Sticks ‘First-Ever’ Superman Fingerflip and Endures a Wipeout to Remember
A Viral Moment from Jaws That Shook the Surf World
Every now and then, a video surfaces that stops viewers in their tracks—whether it’s an unbelievable barrel ride, an aerial stunt that defies physics, or a wipeout so intense it leaves you breathless. That’s exactly what happened with 21-year-old Ty Simpson-Kane from Kuau, Maui, when footage of him enduring a savage wipeout at Jaws went viral. The incident occurred last December during one of the most anticipated big wave swells to hit Pe‘ahi.
The Wave That Changed Everything
According to Ty, the conditions on that day were the biggest anyone had seen at Jaws in a long time. As a large set approached, he and others positioned themselves to take it on. Ty made the decision to drop in, fully aware of how intense it was going to be. What he didn’t see, however, was a sneaky bump—what he called a “phantom chop”—that disrupted his board just as he entered the pocket of the wave.
This small disruption caused the nose of his board to catch, launching him forward in a tumbling fall—what surfers often refer to as a “tomahawk.” Ty compared the experience to skiers flipping uncontrollably down a mountain, saying it felt exactly how he imagined that would feel. The impact was so hard that it knocked the air out of him. He was forced to deploy both of his CO2 cartridges and prepare himself for what he described as “the most brutal beating of [his] life.”
More Than Just One Wave
While the wipeout is what gained attention online, Ty’s day wasn’t defined by that moment alone. Earlier that morning—before the wind began to affect the surf—he successfully paddled into a massive wave. In fact, he caught multiple waves that day, including a second standout ride that became another submission for the Big Wave Challenge.
Gratitude After Chaos
The following day, after the ocean calmed slightly, Ty reflected on the experience. He expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to surf such a historic swell and for the support from his family and team. Describing the energy at Jaws as indescribable, he said he was still in awe of managing to paddle into a wave at Pe‘ahi during such an epic event.
In a season filled with unforgettable moments—from powerful swells at Waimea Bay to record-setting rides at Pe‘ahi—Ty Simpson-Kane’s Superman flip and subsequent wipeout etched themselves into surfing history.