Photo Galleries > Jaws (17)
In November of 2002, I was on the island of Maui to photograph Brian Mulvaney's wedding. As it turned out, the swells rolled in and we rolled out for a photo session at the infamous 'Jaws' break. This was the first day of a building swell; no tow-in surfers had arrived. Over the next few days the wave face grew to some 50'; we are there at the modest end of the scale, maybe at 20'.
I had paddled with Rick Nu`u in the Ouvéa to Poindemie race [New Caledonia] with Team NZ and knew of his physical prowess. Living on Maui he had moved from NZ, and was working on carving out a life for himself with partner, Canadian paddler Zoe.
A Kai Bartlett 'Arcturus' was used by Rick; a demo which was left with Hawaiian Canoe Club back at Kahuli. Leaving from 'Maliko Gulch' we launched Brian's Boston Whaler, with the Arcturus and Surfski mounted on overhead racks. More than just the result of pressing a button to get an image, the resultant images required many logistical road blocks being overcome, together with the knowledge and experience of those involved.
