The Definitive Edit From May’s Historic Cloudbreak Swell

Here’s the definitive edit from May’s historic Cloudbreak swell, produced by serial swell chaser Tim Bonython.

It features a selection of the day’s best paddle and tow waves and a couple of bone shattering wipeouts before rounding out with a crazy effort from Garett McNamara.

Many of the surfers featured snagging bombs in the clip won’t be names you’ve heard much before. Underground Maui born charger Sai Smiley for example, Tavarua boatman Jarrod White, humble family man Danilo Couto and 22 year old North Shore local Luke Shepardson all appear alongside household names like Kai Lenny and Garrett Macnamara. And these more underground fellas certainly seem to hold their own against the big guns, proving when you’re looking over the ledge at biggest ever Cloudbreak, social followers and global caché aren’t what makes the difference.

And what of the kite surfer at 2.00? According to his Dad, his kite pulled him through the lip, before crashing. He then re-launched it and was able to body drag to the channel, going on to make 3 waves that day. “Not bad for a kid from Ocean City, New Jersey, USA” he added.

For further insider perspective on this historic session, check out our conversation with Cornish charger, Tom Lowe.

Photo: Scott Sinton/Red Bull