Jaws 'Changing the Game'

plays with One Step Beyond

(USA, 2012, 46 mins)

Producers: Wangdu Hovey, Bert valdez, Jaime Lynch
Featuring: DK and Shaun Walsh, Marcio Freire, Jeff Rowley, Danilo Couto, Albee Layer, Matt Meola, paige Alms, Dave Wassel, Nakoa Decoite, Francisco Porcella

Not Yet Rated

It's nuts, but it had to happen. Like taunting a monster, a new generation of Maui surfers is extracting even greater challenge and increased ecstasy from the crushing waves of Pe‘ahi—aka, "Jaws." Heretofore the game was tow-in. No way could you paddle yourself in to challenge such waves. But now the most determined North-Shore "kids"—such as Ian and Luke Walsh, Albee Layer, and Matt Meola—are finding the way. Increased risk equals increased reward as documented in this just-released surf flick from local company Pe‘ahi Surf Media.

Australian waterman Jeff Rowley describes his first experiences of the game in question: "It's the best wave in the world in my eyes. It has a great take-off, an amazing bowl, and then a really big barrel. It's incredible to ride something you previously thought you could only catch with a jet-ski. That’s the best feeling there is."

What's clear is that this new game requires everyone to work together, no competing. That spirit is embodied by the Walsh twins, who act as one unit. One hangs to the side ready to jet in if the other's life gets threatened. The stakes are that high.

It's rush after rush in this sometimes scary film. We watch superb aquatic athletes outrace disaster, as though they are skiers who won't settle for anything less than an avalanche.

- PW

Sponsored by the Maui Country Club

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