Did Shane Dorian Just Surf The Biggest Wave Of The Year?

Taking advantage of the first of the winter swells to hit Hawaii's infamous big-wave break, Jaws (aka Pe'ahi), a squad of surfing's most respected big wave riders arrived to Hawaii as Super Typhoon Nuri turned into the strongest non-tropical storm ever recorded and unleashed some Godzilla-size swells on the island of Maui. On the paddle-in program, Shane Dorian pulled into some absolute monsters as the swell peaked yesterday, delivering video evidence of an undeniable finalist for the 2015 Billabong XXL Big Wave Awards.  

Watching tow-in waves like these is a wild experience–the wave builds slowly, taking a long time to overcome its own mass before dumping heaving barrels over whatever poor soul tries to thread them. The final blast of spray explodes like cannon fire. At the exit, Dorian sneaks in a celebratory high five with fellow monster wave dominator Grant "Twig" Baker with his heart still gunning at full RPMs. Roll out!!