The Jaws Event Is On For This Thursday/Friday Says The WSL

Well, well, well, it’s happening again. The Big Wave event to rule them all–until Cape Fear came along and scared us white–is set to (potentially) run on Thursday. The green light has been given, and as they say at the WSL “It’s On!”

“We have been tracking a storm from the Pacific Northwest and anticipate a promising swell to deliver for our first BWT event of the Northern Hemisphere season,” said Peter Mel, WSL BWT Commissioner, in this morning’s press release. “We are calling the Pe’ahi Challenge ON for a possible start on Thursday afternoon, 2 pm call, with swell expected to hold through Friday. We expect 30-foot-plus waves with favourable winds and tides.”

2015’s event was nothing short of a spectacle. Mark Mathews (who sadly, recently broke his leg while double towing with Leroy Bellet) dislocated his shoulder on what was called the biggest wave ever to be paddled before Aaron Gold stole that accolade a few swells later. Billy Kemper took the win. Greg Long finished third with death-defying heroics including a nine-point wave that he later told Stab was an “error in judgement that resulted in the best wave of his life.” It was a closeout, further pushing the notion that the some of the best barrels end in a dark throttling. And we, as spectators, sat in the comfort of our office chairs, couches, or wherever your choice viewing space may be, and revelled in anxiety from the safety of pixels. We’ll see if this swell antes up to El Niño’s power, but regardless, Maui’s premier big wave venue is alive, and we can only hope for another electric event.

Also, for the first time in BWT history, the women will have a go. Twelve of the best female big wave surfers in the world are currently packing their coffins and heading to Maui. As expect, this includes the likes of Keala Kennelly, Paige Alms, and Maya Gaberia. But, on a surprising note, the lovely Laura Enever, ranked 10th on the Women’s tour, has entered the field for Jaws. 

“We’re incredibly proud to be introducing a women’s event this season,” Mel continued. “These ladies as some of the most dedicated, passionate and talented big wave surfers on the planet. It will be phenomenal to witness them tackle Pe’ahi.”

Pe’ahi Challenge Men’s Field:
Greg Long
Makuakai Rothman
Billy Kemper
Nic Lamb
Josh Kerr
Albee Layer
Carlos Burle 
Damien Hobgood 
Cristian Merello 
Mark Healey 
Grant Baker 

Performer of the year BWA Invites:
Shane Dorian
Jamie Mitchell
Aaron Gold
Kai Lenny

Pe’ahi Event Wildcards:
Ian Walsh
Shaun Walsh
Tyler Larronde
Yuri Soledade
Dege O’Connell
Francisco Porcella

Pe’ahi Challenge Women’s Field:
Keala Kennelly
Paige Alms
Andrea Moller
Bianca Valenti
Emily Erickson
Savannah Shaugnessy
Justine Dupont
Jamilah Starr
Maya Gabeira
Sylvia Nabuco
Laura Enever
Wrenna Delgado