Jaws first gained notoriety as a big wave spot on Maui, which was deemed unsurfable until tow-ropes were introduced. However, this last winter saw a crew of local and international surfers take on the biggest days of the season at Peahi, using nothing but man-power.

Two of the leaders in this new paddle brigade, Albee Layer and Matt Meola, have taken part in some of the most groundbreaking big-wave sessions in history, helping to define what is considered rideable without a machine-assist.

Here we get a close firsthand account as they venture out into the unknown. One of their comrades, 16-year-old Tyler Larronde, even got the Surfer Magazine cover shot from a wave in this clip.