Monstrous Jaws: Surfing the “Day of Days” (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 6:49 PM ET

The tricky thing about surfing, especially in big waves, is that there’s a finite number of opportunities. At some spots, surfers might get one shot a year at a sizable swell. Some years, maybe even no prospects. And that makes it so difficult to “practice,” per se. But it also makes it all the more special when those epic days arrive – so long as your properly prepared to do so.

In December of 2024, big wave wranglers at Jaws got more cracks than they’re used to. A handful of days, featuring minimal surfers on Maui due to the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational happening on Oahu, all culminating in what some were calling the “day of days” at Peahi.

Looking back on that historic run of swell, surf filmmaker Tucker Wooding released a full edit.

“This year was something I had never seen before,” said Albee Layer. “To have that many days, back to back to back, was something new. Every day got progressively bigger. Every swell was bigger than the day before…all leading up to what was the biggest I had ever seen Jaws. To tackle that biggest day, after being out there four days before previous, was something else. We spend all this time training during the summer, and prepping for the day of days, but it’s never certain. I never thought I’d be training to surf the day of days five days into a swell bender. It doesn’t matter how much you prep, or how much you plan, it can always surprise you out there.”

Also during the swell, Santa Cruz, CA charger Wilem Banks rode the biggest paddle wave – per the 2024/25 Peahi Challenge Awards – on his first-ever trip to Jaws.

“Probably one of the most special swells I’ve ever been a part of,” said Banks. “I’d been waiting for years to get a window like that. I thought it was only going to be a day of glassy, big surf. Lo and behold, we got five days of pumping swell and perfect conditions…I was in the perfect spot to catch that thing. There wasn’t any thinking, just complete commitment. It was definitely the biggest wave of my life. Super stoked to have caught it.”

And that’s what it’s all about – those special moments, however few and far between.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: