Windsurfing Jaws.

[maui wave warrior]

I agree that JP is perhaps the best wave sailor on the planet. Been wave sailing myself on Maui for over 25 yrs and I can attest that JP attacks big surf unlike anybody else. I have seen him on big days at Hookipa hitting the lip so late and recovering that it simply blows your mind. Love the vintage footage of Craig M, Dave C, and Doug H, in early competition. Robby Naish dominated for so long in the main events.  Those were the days!! I also remember a day at Hookipa in the late 80's where Craig and Fred Haywood ventured out in 30+ feet Hawaiian. Nothing but massive closeouts and no working channel. Just crazy! They did get some rides but also paid their dues. I think Craig was a rock star that day meaning he spent some pretty serious time getting washed up on the rocks just trying to make it out. Windsurf Magazine actually had some epic photos of that day.  

[excav8ter sup]

Reading this thread, although it's not a long one, has certainly brought back some GREAT memories!  I used to follow windsurfing religiously back in the mid 80's to early 90's. Robbie Naish being my favorite sailor..... but vividly remember Mike Waltze, Fred Haywood,  Alan Cadiz, Pete Cabrinha. I could not wait to get the new windsurf magazine.
Thanks for posting some of those older videos

Does anyone remember a video of Laird Hamilton dropping his gear off a cliff, and then windsurfing some insane distance between a couple Hawaiian Islands?

[maui wave warrior]

Yep. I also was at Sprecks Maui one day when Laird was sailing a 5.0 in 40 knots during a photo session. He hit a ramp and went so high in the air that the helicopter had to move out of his way. It was a sight to behold. Bew everyones mind on the beach.  He would chop hop down 25' faces at Hookipa like it was nothing. He did a few Island crossings during his windsurfing days.

[excav8ter sup]

Yep. I also was at Sprecks Maui one day when Laird was sailing a 5.0 in 40 knots during a photo session. He hit a ramp and went so high in the air that the helicopter had to move out of his way. It was a sight to behold. Bew everyones mind on the beach.  He would chop hop down 25' faces at Hookipa like it was nothing. He did a few Island crossings during his windsurfing days.

I think there's a  clip of Laird getting pretty close to a helicopter in The Endless Summer 2. I think the commentator says "how about a little Laird-burger".