retrieved 2012-05-12 – via Yahoo News.
  34. ↑ "Jeff Rowley Invited to Mysterious Red Bull Jaws Invitational". Surfline.com. Retrieved 2019-12-10.
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