Hawaii's Heavy hitters: Albee & Jamie's Pipeline & Jaws Sessions
When winter swells hit Hawaii, the North Shore becomes the epicenter of surf action. This past weekend delivered two standout performances that had photographers scrambling to capture the magic. First up, Albee Layer charged into Jaws with a ride that's already being called the wave of the season. Social media and eyewitness accounts agree that despite not being the biggest swell we'll see this winter, Albee's barrel was unforgettable.
What started as a slow day suddenly turned electric when Albee paddled out around 3 p.m. As drone videographer Tucker Wooding described, 'What started off as a really slow day with not too many great waves ended with one of my favorite clips I've filmed ever.' The footage shows Layer navigating a massive tube with incredible control – exactly the kind of shot photographers dream of. You can check the full breakdown right here.
Meanwhile, at Pipeline, surf legend Jamie O'Brien put his new 'Fun Day' soft top through its paces. Known for surfing Pipeline more than almost anyone, Jamie used a beta version of his new foam board during some serious 20-foot sets. The extra buoyancy of the 100+ liter board helped him catch waves that would normally eat him alive – proving that even at Hawaii's most challenging break, innovation has its place. His latest vlog captures both the wipeouts and the waves that made the testing worthwhile.
While these sessions showcase the pinnacle of surf performance, they also highlight how technology and creativity merge in the lineup. For surfers, it's a reminder that whether you're chasing winter monsters or testing new gear, passion keeps pushing boundaries. For photographers, it's another chapter in capturing the ever-evolving art of surfing in paradise.