Home > Paddling > Surfing

Watch a Big Wave Thrash Kai Lenny, and Crash a Jetski

Kai Lenny is very good at surfing very big waves. But he still needed a jetski and a helicopter to escape the monster surf in this wild clip.

Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

So, this just in: a big wave moves really fast. But what if outruns your jetski?

The kind of waves Kai Lenny rides are super dangerous. A wall of water like the behemoths at Nazare can spit out a surfer like a seed, at up to 80 mph.

When wipeouts happen, a big wave surfer’s best chance to make it out alive is to get towed to safety by a jetski rider — one of whom often stands by just in case.

But what happens if the sled’s at full throttle and the next wave is still gaining? Well, watch Lenny “hold on and hope,” as he puts it. The surfer recounts the whole process of the crash — which eventually forced a helicopter rescue from above.

It’s equal parts thrilling, terrifying, and a good learning moment for anyone dropping into big waves.

Runtime: 5.5 minutes

kai lenny maalaea

Kai Lenny & Maui Legends Score Massive Rare 'Freight Train' Wave

This just in: the surfing at Ma’alaea is really, really good. But did anybody know it could be this good? Read more…

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!