Stab Magazine | To Tow Or Not To Tow?

Now Playing... Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode 4

76 Views

To Tow Or Not To Tow?

Dorian breaks 10-year moratorium on tow-surfing in new Monster Energy film project. 

news // May 18, 2019
Words by stab
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Because of its wild, unpredictable, out-of-the-way nature, the zone between Haleiwa and Puena Point doesn’t get the same attention as other big-wave spots like Waimea, Pipe, Sunset, and Jaws. But even on a dropping swell when it’s more manageable, it’s still capable of dealing someone like Makua Rothman a two-wave hold down. 

This weekend, Monster Energy’s new film project, “The Big Wave Tow-In Invitational,” airs on ABC’s World of X (1:00 PM Pacific and 10:00 AM Hawaiian time). Featuring Rothman, Shane Dorian, Kai Lenny, Nathan Florence, and Billy Kemper, it documents a tow session at Puena Point and begs the question: is there still a place for tow surfing in the sport?

Makua Rothman

“Tow surfing started where paddling stopped.” – Makua Rothman

“Towing’s had its ups and downs over the years, but after watching what Kai was doing on a big, windy day at Jaws a couple of years ago, we wanted to explore the question more,” Paul Taublieb, who directed and produced the project, told Stab. Taublieb’s other works include “Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau” and “Unchained: The Untold Story of Freestyle Motocross,” which earned Taublieb an Emmy. 

“I haven’t towed-in to waves in a decade, but this was an experiment in progression. Super fun, creative and experimental,” Dorian said.

Shot at Puena Point last winter, the production didn’t score the biggest surf you’ve ever seen, but it was sizable enough for the boys to put their feet in the straps and whip into some bombs. For mere mortals, it’s heavy enough.

Billy Kemper

3x Jaws winner Billy Kemper ain’t afraid to strap up.

“On certain days, when it’s too big or too rough to paddle, tow-in definitely has its place in our world. It’s not exactly surfing, it’s almost a different sport…it’s all about progression and performance,” said Rothman, who suffered a two-wave hold-down during the shoot and had to be spotted by an overhead helicopter to be rescued. 

Taublieb notes that more traditional sports like baseball don’t change over time, but by their very nature, sports like surfing are moving ever-forward, progressing where possible.

Kai Lenny

Exhibit A: Kai Lenny

Look no further than Lenny’s performance in “The Big Wave Tow-In Invitational” to see what Taublieb’s talking about. The swell was dropping and the wind was rising. Lenny, being true to his Maui roots, still saw opportunity in the conditions and had ski driver Derrick Doerner tow him into some peaks at Haleiwa’s toilet bowl zone. It was 10-foot, choppy, there was nobody out, and Lenny goes completely bananas. Of course, he’s strapped in, but could the airs that he’s pulling be a harbinger of things to come over the next 10 to 20 years? The rotations, inverts and grabs would indicate yes. That’s how progress happens. 

Taublieb’s “The Big Wave Tow-In Invitational” wasn’t created to compete with the Big Wave Tour or chase the mythic 100-foot wave. It was made to have an open and candid conversation about where tow surfing fits in the broad spectrum of wave riding. With an all-star cast and an Emmy-winning director/producer, it’s definitely worth your consideration. 

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Rookies Rise As Former Winners Are Culled From The Conveyor Belt Of Effort

Day 2 Abu Dhabi recap.

Feb 15, 2025

Filipe Toledo Busts Fins On A WSL Photographer’s Camera Lens, Does Not Get The Shot

Thiago Diz narrowly escapes capital punishment in the UAE.

Feb 15, 2025

We Collaborated With The Winner Of “Best Wetsuits 2025”

Introducing the "432" — a Stab x FERAL Wetsuits lovechild.

Feb 14, 2025

Formal Request To CT Surfers: Stop Trying To Get Tubed

Dissecting pro surfing's first 192 waves in Abu Dhabi.

Feb 14, 2025

Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode Four

Nude tubes, barehand fishing, biscuits, porn, Grave Digger, and one team's elimination.

Feb 14, 2025

First Class Lounge Lizard Ryan Miller Picks The Abu Dhabi Pro Winners

“Conditions: exactly six foot at one minute intervals”

Feb 13, 2025

The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Preview

Contrary to popular opinion: oil and water do mix.

Feb 13, 2025

One Cold, Unforgettable Winter At Uncle Robbie’s

Reflecting on four months spent living with 1988 Pipe Master Robbie Page.

Feb 11, 2025

Channel 51: Pipe Pro Post-Show

Coco Ho, Dooma and Josiah Amico discuss the juiciest storylines from the opening CT.

Feb 11, 2025

Did the Australian Surf Industry Walk So The Cycling Industry Could… Run?

With former Globe head-of-design turned MAAP co-founder, Ollie Cousins.

Feb 10, 2025

Microdose: Lungi Slabb

Australia's most instinctive young barrel rider leaves some notes for the forthcoming CT. 

Feb 9, 2025

Lexus Pipe Pro: Tyler Wright Triumphs, Barron Mamiya + Leo Fioravanti Deadlock For Men’s Crown

Victory goes to the Hawaiian, thanks to having the highest single scoring ride.

Feb 9, 2025

Watch: Channel 51 — A Lexus Pipe Pro Finals Day AltCast 

Live on Red Bull TV, featuring Coco Ho, Damien Fahrenfort, Josiah Amico, Hughie Vaughan, and…

Feb 8, 2025

Pipeline Erupts, Perfect 10s Drop, Slater Feasts On The Blood Of The Youth

Jack Robinson, John John Florence both eliminated despite posting 10s*.

Feb 8, 2025

Stab Highway East Coast (USA) Presented By Monster Energy, Episode 3

Outer Banks secret sessions, Waffle House meltdowns, and the worst way to try an air…

Feb 7, 2025

“When I Stand Up, I Want To Kill – Fucking Redlining Like I Want To Ruin The Wave”

Triple Crown winner Finn McGill blends vintage Pancho Sullivan power with a Stab High-worthy air…

Feb 7, 2025

International Crime Syndicate Steals Millions From California Surfers, Gets Caught By Local Vigilantes

Victims include: Taro Watanabe, Reef McIntosh, Tyler Gunter, and 'Snapt' creator Logan Dulien.

Feb 6, 2025

Attrition at Pipe: Six Specialists Eliminated After Grueling Day At Lexus Pipe Pro

Moana Jones-Wong, Erin Brooks, Vahine Fierro + other big names axed.

Feb 6, 2025
Advertisement