Hawaiian Albee Layer warned that he hopes tow-in teams will let those who are going to paddle out today, Sunday, December 22, in Peahi, the biggest day in years, surf.

“I expect some respect for those of us trying to paddle out,” he said. “There has been absolute stupidity during these swells with tow teams thinking they can surf while a rowing team is out. That’s not how this works, there will be several hours of huge waves tomorrow and plenty of time to tow as the wind and swell builds.”

And he asked them: “Don’t come near us. I’ve dedicated my life and almost given it to this wave and this is my home. If this day is what it could be, I’m not going to let some average surfer play hero with a tow rope and ruin this opportunity for me. If you’re that eager to get one, grab a big board and join us in line; otherwise, wait your damn turn.”

He also talked about these days: “I had a scary session on the fourth day of the five-day swell. Really messy, scary and with some huge waves. Which means it’s the eve of the giant day and my body and boards are still intact… Well, fuck. It looks like tomorrow could be something I’ve never seen before and I don’t know when I’ll see it again. Me and a small group are planning to go out and try to see what’s really possible paddling there.”

The controversy between tow surfers and paddle surfers has existed for as long as the discipline has existed. The established rule on many occasions is that if there are people paddling, the tow person must wait.

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