The Safety Situation At Jaws Is Absolutely Unacceptable

The North Pacific is alive. Alive and, well, really big.  

Last week, we noted that the biggest swell of the season (so far) was brewing. As expected, the forecast resulted in a swarm of BWDaves bolting to Hawaii with 10’6”s, CO2 cartridges, big blue dreams.

It was hectic.

Some went as far as to call it ballistic.

Right now, big wave surfing is more popular than ever. It’s no longer some obscure realm approached solely by individuals who have first names that rhyme with “cared.” Anybody can be a big wave surfer these days. Just grab a vest, tell people you train and you’re on. Hate to say it folks, but they don’t even drug test to make sure you’re on meth before surfing Maverick’s anymore.

So there was quite the crowd when Sunday rolled around at Jaws — although the swell was a bit of a letdown. It was certainly proper, but nothing groundbreaking. Doesn’t mean we can’t shake a story out of it.

Albee Layer, who stands in Jaws barrels, took to Instagram with some thoughts. Full disclosure: I love Albee. In a world full of limp opinions and beige personalities, he’s not afraid to be himself or speak his mind. If Albee sees something fucked, he’ll call it out. And, yesterday, he saw something fucked.

The post inspired some good comments.

@kazumasurfboards, a highly respected Maui shaper said:

Safety skis are for those who hire them. You paddle out at your own risk and you can’t expect anyone to save you unless you have planned ahead. It’s simple. Can’t handle it yourself then you should not be out there. I feel bad for those on skis risking their lives and money to save someone that should not have been out there. The truth is that the guy on the ski rescuing people has the most dangerous job out there and the highest odds of things turning bad.

Then your favorite podcast’s host, @shanedorian, chimed in:

Shane: @kazumasurfboards I agree totally, I trip out when people just jump off the rocks with no safety plan in place and just expect to get rescued. I see those same guys waiting for safety skis to show up before catching waves in the morning. It’s a zoo out there @live.fast.die.old and it’s pretty much all albees fault for making it look so easy and fun

And @kolamona1_, a local water safety stalwart added:

This needed to be said!!!! Shit is getting outta hand as I️ was all alone yesterday tryin my best to keep everyone around above water. Let it be known to all that as soon as shit gets real this will change!!!! We need to make a change