Remember last year when Billy Kemper won what was one of the most incredible events in big wave history? Well, he just did it again. Yesterday, Maui’s own Billy Kemper doubled down on the Pe’ahi Challenge, and Paige Alms made history by becoming winning the first-ever Women’s Big Wave Tour event.
“This is what I live for right here,” he said yesterday after he won. “I’ve trained so hard for the last eight weeks…I’m over the moon.”
When it came down to the final, Kemper was the only local left in the running. Although last year’s event had some of the most exciting waves anyone had ever seen on a webcast, this year was a little less terrifying and a little more consistent. It made for an exciting final. Massive sets poured through for Kemper, Greg Long, Twiggy Baker, Nic Lamb, Pedro Calado, and Will Skudin. Early in the heat, Greg Long looked to be a favorite, surfing on a recently injured knee that looked to be completely recovered. Kemper, though, was taking it very seriously. Midway through the heat, Kemper turned and paddled into a bomb, made a huge drop, pulled into a sketchy tube, and emerged into the channel triumphant. The judges awarded the ride a perfect 10, and the rest was history.
The locals on the cliff went nuts–and not just for Kemper. They had another local legend win, as well. Paige Alms won the first ever Women’s Big Wave Tour event in very convincing fashion.
The event was a rough one for a few of the women, with Keala Kennelly, Emi Erickson, and Laura Enever injuring themselves. All three ended up with knee issues.
Alms is a very familiar face in the Jaws lineup, so it’s no surprise that she ended up on top of the podium.
“I still feel like that was a dream, I can’t quite believe it,” said Alms. “What a blessing to be out there with just a couple of girls, that was very special. The support feels so good and it’s so cool to have all my friends here and do this at home.”
Head over to WorldSurfLeague.com for videos and full results.
