Ride on 70-footer nets big-wave award

By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau

Maui's mighty surf break dominated the Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards for the second year in a row, this time with surfing veteran Pete Cabrinha conquering Jaws in world-record style.

Cabrinha, 42, one of the pioneers of tow-in surfing, was presented a $70,000 check for riding a record 70-foot wave Jan. 10 at the famous Pe'ahi break off Maui's north shore.

"I'm happy to bring this home for Jaws," he told the audience at the Grove Theater in Anaheim, Calif. "I'm bringing this check home for all the boys in Maui."

The Billabong XXL Award goes to the rider ofÊthe biggest wave of the year, anywhere in the world, as long as it's documented in a photograph. The award carries with it aÊ$60,000 prize plus an extra $1,000 per foot of face height over 60 feet.

Last year, O'ahu surfer Makua Rothman won the title after riding a 66-foot curl at Jaws.

Jaws, regarded as one of the biggest and most powerful wave breaks in the world, produced four of the five nominees this year.

Cabrinha acknowledged his tow-in roots and the surfing buddies who pioneered the sport at Pe'ahi. The legendary "Strapped Crew" includes Maui's Laird Hamilton, Darrick Doerner, Dave Kalama and Rush Randle.