Jeff Rowley (not to be confused with skateboarding daredevil Geoff Rowley) is 32 years old from Torquay, Victoria. Though rather unknown in America, he's actually been charging giant surf for some time before making a dramatic, albeit somewhat late impact on the world stage as a big-wave surfer and "extreme adventure daredevil."
Jeff is best known for becoming the first Aussie to tame Hawaii’s notorious 50-foot surf spot dubbed Jaws by ‘hand’, paddling out without the help of a jet ski. “The best way to describe it is trying to catch and ride a Tyrannosaurus Rex with your bare hands,” he said. The dangerous reef break on the northern side of Maui has been dubbed Jaws because of its huge and ferocious waves – known to reach up to 36m. Rowley’s mission to ride a monster wave was all in the name of charity, with his Charge for Charity already raising $10,000 for Breast Cancer Australia.
What’s next for Jeff? “In 2012 I'm completely focused on big-wave surfing. I want to be at all of the best locations in the world on the biggest days. Now I'm really looking forward to surfing Jaws 50% bigger, or twice the size of what we've tried to paddle into. So I've just got my head down -- under water, in the pool, in the gym every day trying to get as strong and fit as I can, and increase my breath hold. Because I'm really looking forward to pushing it out there and being the best I can be.” Jeff is nominated for “Biggest Wave” at the 2012 Billabong Global Big Wave Awards.
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Bio courtesy of: JeffRowley.com
