Jaws (beach) - Road Blockage

Road Blockage

As of 2006, the road to "Jaws" had been intentionally blocked by placing derelict vehicles across the road, and setting them on fire. In addition to the vehicles, there are tank trap-style cuts into the roads, preventing all but small, ATV-style vehicles from approaching from the highway.

The reason for the blockage is related to the December 15, 2004 crowding of the lookout. Surfers who were not competing, tourists, and many others showed up to the lookout to observe the massive surf. People were injured, and veteran big wave riders Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama protested that the congestion on the waves made it more difficult and dangerous than otherwise to surf the Peahi reef. It is suggested that one surfs at "Jaws" "by invitation" from a veteran tow-in surfer only, despite absence of any legal basis for such a suggestion regarding public territory. Non-expert big wave surfers are discouraged.

The only practical way to approach "Jaws" at the surf level is from another launch on the coast, by boat or jet ski. Tow-in wave riders can be observed by viewers from the high cliff overhead, though the space is limited. Use extreme caution, not recommended with young children; there are no lifeguards, and EMTs must travel a long distance to respond to observer accidents.