After putting the event on standby for the morning hours, a giant early-season swell arrived at Pe'ahi, Maui's big-wave break that's also known, ominously, as Jaws. The first four heats of the men's event went forward, with a mix of brilliant performances and requisite beat downs under the wave's notoriously punishing lip. Among those who survived to see the Semifinals were Makuakai Rothman, the former Big Wave Tour champ who endured a serious wipeout along with heat-winning glory, as well as Ian Walsh, who earned the day's highest heat score. Lucas Chianca, Billy Kemper, Jamie Mitchell and more all moved on as well. Finals Day will kickoff bright and early tomorrow, with both the Men's and Women's Champions crowned by midday Hawaii time.
