The World Surf League (WSL) has officially announced the cancellation of the iconic Jaws Big Wave Challenge for the 2024/2025 Big Wave Tour. In a statement released this week, the WSL confirmed that the event will not be held due to the league not securing the necessary land license to operate at Pe’ahi, the legendary surf spot on Maui known as Jaws.
The statement read:
“The WSL regrets to share that this season’s Pe’ahi Big Wave event will not take place. The WSL was not granted the land license necessary to operate the event, making it impossible to move forward at Pe‘ahi for the 2024-2025 season.”
The cancellation means that the 2024/2025 Big Wave Tour will consist of only one event: the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge, which will take place in Portugal. The waiting period for Nazaré runs from November 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025.
Jaws has been a cornerstone of big wave surfing, often considered one of the most dangerous and challenging spots in the world. However, this marks the second consecutive year that the Jaws Challenge has been called off. The last time the event was held was in 2018 when local surfer Billy Kemper claimed his third win at Pe’ahi in four years. At the time, Kemper dedicated his victory to his late mother, who had passed away earlier that year.
Kemper expressed his emotions following the news:
“I’m really bummed, but at the same time, I’m stoked to not have that pressure and just focus on free surfing this winter. I can concentrate on my personal goals out there,” he said.
The WSL’s decision has drawn mixed reactions from the surfing community, particularly from Maui locals and big wave surfers who have long called Pe’ahi their home turf.
Kai Lenny, a regular at Jaws and a major figure in the big wave scene, shared his disappointment:
“It’s for sure a major bummer. It has been five years since it has run, so I’ve gotten used to not doing it. It’s too bad that Big Wave Surfing no longer has a tour or multiple big events. During the ‘Tour’ era, it was so much fun.”
Albee Layer, another Maui surfer, also voiced his thoughts on the cancellation:
“Selfishly, I like that the contest is canceled. It’s in no way why I love Jaws, but it does suck the opportunity is gone for some of the younger crew still making a name for themselves out there… For the most part, the contest seemed to be a net positive for a lot of local people here. They hire lots of local crew and seem to have taken good care of the area. The place goes to shit with tweakers burning cars and stuff when nobody’s around. I don’t know all the ins and outs of the event, but that’s just my perspective.”
The WSL’s cancellation highlights the broader shift in competitive big wave surfing. Traditional big wave events have become increasingly rare in recent years, with fewer major contests taking place. Despite this, non-traditional events like the SURFER Big Wave Challenge have emerged, offering surfers alternative opportunities to showcase their skills.
Another significant event on the horizon is the Rip Curl Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, which has a waiting period from December 14, 2024, to March 13, 2025. Surfers and fans alike are hoping for a run, as the Eddie Aikau event is one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions.
As the WSL navigates this latest setback, the future of big wave surfing on the competitive circuit remains uncertain. For now, attention will shift to Nazaré, while surfers around the world reflect on the loss of one of the sport’s most iconic events.
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