Hawaii's Most Dangerous Wave

Known as ‘Jaws’ to locals and surfers alike, the north shore of Peahi is home to Hawaii’s most dangerous wave. Situated around three miles east of Pa’ia, the volatile break was first popularised by Maui surfers John Roberson, John Lemus and John Potterick in the mid 1970s. The shore’s nickname does indeed stem from the infamous shark attack film as all three noticed how unpredictable the wave truly was. Unsurprisingly, it’s been deemed one of the most challenging in the world.
And Peahi certainly lives up to the rep. Reaching colossal heights of up to 60 feet (18m) between the months of December and March, it’s a hotspot for surfers that require the next sporting step. The extreme size has been attributed to an underwater ridge (one for all the marine science buffs to chase up) and needless to say, we’re stunned by some of the images here at Surfdome.

The sheer heights of Jaws isn’t the only attraction to surfers though. Way off the beaten track, this isolated patch of surfing nirvana is hard to locate and extremely far from any medical services. Speaking to the National Geographic, big wave pro Mark Healey observed: “It just moves faster and hits harder. Rescue situations with the jet skis are very difficult because the liquid avalanche ends in a 300-foot cliff.” Not for the faint-hearted. Expensive helicopter rescue and the wilderness location means Jaws is only for the most experienced of surfers.
If that’s not enough to get you quaking in your wetsuit, take a look at this Red Bull video as a whole host of surfers try to conquer Jaws. Think you’re good enough? Think again.

All images courtesy of Jeff Rowley and Forest and Kim Starr via Flickr.