On November 26, 2018, the World Surf League (WSL) suspended the iconic Peahi Challenge, in Maui. Why? There was too much wind, and the conditions were too gnarly for big wave surfing.
Luckily, "too much wind" also means perfect conditions for... big wave windsurfing. With a 27-second period swell marching in, Camille Juban, Kai Katchadourian, and Rudy Castorina grabbed their gear and sailed toward the peak at Jaws.
They were out at 4 pm. And then suddenly, the liquid mountains began to rise above the horizon.
"When I saw the set coming through, I knew it was going to be the session of a lifetime. during the session, I was like in a trance - not stressed, and not really scared," notes Castorina.
The trio only realized what happened a few hours later, when the experience sank in, and they saw the footage of that remarkable wave sailing day.
"I saw this thing coming, and I knew it was the one. I couldn't believe it. I saw a massive wall, and there was no turning back. So, as soon as I started pumping for the wave, I just said to myself: 'I'm going to get, and I am going to ride it," explained Juban.
Camille, Kai, and Rudy lived an experience they will never forget.
"You're absorbing so much energy. So much of the ocean's power is just moving through you. You're in another dimension altogether. Dropping in on a couple of waves, it seemed like the drop would never end," concludes Katchadourian.