Adam Amin: Australian surfer conquers one of the world's biggest waves

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Surf’s up…

Amateur surfer Adam Amin has stunned watersports fans and seasoned professionals alike by conquering one of the world’s biggest and notorious waves, despite having just a few years of experience to his name. Mr Amin, 19, has been surfing for five years, learning his craft at Sidmouth in Devon, and was determined to take on the 50ft wave in Maui, Hawaii.

How many Brits have tackled “Jaws”?

Just a handful, according to the surfing magazine Carve. “I was totally surprised to see a British guy out there,” said the editor, Steve England. “The swell was peaking that day so to go out, paddle in and surf it is amazing.”

It’s not one for the faint-hearted, by the sounds of it…

Waves can reach 60ft in the area. Surf forecasting site Magic Seaweed describes “Jaws” as “the most notorious spot on Maui” and “a wave most surfers are extremely unlikely to ride”.

But Mr Amin was up for the challenge?

The young watersports star said he had dreamt of tackling the enormous wave since he began surfing. He saved up money to fly to Maui by working as a lifeguard and repairing boards. However, when he attempted to get on a boat to the Pe’ahi Challenge contest site, he was turned away by security.

How did he achieve his goal?

Mr Amin paddled out on his own and waited for his moment with a group of professional surfers. “I saw a huge wave in the distance and I saw my opportunity to prove that I can surf Jaws, so I turned around while all the others were paddling over the wave and caught this monster,” he said.

What was the experience like?

The surfer compared it to “riding down a liquid mountain”. He said: “I got to the bottom and looked up. It was the size of two houses above me.” He added that he hoped to return to take on the wave again one day.