Big SURF Tuesday

Eddie Aikau Invitational dec 8 2009, Kelly Slater after one of the rides of the day.

A perfect work day. Dagmar and I had 2 stand up sessions, we checked out Jaws with Jeff's family and the kids and we still worked from 9 to 14:00, a perfect work day on Maui. Now I have to admit, it's not always like that. But you can always squeeze in a small session on the water somewhere when it's good. And it was good!

Here's some of the action of today.

First, Stand up Session at Kanaha this morning

Jaws was still breaking on Maui, 40 feet waves around midday and around 25 feet when we got there. Dagmar took some pics.

On Oahu, the Eddie Aikau was on. in The last 25 years, this big wave event only took place 7 times. They had a 50 foot waves at Waimea. I just saw some footage on Television. The 25 bravest of the bravest were in this competition.

Wiped out, Mark Healey

Traffic on Oahu was crazy

Jaws breaking big time 40-50 feet

Since days, everyone is watching the weather and swell forecasts. A deep, double low pressure system was heading our way. It could be the swell of the century.

Since I don't own a jet ski and my tow partner is working on his ski, I had to go and see jaws for my self by other means. SUP

6:30 I arrive at Maliko, I can't believe it's closing out. I have never seen Maliko closing out. Even in huge swells you can still go out there. Luckily it was only in the sets. So I get me stand up board and wait for a good time to go out.

At 7:30, After a 45 minute paddle I arrive at Peahi ( Jaws). I almost passed it, because I had to be far out at sea not be caught by a freak wave breaking on the rocks and with so much spray in the air you could hardly see the coastline.

It's already full with jet skis. Laird and Dave Kalama and some are towing in but most are just checking out what it looks like. It's a very westerly swell which makes Jaws a little more tricky.

After an hour there are about 30 ski 5 boats and 4 helicopter above our heads.

After a couple of hours it's time to head back, the weather is changing and it's time to work. After a quick paddle back I enter Maliko again without getting washed. Here are some pics and a little go pro video. The video is done with the wide angle camera which doesn't do good to the size of the waves but it gives a nice impression.

So yes it was big but not the swell of the century that one still has to come. Maybe tomorrow, the Eddie Aikau is on for tomorrow on Oahu and

the swell is going to peak to night so it could be even bigger tomorrow.

Here are some shots from the water (SUP).

For really nice shots from the cliff check this site from a friend of mine,Anita Harris, Anitas latest Post

Womens Stand Up Event January 9th 2010

A free women SUP event organized by Suzie Cooney. My wife Dagmar and many other women from all over Maui will join this great event. You can even win a Starboard stand up board. We will be there with our boards and paddles to try out.
Place: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea Beach
Time: January 9th from 8am to 2pm
Check out her site: www.standuppaddlingfitness.com