‘Insane’: Thrills and spills at Jaws Big Wave Championships

Kelly Slater couldn’t look away as a host of the world’s best big wave surfers tackled huge swell at Jaws — and simply tried to survive.

When you have Kelly Slater geeking out over what he’s seeing you know the surf is worth watching.

Iconic surf break Jaws, on the island of Maui in Hawaii, played host to the Big Wave Championships on Friday after a huge swell arrived.

Russell Bierke, from South Coast NSW, set the tone on the second wave of the day, tucking into a barrel to record the highest single wave score of round one.

He was one of 12 competitors to make it through to the semis — as others simply tried to survive the wild drop.

“If you’re not watching this you should probably stop what you’re doing,” said Slater, from Oahu where he’s contesting the Pipe Masters. “My boy Russell Bierke … second wave of the event … straight into the barrel. Jamie Mitchell nearly drowned just now and Makuakai Rothman took a big wipe-out pulling in the barrel. Insane start to the morning. Thanks to the water patrol for being on it!”

Jamie Mitchell goes over the falls.

“It’s as beautiful as it can get and as terrifying as always,” added competitor Eli Olson said. “It’s almost as big as you can paddle (on to the wave). There’s going to be some sets today that are too big. It’s an amazing day.”

Bierke and Olson weren’t as lucky in the semis, dropping out of the competition as Hawaiians Kai Lenny, Makuakai Rothman and Ian Walsh became the first three through to a six-man final.

Awesome @Kai_Lenny just won his heat in huge 20 foot plus + waves 🌊 at #Jaws over on #Maui and said on @wsl TV 📺 interview that he was fueled up on @tacobell Bean Burrito 🌯 #TacoBell needs to sponsor this man!!! #HugeWaves #Hawaii pic.twitter.com/5tONoRf9zv

— Taizo Braden (@TaizoBraden) December 12, 2019

Nathan Florence dominated the second semi to join them in the decider alongside Billy Kemper and Brazil’s Lucas Chianca.

Kemper, who won the Pipe Trials earlier this week and won a heat in the main event before falling to Seth Moniz, flew from Oahu to Maui and capped a crazy seven days by taking out the title.

Parabéns Billy Kemper campeão do cbdMD Jaws Big Wave Championships #ondas #grandes pic.twitter.com/WJ3kmwUh8H

— WSL Brasil (@WSLBrasil) December 13, 2019

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is my pride and joy. I leave blood, sweat and tears out at Jaws, this is my backyard and I’m very territorial,” Kemper said.

Jaws Big Wave Championship Final: 1. Billy Kemper (HAW) 21.26, 2. Ian Walsh (HAW) 20.03, 3. Nathan Florence (HAW) 16.76, 4. Kai Lenny (HAW) 16.59, 5. Makukai Rothman (HAW) 9.37, 6. Lucas Chianca (BRA) 1.40