Kai Lenny stands tall in a Jaws giant during the 2017 Pe’ahi Challenge. Photo: WSL/Lynton
Today is Cyber Monday, in case you haven’t heard – the third in a series of days meant to stimulate consumer holiday spending. For surf fans, though, the term has taken on a different meaning this year. Due to a major swell sweeping across the Pacific, two contests are happening simultaneously right now, the Jaws Challenge and the Beachwaver Maui Pro, making it a great day to get distracted from work and online shopping.
The Jaws Challenge comes just a week and several days after the conclusion of the first event of the Men’s Big Wave Tour, the Nazaré Challenge. On the men’s side, local boys Billy Kemper and Ian Walsh are favored to put up big scores. On the women’s side, Paige Alms is looking to three-peat. Plus, Dave Kalama on the mic gives the whole thing added gravitas.
There’s a monumental title race going down over on Maui. Might want to split screen these events! Photo: WSL/Cestari
On Maui, Steph Gilmore and Lakey Peterson are locked into a contentious world title race. If Steph wins, she’ll tie Layne Beachley – the winningest female surfer ever – with seven world titles.
Coming up in the next few days, we’re also keeping an eye on the Vans World Cup at Sunset Beach, and the Taiwan Open World Longboard Championships.
